Two certified reference materials for more reliable nanomaterial testing

Nanomaterials are defined by their tiny size:  one nanometre fits a billion times in a metre. They are used in many fields, including healthcare, energy and consumer products. They play a role in the green transition, as their use in technology can improve sustainability in a range of fields, from agriculture to energy, manufacturing or environmental applications.

Together with a suite of previously produced nanoparticle suspension reference materials, the JRC now provides the necessary tools to enable laboratories to reliably identify and measure nanomaterials. 

Improving risk assessment

According to EU legislation, manufacturers and importers of nanomaterials must provide the European Chemicals Agency with detailed and accurate information on key material properties to ensure the safe use of nanomaterials.

This information will help risk assessors understand the potential hazards associated with nanomaterials and establish effective risk management strategies. 

One crucial piece of information is the particle size of the nanomaterials. Particle size is a key factor in determining the toxicity, bioavailability and environmental fate of nanomaterials. 

Accurate and reliable particle size analysis methods are essential to ensure consistent product quality, as variations in particle size can significantly impact performance, efficacy, and safety. 

The challenge of measuring particle size

Measuring particle size is a challenging task, which is why the JRC has produced the two certified reference materials. They will help laboratories to:

• Develop procedures and methods to measure particle size and size distribution correctly
• Validate their in-house analytical methods
• Comply with legislation related to nanomaterials.

By providing a standardised reference point for laboratories, these materials will help ensure the safe and effective use of nanomaterials in various industries. This, in turn, will support the green transition and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Policy context

In 2022, the European Commission adopted a  Recommendation with the objective to harmonise the interpretation of the term 'nanomaterial' in regulatory contexts. The updated definition of nanomaterial replaced the previous one released in October 2011, which is currently still used in several pieces of legislation including  REACH – the main EU Regulation on chemicals.

In 2023, the JRC has released a guidance document to help industries and national authorities to understand and implement the Commission’s definition of nanomaterial. 

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European Commission’s Recommendation of 10 June 2022 on the definition of nanomaterial (2022/C 229/01)

JRC Guidance on the implementation of the Commission Recommendation 2022/C 229/01 on the definition of nanomaterial