New EC Scientific Committee on Nanomaterials' Risk Assessment looks at Titanium Dioxide and ETH50

Released on Sunday 2nd August 2009

The European Commission has published Notes of the 1st Meeting and the 2nd Meeting of the newly established Working Group on 'Nanomaterials in Cosmetic Products' , a new ‘Cross Scientific Committee’- Working Group advising the European Commission in risk assessment issues on nanomaterials (in cosmetics).*

The published notes highlight the following discussions:
Mandates:
Titanium Dioxide:
[...] In the present mandate, the SCCS is asked to evaluate the safe use of nano-TiO2. Additionally, the SCCS should give quantitative and qualitative guidance on the differentiation to be made in the legislation between the nano- and non-nano form (based on e.g. the particle size distribution).

(2nd Meeting): The experts considered it desirable to obtain a comprehensive list of all available literature on nano-sized TiO2. The secretariat proposed to organise the compilation of articles relevant to the topic.

ETH50: As an addendum to a previous submission, additional studies performed with nano-size ETH50 were submitted and will be evaluated to complete the safety assessment.

Discussion of Need for External Experts: The WG identified a need for additional expertise on physico-chemical properties of nanomaterials, toxicokinetics and mutagenicity of nanomaterials. Suitable scientists were identified from the Pool of scientific advisors and following recommendation from members of an expert with the specific expertise needed. These experts will be invited for the next meeting of the WG.

(2nd Meeting): General Issues on Safety Evaluations of Nanomaterials in Cosmetics:

The following general points were discussed:
  • relevant parameters for practical implementation of the 100 nm size limit for nanomaterials
  • discussion on inhalation exposure from cosmetic products.
 

* Registered NIA Members can find out more about the new ‘Cross-Scientific Committee’-WG by downloading the latest ‘NIA Weekly Update (2/2009)’ from the ‘Members only’-area on the NIA website (go to ‘NIA Weekly’).

 
 
 
Related Links:
NIA Weekly Update - 2/2009 (2nd August 2009):
in this issue:
  • Product Case-Studies to be discussed at 3rd ‘Nanotechnology Safety-for-Success Dialogue’-Conference
  • Global Cosmetics Regulations: New Work items for ICCR3 agreed
  • OECD Policy Round Table
  • European Commission forms new Scientific Committee(s) on Nanotechnology
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a Notice of Public Comment Period for the External Review Draft document entitled ‘Nanomaterial Case Studies: Nanoscale Titanium Dioxide in Water Treatment and Topical Sunscreen’ (EPA/600/R–09/057). (31st July 2009)
 
The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has received a Request for a scientific opinion: Titanium Dioxide (CAS 13463-67-7, EC 236-675-5). (19th June 2009)
 
The EC’s Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) has published its opinion on the most recent developments in the risk assessment of nanomaterials. (18th February 2009)

 

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