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PROSPECT - The new Vision for Nanomaterials

Published: Thursday 3 December 2009

'PROSPEcT - Ecotoxicology Test Protocols for Representative Nanomaterials in Support of the OECD Sponsorship Programme', the NIA's flagship project on nanomaterials safety, has launched its dedicated PROSPECT project website.

PROSPECT will investigate the environmental toxicology, environmental fate, and physicochemical charaterisation of ZnO- and CeO2 nanoparticles, and develop detection technologies and (in gaseous and liquid media) detector prototypes.

It will provide crucial data to the OECD work, by addressing gaps in the current level of knowledge on the physico-chemical and (eco)toxicological properties of these materials, followed by fundamental scientific research leading to establishing scientific test methodologies to study those endpoints that may not be assessed through standard tests used for bulk chemicals (i.e. not in nano form).

The project will put generic protocols in place that contribute to potential risk assessments to be conducted on those products that contain the particles that form the basis for the project, whilst providing data that might allow for the use of approximation tools and model systems to assess the risk of other, similar particles.

Follow this link to find out more about the NIA PROSPEcT Project, or access the PROSPECT project website. 

 

Related Links:
OECD launches comprehensive Database on ‘Research into Safety of Manufacture Nanomaterials’
The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-Operation & Development) has launched a global online repository of information about and created by research projects that address environmental, human health and safety issues of manufactured nanomaterials. Created by the OECD’s Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN), the OECD Database on Research into Safety of Manufactured Nanomaterials aims to help identify research gaps and assists researchers in future collaborative efforts. (1st April 2009)

 
The BIAC Expert Group on Nanotechnology  (BIAC = ‘Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD’) has published a Nanotechnology Visions Paper, detailing business views on the future of nanotechnology. The paper, entitled ‘Responsible Development of Nanotechnology: Turning Vision into Reality’, outlines the major benefits that could stand to be accrued through the use of nanotechnology across different economic sectors, and is intended to serve as guidance as international nanotechnology policy is debated and formulated. (5th February 2009)
The Nanotechnology Industries Association has received the first go-ahead on its proposed interdisciplinary research project entitled ‘PROSPEcT: Ecotoxicology Test Protocols for Representative Nanomaterials in Support of the OECD Sponsorship Programme’ ; the project represents a 50:50 public-private-partnership with the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to support the OECD Sponsorship Programme on Manufactured Nanomaterials. (3rd July 2008)