REFNANO: Defining Reference Materials for Nanoparticle Toxicology and Metrology
IOM in partnership with Central Science Laboratory (CSL), National Physical Laboratory (NPL), NANOcentral, Napier University and Edinburgh University has been asked by DEFRA to carry out a review and develop recommendations about reference materials for engineered nanoparticle toxicology and metrology.
There is now recognition that nanoparticles (NP) pose a potential risk to human health and the environment. The increasing development and usage of novel formulations of nanoparticles in nanotechnology industries is driving governments and regulators to consider the appropriateness of test methods and regulation for these materials. In its report, “Characterising the risks posed by engineered nanoparticles: a first UK Government research report” the UK government identified development of testing strategies and methods for human health hazard (toxicology) assessment of nanoparticles as one of its “Research Objectives”(RO16). Reference materials with well defined properties including surface area, surface chemistry, size, shape, and charge, are required for comparative toxicology and to ensure that the important properties can be measured accurately and consistently.The project REFNANO will report in July 2007. A key element of this project will be two one-day workshops, one on "Needs for toxicology" and the other on "Characterisation needs and solutions".
The first workshop is an invitation-only event for stakeholders from the UK toxicology, metrology, nano-material producer and user communities who are potential users of toxicology reference materials. This is to be held at CSL, York in April.
The second workshop is open, and is aimed at stakeholders from the UK Metrology community who are potential users of physico-chemical reference materials and providers of metrology services. This is to be held on the 11th May at NPL, as part of a DTI MNT Measurement Club meeting. For details and to register for this event, please visit the NPL MNT Page.
The Project is led by Rob Aitken (IOM). The project team includes Prof Vicki Stone, Napier University, Prof Ken Donaldson (Edinburgh University), Dr Qasin Chaudhry (CSL), Dr Peter Cumpson (NPL), Dr Stephen Cash (Nanocentral), Dr Lang Tran and Bryony Ross (IOM)
This page will be updated as the events progress. For further information in the meantime, please contact REFNANO team leader Rob Aitken.