The European Commission requested a scientific opinion from EFSA relating to the risks arising from nanoscience and nanotechnologies on food and feed safety and the environment. EFSA is seeking scientific contributions useful for the preparation of the opinion.
For more details on the data EFSA is requesting, please see EFSA’s website
Background on Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies
The impact of Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies (N&N) on human health and the environment is still not fully known. Ethical issues and respecting fundamental rights also play a role in current discussions on the use of N&N. In order to clarify some of the issues, the Commission released a recommendation to the Member States to adopt a Code of Conduct.
The European Commission also adopted a Code of Conduct for Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies, February 2008
The Code of Conduct to govern research in this field is based on 7 general principles covering issues such as sustainability, precaution, inclusiveness and accountability. The Code of conduct provides guidelines that implement these 7 principles under:
good governance of research
due respect of precaution
dissemination and monitoring of the Code of Conduct.
The European Commission hopes that the Code of Conduct will enable Member States to take action for the safe development and use of technologies including stakeholders such as universities, research institutes and companies.
EPHA still has concerns about the fast revolution of N&N and its possible negative impact on public health. EPHA therefore hopes that such a Code of Conduct can be a first step to integrate objectives that promote ’safe’ and responsible N&N.
The seven principles of the Code of Conduct are:
1. Meaning: N&N research activities should respect fundamental rights and be conducted in the interests of well-being and society.
2. Sustainability: N&N research activities should be safe, ethical and contribute to sustainable development. They should not harm or threaten people, animals, plants or the environment at present or in the future. This is an important point for EPHA although we question the ability to judge future harm.
3. Precaution: N&N research activities should be conducted in accordance with the precautionary principle, anticipating potential environmental, health and safety impacts of N&N outcomes.
4. Inclusiveness: Governance of N&N research activities should be guided by the principles of openness to all stakeholders, transparency and respect for the legitimate right of access to information.
5. Excellence: N&N research activities should meet the best scientific standards, including integrity of research and good laboratory practices.
6. Innovation: Governance of N&N research activities should encourage maximum creativity, flexibility and planning ability for innovation and growth.
7. Accountability: Researchers and research organisations should remain accountable for the social, environmental and human health impacts of their work.
EPHA will continue to watch the development of this brief.
