European Commission supports "responsible innovation" of nanotechnology for public health

At a seminar organised by ALDE MEPs Christian Busoi (Romania) and Jurgen Creutzmann (Germany), the Director General of the Commission’s department for Health and Consumers (DG SANCO), Paola Testori-Coggi, confirmed the Executive’s commitment to exploiting the potential benefits of nanotechnology.

The event, held in the European Parliament on Wednesday 9 June, brought together experts from the Nanotechnologies Industry Association (NIA), global chemical company, BASF, consumer organisation, BEUC and the European Commission. The panel presented and discussed their viewpoints on the risks and benefits of nanotechnology, and the efficiency of the current regulatory provisions in the EU.

Addressing the future of EU legislation in this area, Ms Testori-Coggi announced that the European Commission would continue to use the current vertical regulation system for the forseeable future, rather than attempting to create or impose a horizontal framework.

Background: Nanotechnology and public health

Nanotechnologies are a range of technologies that use materials on an incredibly small scale. They have been used in various consumer products for the last decade, but are still relatively young in terms of testing and development. In simple terms, it involves the manipulation of particles on a nanoscale. By altering certain particles, scientists can change or emphasise the properties of materials, making them more efficient and reducing waste.

The implications for healthcare are numerous. In more general terms, targeted drugs have the capability to treat only the damaged cells within the body, rather than the whole person, thus reducing side effects and over-medication.

However, these technologies and materials may also present new risks which have yet to be fully evaluated. Many are concerned at the increasing amount of products which have entered the EU market having undergone only industry-managed safety assessment.

EU legislation is currently in place to regulate nanotechologies in food packaging and cosmetics and is under way on novel foods, bioscience products and hazardous substances. The first challenge, however, is to assign a definition to nanotechnologies. This process began several months ago and the European Commission hopes to conclude it by the end of the year, so that research into the need for further legislation of this cutting-edge sector might begin.

Related EPHA articles:
 EPHA position on Nanotechnology
 Disease and obesity latest targets for nanotechnology
 EFSA calls for Scientific data on applications of Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials used in Food and Feed, February 2008

For further information:
 The Nanotechnologies Industry Association (NIA)
 BASF
 BEUC
 European Commission DG SANCO