Regulatory clarification on the use of nanoparticles in masks
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10/06/2021
In a notice to operators, the DGCCRF and ANSM recalled some essential points to be considered before marketing surgical masks. In particular, the risks related to the presence of a biocidal substance or material must be assessed and that this assessment must take into account, among others, the particular risk of exposure to nanoparticles.
If the mask incorporates a nanomaterial, it will fall under Class IIa, IIb, or III with respect to internal exposure potential under Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices and this will therefore require the involvement of a notified body.
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Other news on the topic
Upcoming Nano Agenda
11
Oct.
2025
Nanomaterials – The invisible at your fingertips! (LNE, Paris – France)
Paris
Lab visit
- Fête de la Science open day at the Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d’Essais (LNE)
- “Tiny, powerful, fascinating… Nanomaterials, and nanoparticles in particular, are at the heart of many innovations – but also of big questions. How do we observe them? How are they measured? What challenges do they pose for science and society? Come and explore a world that the eye cannot see… but which is already shaping the world of tomorrow”.
- Website: www.lne.fr/fr/evenements/fete-science-lne-ouvre-ses-portes
1
Nov.
2025
Controlling the risks associated with nanomaterials (CEA, Online)
On line
Training
- E-learning program: awareness-raising for personnel who come into contact with nanomaterials during research, formulation, production, maintenance, cleaning, upkeep, etc., as well as safety coordinators or engineers, facility managers, heads of laboratories where nanoparticles are handled.
- Organizers: INSTN Grenoble (CEA)
- On the program:
- 1 – Introduction, definition and characteristics of nanomaterials
- 2 – Toxicity of nanomaterials: the state of knowledge
- 3 – Metrology and characterization of nanomaterials
- 4 – Prevention and protection against nanomaterials in the workplace
- 5 – Quiz: assessment of learning outcomes
- The 2-hour course can be viewed for one month from the date of registration.
- Website: https://instn.cea.fr/…risques-lies-aux-nanomateriaux…
3
Nov.
2025
European Congress on Nanomaterials (ECN, Athens – Greece)
Athens
Congress
- Scientific congress
- Object: Addressing critical research topics in nanomaterials, offering a dedicated space for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration on global nanotechnology innovations
- Website: https://scientificwisdom.org/conferences/nanomaterials.html