23 experts support an effective precautionary principle for nanomaterials

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The Journal of Nanoparticle Research relays this month that 23 experts, out of 33 interviewed in the fall of 2018, have come out in favor of an effective application of the precautionary principle regarding nanomaterials, due to the strong scientific uncertainties that remain regarding their impacts on human health and the environment. The application of the precautionary principle for nanomaterials in Europe has been prevented by its systematic criticism as “unscientific” and “anti-innovation”, the fear of “over-regulating” a beneficial technology or product,

as well as the divergence of interests, priorities and decision criteria. However, 70% of the experts surveyed consider this principle necessary – it has indeed “the potential to enable and encourage democratic, transparent and inclusive decision-making processes where different voices are heard and taken into account”.

Upcoming Nano Agenda

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
4
Nov.
2025
Surface-functionalized nanomaterials: innovations, challenges and prospects (LNE, Paris – France)
Paris
Training
  • Learn more about :
    • sectors developing or using functionalized nanomaterials
    • recent innovations in surface chemistry characterization
    • experts, industrialists and manufacturers of measuring instruments
    • screening methods (TGA, ICP, XRF, Raman, NMR) and extreme surface analysis (XPS, SIMS)
    • current and future actions at European and international level
  • Organizers: LNE, Association NanoMesureFrance and the European SMURFnano project
  • Website: www.lne.fr/fr/evenements/technical-day-nanomaterials-surface-chemistry