Nanopesticides: Questions about their potential adverse effects
In Science for Environment Policy n°558, the European Commission relays the analysis and recommendations of a team of researchers on the subject of “nanopesticides”. If there are many benefits expected from the use of nanopesticides, notably a lower quantity of active substance used, they can only keep their promises if their risks are well evaluated and minimized. The researchers point out the questions raised by the nanopesticides life cycle, their fate and the toxic effects on the environment . Their recommendations include:
- the development of a precise definition of the term “nanopesticide”
- adapting current testing guidelines to account for the properties and behavior of nanoscale materials, and standardizing testing guidelines for nanopesticides
- environmental assessments of nanopesticides over long periods of time and with appropriate organisms
- a better physical understanding of the risks posed by nanopesticides and their degradation.
Note: the authors point out that no nanomaterial-based pesticides are currently listed in the EU Pesticides Database, which lists active substances approved for use in Europe. Agriculture is however the sector of use that comes first in the French r-nano register (in number of declarations; for the volume, the information does not exist).
Our information sheets to go further
Upcoming Nano Agenda
- Awareness-raising aimed at personnel in 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 agenda: potential impact on health; metrology and protection; control of potential risks associated with nanomaterials; consideration of societal aspects.
- Website: https://instn.cea.fr/formation/maitrise-des-risques-lies-aux-nanomateriaux-sensibilisation
- 11th International Conference on Nanotoxicology
- Forum aimed at personnel from research and academic institutions as well as from industry, governmental agencies, and other relevant organisations
- Organizers: the leading EU-funded H2020 Projects DIAGONAL, HARMLESS, and SUNSHINE
- 23 – 25 September 2024
- Site internet: https://www.nanotox2024.eu
- As part of the “unusual CNRS visits” program, “Dive into the invisible world of atoms: explore nanotechnologies” : discover how nano-objects are manufactured and analyzed, with control and ultimate spatio-temporal resolutions of around 1/10,000 meters, in spaces exceptionally open to the public.
- Organizer: Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies (C2N), a flagship laboratory for research in nanoscience and nanotechnology in France (CNRS)
- Site internet : https://visitesinsolites.cnrs.fr/…