Regulatory clarification on the use of nanoparticles in masks

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Newsflash
covid-19 masks biocide regulation

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.

Upcoming Nano Agenda

24
Fév.
2026
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of nanomaterials (GdR NaMasTE, Online)
On line
Webinar
environment
environment
life cycle
nanosciences
research
risks
  • Introductory seminar on the principles of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and its specificities when applied to nanomaterials (metal nanoparticles, oxides, etc.), from their production to their end-of-life.
  • Organizer: NaMasTE research group (Manufactured Nanomaterials, Toxicology, Ecotoxicology and Risks: Towards Controlled Development)
  • Speaker: Gaetana (Tania) Quaranta, Senior Lecturer, University of Strasbourg – IPHC
  • Website: https://gdr-namaste.cnrs.fr/
26
Fév.
2026
Nanotechnologies and agriculture: a reference framework for responsible practice (AFNOR, online)
On line
Webinar
agriculture
pesticides
standardization
  • Webconference for analysis laboratories, plant fertilizer manufacturers and distributors, public authorities…
  • Moderated by David Krupka, nanotechnologies development manager at AFNOR Normalisation and Emilie Langlois-Bertrand, nantechnologies standardization project manager.
  • In partnership with Armand Masion (CEREGE) and Patrice Charpentier (ANSES).
  • This exchange will also be an opportunity to explore the creation of a national platform to identify standardization needs.
  • Website: https://www.afnor.org/evenements/qualite/nanotechnologies-agriculture-cadre-pratique-responsable

16
Mars
2026
Metallic nano-objects (MNO 2026, Bordeaux – France)
Bordeaux
Conference

  • International conference on metallic nano-objects for experts working in the interdisciplinary field of metallic nanoparticles, with a particular emphasis on nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, plasmonics, optics and photonics, catalysis, biomedicine, electronics, and nanoparticle recycling
  • Organizers / Partners: CNRS, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux INP, ICMCB, CRPP, CBMN, ISM
  • Website: https://mno2026.sciencesconf.org