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

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
26
Mars
2026
How chemicals penetrate the human organism – The example of nanoparticles (ATC, Paris – France)
Paris
Training
  • Toxicokinetics: the fate of chemicals in the body” training course:
    • the different routes of entry for toxic products
    • the importance of toxicokinetics in preventing substance toxicity,
    • xenobiotic absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination
    • nanoparticle toxicity
  • Organizer: Association Toxicologie Chimie (ATC)
  • Date: March 26, 2026
  • Speaker: Nicole Proust (Research Engineer, CNRS Honorary Research Director, Palaiseau)
  • Website: www.atctoxicologie.fr/…
1
Avr.
2026
Controlling the risks associated with nanomaterials (CEA, Online)
On line
Training
  • E-learning program: a 2-hour awareness-raising session aimed at personnel potentially exposed to nanomaterials at the workplace, heads of laboratories or facilities where nanomaterials are handled, safety coordinators or engineers.
  • 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…