NANOTECHNOLOGY : EXPERTS HIGHLIGHT NEED TO INVESTIGATE HEALTH RISKS.

The need to take further measures to ensure the safety of nanoparticles is one of the priorities outlined in an expert opinion on nanotechnology presented to the European Commission on 24 January.

The opinion, which is focused on evaluating ethical aspects of nanomedicine as well as other health-related issues related to nanotechnology, was drawn up by an independent advisory group at the request of Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. It states that existing methods for assessing the toxicity of nanoparticles are "inadequate" and that they need to be adapted or new methods devised. Addressing this present lack of knowledge on toxicity should thus "be considered a top priority for researchers and the relevant authorities".

RISK ASSESSMENT

In order to improve the situation, specific suggestions are set out for...