SAFENANO Community

Mix carbon nanotubes and asbestos together (metaphorically) and you get an explosive mix—at least if news coverage of the latest publication coming out of Professor Ken Donaldson’s team is anything to go by.  The research—published on-line today in Nature Nanotechnology—is the first to explicitly test the hypothesis that long carbon nanotubes ...

Events over the last couple of weeks have confirmed the view that nanotechnology risk issues are moving sharply up the political agenda in the UK at least.   Firstly,  on the 21st February we had a statement in the House of Commons from Ian Pearson, Minister of State (Minister for Science and Innovation) in the Department for ...

The British Standards Institute today published the first publicly available extensive guide to safe handling of nanomaterials.  PD 6699-2:2007 Nanotechnologies – Part 2: Guide to safe handling and disposal of manufactured nanomaterials provides step-by-step guidance through the general approach to management of risks, information needs, ...

We are now fast approaching the end of 2007. Overall, when I reflect on the year is clear that things are happening. Many initiatives have begun or are moving forward, more research groups are active, more information concerning the toxicity of various types on nanomaterials is emerging on a case by case basis, and guidance is developing. But if I ...

When it comes to addressing the potential risks of engineered nanomaterials, no-one can accuse the UK Government of not having a plan. Today’s publication of the report “Characterizing the potential risks posed by engineered nanoparticles.  A second UK Government research report” demonstrates a commitment to identifying and addressing key ...

Today I attended the third meeting of the working group of the Responsible Nanotechnology Code of Conduct (Responsible NanoCode). This is being developed by the Nanotechnology Industry Association (NIA), Insight Investment, The Royal Society and The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network. The working group is chaired by the Earl of ...

Its now less than 48 hrs to go until the FP7 calls close (FP7 Cooperation Work Programme: NMP). This part of the call is for the co-ordination and support actions. In relation to nanotechnology risk there are three topics, all of which close on Tuesday 5th at 17:00 CET. In each case the projects, if funded will have an important role to play in ...

Just back from Brussels. Its only when you go there you really begin to get a sense what FP7 is all about. Like the 20m high TV screen outside the Berlaymont Building showing an FP7 infomercial 24 hours a day. Or multi-story FP7 adverts inside and outside of commission buildings. It is just so much of the mainstream of Brussels life whereas in the ...

The first round of submissions in NMP-2007-1.3 Health Safety and Environmental impacts is over. How was it for you? Was the scope correct and how was the submission process? What changes in scope or process would you like to see next time round? Let us know what you think.

The UK Voluntary Reporting Scheme has been running now for just over six months. So far the respose has been disappointing with only six submissions in that period. Any views on why that should be? Is it that industry doesn't have the data, or doesn't want to share it, or just finds it to difficult or time consuming? You can get more ...