Nanomaterials: Cooperation in international organisations
Various international organisations work to develop standardised inspection, measurement and assessment methods to evaluate the health and environmental risks of nanomaterials.
Switzerland is involved in the following international working groups.
OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN)
The aim of the WPMN, which was established in 2006, is to develop methods and strategies that contribute towards the safety of nanomaterials for people and the environment. This involves, among other things:
- Reviewing existing OECD test guidelines to assess their suitability for nanomaterials. If necessary, amending existing test guidelines or developing new ones.
- Providing freely available documents that present the research activities and strategies of OECD member countries on the safe use of nanomaterials, so called «Tour de Table» documents.
- Supporting international partnerships that are investigating risk assessment strategies.
- Developing guidelines on measuring and minimising exposure for employees, consumers and the environment.
- Promoting the sustainable use of nanotechnology by enhancing and expanding inventory data and lifecycle assessment (LCA) methods.
The methods used to test conventional chemicals can generally also be used for nanomaterials, as shown by the OECD testing programme from 2007 to 2015. Certain methods may need to be modified, for example to enable correct sample preparation or dosage of nanomaterials in the testing system. In particular, methods to characterise nanomaterials are currently being developed.
International standardisation organisations
The technical committees ISO TC 229 Nanotechnologies and CEN TC 352 are developing standards for nanotechnology terminology and naming conventions. These expert groups are also drawing up methods for measuring, characterising and testing the toxic properties of nanomaterials, and are preparing guidelines on handling nanomaterials safely. Measuring exposure to nanoparticles and assessing toxicity throughout their lifecycle is playing an increasingly important role. The NK 0201 standards committee of the Swiss Association for Standardization (SNV) is enabling its members to work directly with ISO TC 229 and CEN 352.
Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC)
The Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste was adopted at the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in Bonn, Germany, held in September 2023. This framework agreement, which succeeds the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), aims to ensure the safe and sustainable management of chemicals. It operates as a voluntary, multi-sectoral instrument that brings together governments, the private sector and civil society.
The GFC establishes a global roadmap with 5 strategic objectives and 28 targets, guiding governments and stakeholders in managing chemicals safely and sustainably throughout their lifecycle, from production through to waste disposal. These objectives encompass all chemicals and waste, including nanomaterials. Furthermore, the UNEP technical report identifies nanotechnologies and nanomaterials as ‘issues of concern’ to be identified, prioritised and addressed under strategic objective C of the Framework.
Further information can be found under «Links».
Further information
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