Nanotechnology
InfoNano is the Swiss federal government’s central information hub for nanotechnology. It provides information on the opportunities and risks associated with nanomaterials, where nanomaterials are used and the completed action plan for synthetic nanomaterials (2008-19). Key topics include guidelines on safe use, promotion of public dialogue, key research and regulatory updates.
Nanomaterials are important building blocks of nanotechnology. They have potential for a variety of application areas in everyday life. Since the composition, size, shape and surface of these building blocks can be designed with virtually no limitation, they open an area of innovation in medicine, engineering and other high tech industrial branches. Incorporating nanomaterials into plastics can reduce both material and energy consumption of the respective applications.
In medicine, nanoscale materials help to convey medicines to their site of action with greater accuracy. Consequently, the amount of active ingredient for the same efficacy becomes smaller which in turn may reduce side effects. The other side of the coin are the nano-specific risks of the materials that do not exist with conventional materials. The nanoscale properties of nanomaterials do not only raise new toxicological questions, but also require that existing legal provisions are challenged for their appropriateness for nanomaterials.
Action plan for synthetic nanomaterials
The action plan, which expired at the end of 2019, indicated what work should be embarked on in Switzerland from 2008 to 2019 to ensure the safe handling of nanomaterials. The Federal Council took note of the final report on the Action plan on 2 September 2020.
Nano in brief
Nanomaterials are now available on the market in a variety of applications. Synthetic nanomaterials, nano-coatings and nanostructures can give products special properties.
Nanotechnology: federal government activities
The Swiss federal government is actively involved in research and dialogue at national and international level.
Nanomaterials: safe handling
The federal government has generated a series of tools aimed at taking proactive and responsible steps for the safe handling of nanomaterials.
Knowledge of nanotechnology
Nanomaterials are tiny solid particles that can be formed naturally, accidentally or in a manufacturing process. Thanks to their special and diverse properties, they can be used in a wide range of products and technologies.
Nanomaterials: legislation and enforcement
Current legislation for chemicals, foodstuffs, the environment, and medicines also applies to nanomaterials.
Publishers
Federal Office of Public Health, Federal Offices for the Environment and Agriculture, Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, Commission for Technology and Innovation, Swissmedic and the State Secretariats for Economic Affairs and for Education, Research and Innovation.
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern