Safe(r) by design guidelines for the nanotechnology industry

• Published in: NanoImpact 2022-01, Vol.25, p.100385-100385, Article 100385
• Main Authors: Sánchez Jiménez, Araceli, Puelles, Raquel, Perez-Fernandez, Marta, Barruetabeña, Leire, Jacobsen, Nicklas Raun, Suarez-Merino, Blanca, Micheletti, Christian, Manier, Nicolas, Salieri, Beatrice, Hischier, Roland, Tsekovska, Rositsa, Handzhiyski, Yordan, Bouillard, Jacques, Oudart, Yohan, Galea, Karen S., Kelly, Sean, Shandilya, Neeraj, Goede, Henk, Gomez-Cordon, Julio, Jensen, Keld Alstrup, van Tongeren, Martie, Apostolova, Margarita D., Llopis, Isabel Rodríguez
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Environmental Sciences; Humans; Industry; Life cycle assessment; Nano-enabled products; Nanoform; Nanoparticles; Nanoscience; Nanostructures - adverse effects; Nanotechnology; Risk assessment; Safer by design; Uncertainty
• ISSN: 2452-0748; 2452-0748
• DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2022.100385

Expectations for safer and sustainable chemicals and products are growing to comply with the United Nations and European strategies for sustainability. The application of Safe(r) by Design (SbD) in nanotechnology implies an iterative process where functionality, human health and safety, environmental and economic impact and cost are assessed and balanced as early as possible in the innovation process and updated at each step. The EU H2020 NanoReg2 project was the first European project to implement SbD in six companies handling and/or manufacturing nanomaterials (NMs) and nano-enabled products (NEP). The results from this experience have been used to develop these guidelines on the practical application of SbD. The SbD approach foresees the identification, estimation, and reduction of human and environmental risks as early as possible in the development of a NM or NEP, and it is based on three pillars: (i) safer NMs and NEP; (ii) safer use and end of life and (iii) safer industrial production. The presented guidelines include a set of information and tools that will help deciding at each step of the innovation process whether to continue, apply SbD measures or carry out further tests to reduce uncertainty. It does not intend to be a prescriptive protocol where all suggested steps have to be followed to achieve a SbD NM/NEP or process. Rather, the guidelines are designed to identify risks at an early state and information to be considered to identify those risks. Each company adapts the approach to its specific needs and circumstances as company decisions influence the way forward. [Display omitted] •Guidance for the application of SbD in the nanotechnology industry. Development informed through industry case-studies.•SbD supports the timely balance of functionality, human health and safety, environment and economic impacts and costs.•Support to decide whether to conitnue the innovation, apply SbD measures or carry out further tests to reduce uncertainty.•A practical approach that can be adapted to companies specific needs and circumstances.