Europe's first repository of nanomaterials launched

The European Commission Joint Research Center has launched the first European repository of nanomaterials. These materials will be used as a reference point by laboratories that carry out safety assessments on nanomaterials.

This enables a company or organisation to make sure that its results are comparable to those of other laboratories. This responds to a need expressed by experts in international standardisation organisations.

The new repository includes among other materials carbon nanotubes, silver nanoparticles, titanium dioxide, cerium oxide, zinc oxide, bentonite, gold and silicon dioxide - nanomaterials that are currently assumed to be used in significant volumes in consumer products.