Categorization of Next Generation Nanomaterials: International Cooperation on the Categorization of Nanomaterials in the Regulatory Chemical Context

TL;DR

This paper discusses international efforts to develop effective categorization schemes for nanomaterials within regulatory frameworks, highlighting challenges and potential areas of consensus.

Contribution

It reviews the progress and challenges of nanomaterial categorization approaches and emphasizes the need for international cooperation and focus on common physicochemical properties.

Findings

Limited progress due to nanomaterial complexities

International cooperation has been initiated mainly through OECD

Focus on overlapping physicochemical properties can enhance progress

Abstract

Categorization approaches have been effectively applied to chemicals, and many have tried to apply variations of these approaches to nanomaterials. Given the added complexities of nanomaterials, this has been challenging. International cooperation on categorization approaches has been made, primarily through the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Progress has been limited given the complexities of nanomaterials, especially given the need to consider not only the intrinsic properties of the materials but also properties dependent on the system into which it is introduced. Consideration must also be given to the different purposes and contexts, in particular regulatory contexts, to which the categorization schemes would be applied. More progress can be anticipated by focusing on areas of overlap among countries such as physicochemical properties.