A golden thread through the labyrinth of nanomaterials

The use of nanomaterials can yield new or significantly improved product features. Industry would like to use the specific properties of nanomaterials for competitive products, but also avoid risks to humans and the environment. Many questions on the benefits and risks of nanomaterials are still open and the European legislation is challenging. Empa issued a set of guidelines entitled LICARA as part of the EU project "LICARA" in conjunction with the Dutch research institution TNO, Nano-Cluster Bodensee and six other partners from European industry. The guidelines address the following questions:

• Where and how can nanomaterials be useful?
• What are nanospecific hazards for humans and the environment?
• What legal framework is there?
• How sustainable are nanoproducts?

In addition to the guidelines, an Excel tool, the LICARA nanoSCAN, is available to illustrate benefit-risk trade-offs with nanomaterials semi-quantitatively. The easy-to-use LICARA guidelines are available for download at www.empa.ch/licara, where the link to the LICARA nanoSCAN is also provided.

An initial decision-making basis in seven simple steps

The LICARA guidelines begin by explaining the terms nanoparticles, nanomaterial and nanoproducts. Not everything that carries the "nano" label contains nanoparticles. The legal situation is also explained. If nanoparticles are used in products in the cosmetics, food and pesticide sectors, the strict regulations on registration and declaration must be observed. There are also registration rules for products from other industries. Steps 3 and 4 are devoted to the potential benefits of nanomaterials. The fifth step reveals how the safety and also the quality of the products can be influenced positively throughout their lifecycle in the product design. Step 6 stretches from the state of research to potential risks. Via these steps, the reader is systematically ushered towards an initial decision-making basis as to whether and with which nanomaterials innovative products can be developed successfully (step 7). This decision-making basis can also be used to communicate efficiently with the customers, suppliers and authorities about the product. The LICARA NanoSCAN subsequently provides more detail.

Guidelines for nanotextiles

Back in 2011, Empa published the Nano Textiles guidelines on the safe access to and handling of nanotechnology in the textiles and clothing industry in conjunction with the textiles association Swiss Textiles. This 21-page brochure, which addresses special issues from the production of textiles, can be downloaded at www.empa.ch/nanosafetextiles.