The programme will test nanomaterials which are already in use or will be soon. Examples are so called fullerenes or bucky balls (a special form of carbon), nanotubes and cerium oxide. Other nanomaterials will be included in the programme in the near future. These nanomaterials will be tested for: their physical-chemical properties; environmental degradation and accumulation; environmental toxicology; and mammalian toxicology.
As nanomaterials are often new forms of traditional chemicals, the OECD Test Guidelines for the Safety of Chemicals will be the basis for the tests. These tests will provide valuable information on the safety of nanomaterials and will help determine whether the results obtained with the OECD Test Guidelines are suitable for the safety assessment of nanomaterials. If not, new or amended guidelines will have to be developed.
For further information visit: http://www.oecd.org/env/nanosafety/ |