The Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission has introduced two new certified reference materials, titanium dioxide and barium sulfate powders, to improve the accuracy and reliability of nanomaterial testing
These materials will help laboratories across Europe align with regulatory requirements, especially in light of the European Commission’s updated definition of nanomaterial.
Nanomaterials are materials containing particles with dimensions typically between 1 and 100 nanometres. At this small scale, where one nanometre is one billionth of a metre, materials can exhibit unique physical and chemical properties. These features make nanomaterials highly valuable in various sectors, including healthcare, electronics, energy, and agriculture.
Enhancing risk assessment and compliance
Under EU regulations, manufacturers and importers of nanomaterials are required to submit detailed information about their products to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). One of the most essential parts of this data is particle size, which influences a nanomaterial’s behaviour in the human body and the environment, as well as its toxicity and effectiveness in various applications.
Accurate and consistent measurement of particle size is essential for ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance. The two newly released reference materials by the JRC provide a reliable standard for laboratories to validate their methods, helping to reduce discrepancies and ensure trustworthy results.
These materials complement existing nanoparticle suspension reference materials already produced by the JRC, collectively forming a comprehensive suite of tools for the identification and measurement of nanomaterials.
Tackling the measurement challenge
Measuring particle size, particularly at the nanoscale, is a complicated task. Differences in equipment, methods, and interpretation can lead to inconsistent results, posing challenges for both industries and regulators. The JRC’s certified reference materials are specifically designed to help laboratories:
- Develop robust and reproducible methods for measuring particle size and size distribution
- Validate existing in-house analytical procedures
- Fulfil legal obligations related to the safe use of nanomaterials
By providing standardised benchmarks, the materials hope to create consistency across testing facilities, improving confidence in reported data and facilitating better decision-making in risk management.
Sustainability goals
Nanomaterials are increasingly viewed as key contributors to sustainable innovation. Their use can enhance the efficiency of products and processes in various fields, including renewable energy, environmental cleanup, sustainable agriculture, and green manufacturing. By improving testing and regulatory oversight, the JRC’s reference materials indirectly support these applications, helping drive the EU’s green transition.
Accurate testing not only helps ensure safety but also boosts public and regulatory confidence in nanotechnology. As industries integrate more nanomaterials into their products and operations, reliable standards become crucial for balancing innovation and responsibility.
The new materials are part of the EU’s effort to refine nanomaterial regulations. In 2022, the European Commission updated its official definition of ‘nanomaterial’ to ensure consistent application across EU legislation. This new definition supersedes the 2011 version and is expected to be progressively incorporated into key regulatory frameworks, such as REACH, the EU’s flagship legislation on chemicals.
In support of this policy shift, the JRC published a guidance document in 2023 to help industries and regulatory authorities effectively implement the new definition.
