engineered nanoparticles action group

Coverage

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) have been used in many industrial applications. The recent increase in the number of different ENPs and the broader range of their functional properties promises much for future applications. However there are Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) concerns because of findings that suggest different toxicity than bulk material of the same composition.

To fully profit from the potential of Engineered Nanoparticles and to responsibly deal with the HSE concerns requires the development of scientifically sound classification methods for nanoparticles, distinguishing them in terms of their production and properties. The ENP Action Group has addressed these issues with the purpose of identifying and promoting metrology solutions for both airborne and suspended ENPs.

Issues addressed:

• Existing measurement methods: their limits and assumptions
• Standardisation: status, application of current standards, future requirements
• Operational practises and use of equipment: links to best practises
• Metrological traceability to improve inter-laboratory and inter-method equivalence
• Reference materials for metrological traceability and quality assurance