New certified reference materials pave the way for reliable nanomaterial testing

Scientists from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) have taken a significant step towards improving the safety of consumer products containing nanomaterials with the release of two new certified reference materials (CRMs) for nanomaterial testing. These CRMs, specifically titanium dioxide (ERM-FD104) and barium sulfate (ERM-FD105) powders will enable laboratories to reliably identify nanomaterials, a crucial step in implementing the European Union’s regulatory framework for nanomaterials based on the Commission Recommendation 2022/C 229/01.

The EU has established a regulatory framework for nanomaterials, requiring manufacturers and importers to provide detailed and accurate information on key material properties, including particle size, to ensure safe use of nanomaterials. This information is essential for risk assessors to understand the potential hazards associated with nanomaterials and to establish effective risk management strategies. Particle size is a crucial factor in determining the toxicity, bioavailability, and environmental fate of nanomaterials, and therefore, accurate characterisation is necessary to ensure regulatory compliance and consumer safety.

The European Commission Recommendation 2022/C 229/01 provides clear criteria, based on particle size distribution, for determining whether a material is a nanomaterial or not. The newly produced CRMs, ERM-FD104 and ERM-FD105, provide a reliable and consistent basis for nanomaterial testing, enabling laboratories to validate their electron microscopy-based testing methods and accurately measure the particle size and size distribution of powders containing nanoparticles and small particles, a critical aspect of nanomaterial characterisation.

The release of these CRMs marks a significant milestone in JRC’s efforts to support the implementation of the EU’s nanomaterial regulatory framework and promote the development of innovative and safe products based on nanomaterials. The new CRMs are available for purchase through the JRC’s online reference materials catalogue. Further information on the EU's regulatory framework for nanomaterials and the Commission Recommendation 2022/C 229/01 and the associated JRC guidance can be found on the following websites.

· European Commission Recommendation of 10 June 2022 on the definition of nanomaterial 2022/C 229/01

· Guidance on the implementation of the Commission Recommendation 2022/C 229/01 on the definition of nanomaterial