Nanomaterials and OECD Test Guidelines

This task force was set up to provide input to the OECD “Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials', in particular to the sub-groups that reviewed the OECD test guidelines concerning their suitability for nanomaterials.

This task force was set up to provide input to the OECD “Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials', in particular to the sub-groups that reviewed the OECD test guidelines concerning their suitability for nanomaterials.

The project developed a lot faster than originally expected which was however, for the benefit of the testing of nanomaterial reference materials that has now begun also under the auspices of the OECD and involves many organisations and countries. The task force pulled together specific comments and timely submitted them via BIAC (the official representation of industry at the OECD).

The task force concluded that OECD test guidelines are generally applicable to nanomaterials unless the mentioned test programme on the reference materials would show this differently for a certain nanomaterial or a particular guideline test. Importantly, it was pointed out that the physico-chemical properties of nanomaterials require careful sample preparation for their testing in biological samples (mammalian or eco-toxicological models) and to study environmental fate. The two letters with the specific comments made by the task force are available to members on ECETOC's members' website. The report of the OECD working party is currently being de-classified and soon expected to be available.