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In this perspective, the authors give their view on the developments and experiences on communicating on (nano)materials safety. We would like to share our experiences with the scientific community in order to make them useful for future communication activities. We present the longterm work of the science communication projects DaNa, DaNa2.0 and DaNa4.0, running from 2009-2023. Starting in the early 2000s with the beginnings of nanotechnology research, communication on the safety of nanomaterials with the public was still very new and faced the projects with many challenges. Today, science communication is indispensable for the dissemination of scientific findings and a fact-based approach like the DaNa "Knowledge Base Materials" creates a trustworthy dialogue with the public. This long-term project series has made a significant contribution to communication on the safety of nanomaterials, perhaps even the largest among publicly funded project series worldwide.

Functionalization of material systems is one of the key developments nowadays in the textile industry, where particles are frequently used to enhance the properties of fibers and to add new functionalities. This book focuses on innovative textile materials and is a perfect guide for professionals in the textile industry and scientists alike. An overview of particle technology is provided before addressing all topics relevant to particle-enhanced textiles, i.e. the properties and application of micro/nanoparticles in textiles, production techniques, safety, as well as regulatory and intellectual property aspects. The book covers the composition and applications of various types of textile fillers, finishings, and microfibers. gives an outlook on future trends and challenges in the research, development, and production of nano- and micro-enabled textiles. The authors of the book, who are leading experts in their fields, address many aspects relevant to the use of particle-enhanced textiles in industrial applications as well as in our daily life. A particular emphasis is put on practical examples of applications and products, safety and sustainability issues and the potential for further innovation. This book should bring inspiration for textile scientists in using particles for improving textiles and further expanding their possibilities of use. Covers the composition and applications of various types of textile fillers, finishings, and microfibers.Gives an outlook on future trends and challenges in the research, development, and production of nano- and micro-enabled textiles.

Transparent and reliable communication of the safety of advanced and nanomaterials is an issue that has become increasingly important in recent times. The German initiative DaNa got involved in this topic at an early stage. It is running the Knowledge Base Materials, a web-based information platform on nanomaterials (www.nanoobjects.info) for more than 10 years, which is constantly being expanded. Recently, due to emerging developments in materials science, the focus has been expanded from nanomaterials to the variant-rich group of advanced materials, softening the restriction to particles below the 100 m size limit in one dimension to include larger particles with more complex composition. For the Knowledge Base Materials, this broader scope presents a challenge for science communication. In this paper, the authors describe the selection of materials, the workflow, and the quality control that was performed to provide reliable knowledge about the safety of advanced materials to humans and the environment.

Polystyrene nanoparticles are the most investigated type of nanoplastics in environmental hazard studies. It remains unclear whether nanoplastic particles pose a hazard towards aquatic organisms. Thus, it was our aim to investigate whether the existing studies and data provided therein are reliable in terms of data completeness. We used the example of Daphnia spp. studies for the purpose of polystyrene nanoplastic (nanoPS) hazard evaluation. First, a set of quality criteria recently proposed for nanoplastic ecotoxicity studies was applied. These rather general criteria for all types of nanoplastics and different test organisms were then, in the second step, tailored and refined specifically for Daphnia spp. and nanoPS. Finally, a scoring system was established by setting mandatory (high importance) as well as desirable (medium importance) criteria and defining a threshold to pass the evaluation. Among the existing studies on nanoPS ecotoxicity for Daphnia spp. (n = 38), only 18% passed the evaluation for usability in hazard evaluation. The few studies that passed the evaluation did not allow for conclusions on the hazard potential of nanoPS because there was no consensus among the studies. The greatest challenge we identified is in data reporting, as only a few studies presented complete data for hazard evaluation.

Contamination of the environment with nano-and microplastic particles (NMPs) and its putative adverse effects on organisms, ecosystems, and human health is gaining increasing scientific and public attention. Various studies show that NMPs occur abundantly within the environment, leading to a high likelihood of human exposure to NMPs. Here, different exposure scenarios can occur. The most notable exposure routes of NMPs into the human body are via the airways and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) through inhalation or ingestion, but also via the skin due to the use of personal care products (PCPs) containing NMPs. Once NMPs have entered the human body, it is possible that they are translocated from the exposed organ to other body compartments. In our review article, we combine the current knowledge on the (1) exposure routes of NMPs to humans with the basic understanding of the potential (2) translocation mechanisms into human tissues and, consequently, their (3) fate within the human body. Regarding the (1) exposure routes, we reviewed the current knowledge on the occurrence of NMPs in food, beverages, personal care products and the air (focusing on indoors and workplaces) and found that the studies suggest an abundant presence of MPs within the exposure scenarios. The overall abundance of MPs in exposure matrices relevant to humans highlights the importance of understanding whether NMPs have the potential for tissue translocation. Therefore, we describe the current knowledge on the potential (2) translocation pathways of NMPs from the skin, GIT and respiratory systems to other body compartments. Here, particular attention was paid to how likely NMPs can translocate from the primary exposed organs to secondary organs due to naturally occurring defence mechanisms against tissue translocation. Based on the current understanding, we conclude that a dermal translocation of NMPs is rather unlikely. In contrast, small MPs and NPs can generally translocate from the GIT and resp

Background Advanced/innovative materials are an undefined group of nano- and micro-particles encompassing diverse material compositions, structures and combinations. Due to their unique properties that enable specific functions during applications, there are concerns about unexpected hazards to humans and the environment. In this study, we provide ecotoxicity data for 36 nano- and microparticles of various inorganic species (single constituents and complex compositions; materials releasing toxic ions and others), morphologies (spheroidal, cubic, flaky, elongated/fibrous) and sizes (10 nm–38 µm). By applying Raphidocelis subcapitata algae growth inhibition and Daphnia magna immobilisation tests according to OECD test guidelines 201 and 202, and extensive material characterisation, we aimed to identify indicators of concern. This would allow better predictions of the hazardous properties of these materials in the future. Results The chemical identity (toxic ion-releasing materials vs. other materials) and agglomeration behaviour, which is affected by size (nm vs. µm) and morphology (fibres vs. others), were obvious drivers of ecotoxicity on R. subcapitata. Differences in morphology had an impact on agglomeration behaviour. Fibres formed agglomerates of varying sizes with entrapped and attached algae. Small compact (e.g. spheroidal) particles attached to algae. A high coverage resulted in high ecotoxicity, while less toxic materials attached to a much lesser extent. No agglomeration of algae and particles was observed for particles with a µm size. Small toxic components of large hybrid materials did not affect ecotoxicity. For D. magna, despite uptake of all materials studied into the gut, the sole indication of toxicity was the release of toxic ions. This is in line with previous observations on nanomaterials. Based on the identified criteria, charts were developed to indicate the expected toxicity of advanced/innovative materials toward algae and da

Contamination of the environment with nano-and microplastic particles (NMPs) and its putative adverse effects on organisms, ecosystems, and human health is gaining increasing scientific and public attention. Various studies show that NMPs occur abundantly within the environment, leading to a high likelihood of human exposure to NMPs. Here, different exposure scenarios can occur. The most notable exposure routes of NMPs into the human body are via the airways and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) through inhalation or ingestion, but also via the skin due to the use of personal care products (PCPs) containing NMPs. Once NMPs have entered the human body, it is possible that they are translocated from the exposed organ to other body compartments. In our review article, we combine the current knowledge on the (1) exposure routes of NMPs to humans with the basic understanding of the potential (2) translocation mechanisms into human tissues and, consequently, their (3) fate within the human body. Regarding the (1) exposure routes, we reviewed the current knowledge on the occurrence of NMPs in food, beverages, personal care products and the air (focusing on indoors and workplaces) and found that the studies suggest an abundant presence of MPs within the exposure scenarios. The overall abundance of MPs in exposure matrices relevant to humans highlights the importance of understanding whether NMPs have the potential for tissue translocation. Therefore, we describe the current knowledge on the potential (2) translocation pathways of NMPs from the skin, GIT and respiratory systems to other body compartments. Here, particular attention was paid to how likely NMPs can translocate from the primary exposed organs to secondary organs due to naturally occurring defence mechanisms against tissue translocation. Based on the current understanding, we conclude that a dermal translocation of NMPs is rather unlikely. In contrast, small MPs and NPs can generally translocate from the GIT and resp

The Horizon 2020 consortia NanoRigo, Gov4Nano and RiskGONE jointly developed a nano risk governance framework (NRGF), fit for use for the practice of nanomaterials’ development and use, understandable and executable for stakeholders involved in manufacturing, using or regulating nanomaterials, or confronted with incidental exposure to generated nanomaterials. The NRGF includes risk management models, tools and approaches relevant to nanomaterials, as well as nano-oriented LCA and grouping, and takes into account socio-economic aspects and risk-benefit assessment. Special attention was paid to operationalizing concern assessment within the framework of the risk governance approach, emphasizing the different nature of quantitative risk assessment and qualitative concern assessment. The usefulness and added value of the NRGF was tested by means of a case study on rubber tyres. This case study performed a “mock-up” risk and concern assessment of the use of manufactured nanomaterials in the rubber tyre tread and the environmental release of tyre wear particles (TWP) from this tread during car driving. With a focus on the release and hazards of nano-TWP, an approach using the NRGF methodology was defined in collaboration with a group of real-life stakeholders. Simultaneously a group of scientific experts assessed the usefulness of the available tools and methods for assessing this nano-TWP release and investigated related broader societal concerns. The exercise concludes that so far, an exclusive risk assessment of nano-TWP is a step too far, due to the lack of nano-specific health- and environmental exposure and hazard data. Moreover, it seems that public concern about nano-sized TWP emissions is still limited, contrary to emerging scientific concerns. The case study underlines the complexity of deriving robust recommendations for “real-life” cases. Many questions remain on how to weigh the available technical and social evidence in nano risk governance.

The utility of decision-making tools for the risk governance of nanotechnology is at the core of this paper. Those working in nanotechnology risk management have been prolific in creating such tools, many derived from European FP7 and H2020-funded projects. What is less clear is how such tools might assist the overarching ambition of creating a fair system of risk governance. In this paper, we reflect upon the role that tools might and should play in any system of risk governance. With many tools designed for the risk governance of this emerging technology falling into disuse, this paper provides an overview of extant tools and addresses their potential shortcomings. We also posit the need for a data readiness tool. With the EUs NMP13 family of research consortia about to report to the Commission on ways forward in terms of risk governance of this domain, this is a timely intervention on an important element of any risk governance system.

We described in 2017 how weathering plastic litter in the marine environment fulfils two of three criteria to impose a planetary boundary threat related to chemical pollution and the release of novel entities: (1) planetary-scale exposure, which (2) is not readily reversible. Whether marine plastics meet the third criterion, (3) eliciting a disruptive impact on vital earth system processes, was uncertain. Since then, several important discoveries have been made to motivate a re-evaluation. A key issue is if weathering macroplastics, microplastics, nanoplastics, and their leachates have an inherently higher potential to elicit adverse effects than natural particles of the same size. We summarize novel findings related to weathering plastic in the context of the planetary boundary threat criteria that demonstrate (1) increasing exposure, (2) fate processes leading to poorly reversible pollution, and (3) (eco)toxicological hazards and their thresholds. We provide evidence that the third criterion could be fulfilled for weathering plastics in sensitive environments and therefore conclude that weathering plastics pose a planetary boundary threat. We suggest future research priorities to better understand (eco)toxicological hazards modulated by increasing exposure and continuous weathering processes, to better parametrize the planetary boundary threshold for plastic pollution.

We described in 2017 how weathering plastic litter in the marine environment fulfils two of three criteria to impose a planetary boundary threat related to “chemical pollution and the release of novel entities”: (1) planetary-scale exposure, which (2) is not readily reversible. Whether marine plastics meet the third criterion, (3) eliciting a disruptive impact on vital earth system processes, was uncertain. Since then, several important discoveries have been made to motivate a re-evaluation. A key issue is if weathering macroplastics, microplastics, nanoplastics, and their leachates have an inherently higher potential to elicit adverse effects than natural particles of the same size. We summarize novel findings related to weathering plastic in the context of the planetary boundary threat criteria that demonstrate (1) increasing exposure, (2) fate processes leading to poorly reversible pollution, and (3) (eco)toxicological hazards and their thresholds. We provide evidence that the third criterion could be fulfilled for weathering plastics in sensitive environments and therefore conclude that weathering plastics pose a planetary boundary threat. We suggest future research priorities to better understand (eco)toxicological hazards modulated by increasing exposure and continuous weathering processes, to better parametrize the planetary boundary threshold for plastic pollution.

It is becoming increasingly important to develop assessment criteria for the quality of nanoplastics studies. This study is an attempt to establish such criteria based on those developed for engineered nanomaterials, the GUIDEnano and DaNa criteria being two representatives. These criteria were applied to studies on polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs), which currently represent the majority of studies on nanoplastics. We compiled a list of existing nanomaterial-related criteria that are not fully relevant to PS NPs and propose additional nanoplastic-specific criteria targeting polymer chemical composition, source, production and field collection, impurities/chemical additives, density, hydrophobicity, colour, and chemical leaching. For each criterion, scientific justification is provided. We conclude that the existing study quality assessments originally developed for nano(eco)toxicity studies can, through refinements, be applied to those dealing with nanoplastics studies, with a further outlook on microplastics. The final quality criteria catalogue presented here is intended as a starting point for further elaborations considering different purposes of an assessment.

It is becoming increasingly important to develop assessment criteria for the quality of nanoplastics studies. This study is an attempt to establish such criteria based on those developed for engineered nanomaterials, the GUIDEnano and DaNa criteria being two representatives. These criteria were applied to studies on polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs), which currently represent the majority of studies on nanoplastics. We compiled a list of existing nanomaterial-related criteria that are not fully relevant to PS NPs and propose additional nanoplastic-specific criteria targeting polymer chemical composition, source, production and field collection, impurities/chemical additives, density, hydrophobicity, colour, and chemical leaching. For each criterion, scientific justification is provided. We conclude that the existing study quality assessments originally developed for nano(eco)toxicity studies can, through refinements, be applied to those dealing with nanoplastics studies, with a further outlook on microplastics. The final quality criteria catalogue presented here is intended as a starting point for further elaborations considering different purposes of an assessment.

In Europe, a stable and reliable food supply has become normal over recent decades. This has beenachieved in many cases by the use of pesticides to control pests, weeds, and diseases, plus fertilisers tosupply additional nutrients. Pesticides play an important role in the food production process, maintainingor enhancing crop yields and protecting quality in both conventional and organic arable farming. However,they can also lead to harmful effects in the environment, including aquatic ecosystems and risks to humanhealth. There is now widespread concern about the addition of a substance to the environment, designedto be toxic to part of the ecosystem.European policies aimed at reducing the potential risk from pesticides are supported by the Plants ProtectionProducts Regulation (EU, 2009), the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (EU, 2009) and the BiocidalProducts Regulation (EU, 2012). The Water Framework Directive (WFD) (EU, 2000) and its daughter directiveshelp to protect water quality from pesticide pollution. There is, however, little evidence to show whetherthis legislation has been effective, mainly because of limited data on the actual risk from pesticides in surfacewaters and groundwater at the European level (EEA, 2018a). Addressing this gap is of high interest for policy,practitioners, and the public because of the risks pesticides present to both the environment and humanhealth. Most recently, the Green Deal and its associated strategies and actions include the Biodiversity andFarm to Fork Strategies, which aim to reduce by 50 % the use and risk of pesticides by 2030 (EC, 2019b; EC,2020a, 2020b).This technical report provides an overview of the available information on pesticides in surface waters andgroundwater in EEA countries. Its main output is a comprehensive summary of the data on pesticides insurface waters and groundwater reported through WISE-SoE reporting to EEA1, over the period 2007 to 2017.The EEA’s Waterbase – Water Quality database conta

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) based on CeO2 and TiO2 differ in their effects on the unicellular green alga Raphidocelis subcapitata but these effects do not reflect the physicochemical parameters that characterize such materials in water and other test media. To determine whether interactions with algae can predict the ecotoxicity of ENMs, we studied the attachment of model compounds (three subtypes of CeO2 and five subtypes of TiO2) to algal cells by light microscopy and electron microscopy. We correlated our observations with EC50 values determined in growth inhibition assays carried out according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) test guideline 201. Light microscopy revealed distinct patterns of ENM attachment to algal cells according to the type of compound, with stronger interactions leading to greater toxicity. This was confirmed by electron microscopy, which allowed the quantitative assessment of particle attachment. Our results indicate that algal extracellular polymeric substances play an important role in the attachment of ENMs, influencing the formation of agglomerates. The attachment parameters in short-term tests predicted the toxicity of CeO2 and TiO2 ENMs and can be considered as a valuable tool for the identification of sets of similar nanoforms as requested by the European Chemicals Agency in the context of grouping and read-across.

The project nanoGRAVUR (BMBF, 2015–2018) developed a framework for grouping of nanomaterials. Different groups may result for each of the three distinct perspectives of occupational, consumer and environmental safety. The properties, methods and descriptors are harmonised between the three perspectives and are based on: Tier 1 intrinsic physico-chemical properties (what they are) or GHS classification of the non-nano-form (human tox, ecotox, physical hazards); Tier 2 extrinsic physico-chemical properties, release from nano-enabled products, in vitro assays with cells (where they go; what they do); Tier 3 case-specific tests, potentially in vivo studies to substantiate the similarity within groups or application-specific exposure testing. Amongst all properties, dissolution and transformation are least modulated by different nanoforms within one substance, whereas dustiness, dispersion stability, abiotic and especially in vitro surface reactivity vary more often between different nanoforms. The methods developed or selected by nanoGRAVUR fill several gaps highlighted in the ProSafe reviews, and are useful to implement (i) the concept of nanoforms of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and (ii) the concept of discrete forms of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One cannot assess the significance of a dissimilarity, if the dynamic range of that property is unknown. Benchmark materials span dynamic ranges that enable us to establish bands, often with order-of-magnitude ranges. In 34 case studies we observed high biological similarity within each substance when we compared different (nano)forms of SiO2, BaSO4, kaolin, CeO2, ZnO, organic pigments, especially when we compared forms that are all untreated on the surface. In contrast, different Fe2O3 or TiO2 (nano)forms differ more significantly. The same nanoforms were also integrated in nano-enabled products (NEPs) for automotive coatings, clinker-reduced cements, cosmetic sunscreen, and lightweight

Groundwater is essential for the provision of drinking water in many areas around the world. The performance of the groundwater-bearing aquifer relies on the ecosystem services provided by groundwater-related organisms. Therefore, if remediation of contaminated groundwater is necessary, the remediation method has to be carefully selected to avoid risk-risk trade-offs that might impact these ecosystems. In the present study, the environmental risk of the in situ remediation agent Carbo-Iron was performed. Carbo-Iron® is a composite of zero valent nano-iron and active carbon. Existing ecotoxicity data were complemented by studies with Daphnia magna (Crustacea), Scenedesmus vacuolatus (Algae), Chironomus riparius (Insecta) and nitrifying soil microorganisms. The predicted no effect concentration of 0.1 mg/L was derived from acute and chronic ecotoxicity studies. It was compared to measured and modelled environmental concentrations of Carbo-Iron applied in a groundwater contaminated with chlorohydrocarbons in a field study and risk ratios were derived. A comprehensive assessment approach was developed further based on existing strategies and used to identify changes of the environmental risk due to the remediation of the contaminated site with Carbo-Iron. With the data used in the present study, the total environmental risk decreased by approximately 50% in the heavily contaminated zones after the application of Carbo-Iron. Thus, based on the results of the present study, the benefit of remediation with Carbo-Iron seems to outweigh its negative effects on the environment.

Engineered nanomaterials (ENM) have a widespread presence in human life and are components of many products and applications. This warrants an easy and fast evaluation of potential environmental risks. However, so far this is hampered by the multitude of different nanomaterials on the markets in addition to the many variations in form, size and surface modifications. Testing of each variation of ENM is not manageable, and hence the development and application of fast risk screening tools for ENMs is discussed.Here, we present the development of a scoring scheme with regard to ENM environmental risks under consideration of the two compartments water and soil. It allows for the ranking of ENM according to their environmental fate and hazard by taking into account criteria that are meaningful and relevant for ENM. The selection of the criteria is based on conceptual considerations, existing knowledge, and experimental work including transport and transformation studies as well as aquatic and terrestrial toxicity tests.The allocation of the ENM to the scores informs on the potential for transport and transformation and the hazard potential. Fate and hazard scores are subsequently combined into one risk score (1–10 for aquatic compartment, 1–7 for terrestrial compartment). The risk score has the intention to indicate which ENM may need prioritization for further action, i.e. with regard to the degree of detail for further testing or modelling.The applicability and consistency of the scoring schemes were assessed by taking different chemical species (e.g. of Ag, TiO2, SiO2, Cu, Fe) of ENM in various modifications (e.g. different shapes and coatings) into account. In conclusion, the established scoring schemes were found to be applicable to rank ENM according to their environmental fate and hazard potential, and thus to their environmental risk potential.