What is a nanomaterial? In what types of products can nanomaterials be found? Are they dangerous to health? Are they regulated?
Whether or not you have already heard about this topic, in these pages you will find a wealth of information to enhance your knowledge.
Nanomaterials are extremely small materials (between 1 and 100 millionths of a millimetre) that may exist in their natural state, form accidentally or be made.
Engineered nanomaterials are found in many products we use everyday. Because of their size, they have interesting properties in many applications. For example, they are used in some:
- electrical appliances,
- medicines,
- cleaning products,
- cosmetics (such as a component of some sunscreens),
- paints and building materials,
- textiles (for example mainly to get an antibacterial effect),
- pollution control applications.
How do we define nanomaterials and are they already present in Belgium?
What is their impact on our health and the environment?
What are the actions of the authorities concerning nanomaterials?
What are the obligations for the registration of nanomaterials?
What regulations apply to nanomaterials?
You will find answers to these questions in the following pages, as well as information on current events for this topic and links for further reading.
Nanoparticles of TiO2, expansion of 18500x Source: CERVA / project NanoGenoTox, co-financed by SPSCAE FPS.
Aggregates of nanomaterials of different sizes (from one µm to several tens of µm). Smallest gap between two rows = 50µm. Source: ISP / Nanogenotox, co-financed by SPSCAE FPS.
Contacts:
- Citizens, questions on nanomaterials: Helpdesk, 02/524.97.97, info@environnement.belgique.be
- Companies, for the CLP legislation: Helpdesk: 02/524.97.97; info@environnement.belgique.be
- Enterprises for the REACH legislation: Go to the Belgian REACH helpdesk.
Contact point for professional users:
www.helpdeskdppc.be or ask your question here immediately.