EC Opens Public Consultation on Nanomaterial Definition

The European Commission (EC) has solicited feedback on its proposed definition of the term “nanomaterial.” In response to a European Parliament request, the EC’s draft recommendation recognizes the need for a definition “at the global level, to serve as a basis also for EU regulation and implementing measures and instruments.”

The proposal defines a nanomaterial as that material which meets at least one
of the following criteria: (i) it consists of particles with one or more external
dimensions in the size range of 1 nanometer to 100 nanometers for more than
1 percent of their size distribution; (ii) it has internal or surface structures in
one or more dimensions in the size range of 1 nanometer to 100 nanometers;
or (iii) it has a specific surface area by volume greater than 60 square meters
by per cubic centimeter, excluding materials consisting of particles with a size
smaller than 1 nanometer. Comments may be electronically submitted to the
EC by November 19, 2010.