The 3rd meeting of the OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials
(WPMN) was held 28-30 November 2007 in Paris, France. An earlier version of
this document was originally provided to the meeting as background information
in considering the operational plans for the six specific projects. This
document compiles information provided by member countries and other
delegations on current developments on the safety of manufactured nanomaterials
(section I) in their countries or organizations. There are also written reports
on current activities related to nanotechnologies/nanomaterials in other
International Organisations including the International Organisation for
Standardisation (ISO) (section II). In addition, delegations added a short
bulleted list of highlights at the top of their submissions to give readers a
general idea of key events since the 1st meeting of the Working Party.
This is intended to provide delegations and other stakeholders with a
“snapshot” of information on activities related to manufactured nanomaterials,
as well as other activities on nanotechnologies, at the national and
international level.
The information from delegation is organised, where possible, under the
headings identified below, while recognising that not all delegations would be
able to supply information under each heading. It is to be expected that there
is considerable variation amongst delegations as to the issues they wish to
address, so there is some flexibility in the way the information is provided.
In addition, delegations added a short bulleted list of highlights at the top
of their submissions. The highlights are to give readers a general idea of key
events since the last meeting of the Working Party.
1. Any national regulatory developments on human health and environmental
safety including recommendations or discussions related to adapting existing
regulatory systems or the drafting of laws/ regulations/ guidance materials;
2. Developments related to voluntary or stewardship schemes;
3. Information on any risk assessment decisions;
4. Information on any developments related to good practice documents;
5. Research programmes or strategies designed to address human health and/
or environmental safety aspects of nanomaterials;
6. Information on any public/ stakeholder consultation.
7. Additional Information: Delegations may wish to provide any additional
related information, e.g., any consideration of the benefits of
nanotechnologies and consideration of ethical implications.
