The OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN) had its 2nd
meeting on 25-27 April 2007 in Berlin, Germany. 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 such as 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 delegations is organised, where possible, under the
headings identified below, while recognising that not all delegations are 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.