Background The development of nanomaterials - defined as having at least one dimension of 100 nanometres or less – is a particularly exciting area of science and industry, which is expected to yield numerous technological advances. More than 300 European businesses are now involved in the production of substances at nano scale and overall output is soon expected to reach ten million tonnes, with a market value of over EUR 450 billion. However, the unique properties of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) also create potential health risks. Nanoparticles are released into the environment both intentionally and unintentionally throughout the life-cycle of ENMs’ production, use and disposal. This creates suspected risks of bioaccumulation in soil and water or excessive absorption through the skin. There is already increasing evidence of eco-toxicological effects on key species and communities, including the inhibition of seed germination and root growth, and oxidative stress in algae. The EU REACH Regulation requires manufacturers and importers to demonstrate that they have appropriately identified and assessed all the associated risks of any chemical substance manufactured or imported in quantities of one tonne or more per year per company. However, there is currently a lack of information on toxicological and eco-toxicological properties, dosimetry parameters or even standardised risk assessment methods for nanomaterials. Objectives The LIFE nanoRISK project aims to minimise environmental, health and safety (EHS) risks from exposure to engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). It hopes to do this by improving understanding of the risks associated with the release of ENMs to the environment by the polymer nanocomposite industry and identifying the most appropriate prevention and protection measures. The project will collate new information on the release rates of ENMs to air, water, wastewater and oil during their production, use and disposal. This will contribute to a complete description of the exposure scenarios throughout the nanocomposites’ life cycle. It will also study the airborne behaviour of the target ENMs, notably their aggregation/agglomeration patterns and deposition factors. To identify the most appropriate Risk Management Measures (RMM) for controlling exposure to ENMs, the project will test potential RMMs at pilot scale. It will develop a compendium of testing protocols - based on international standards – and develop a nanoaerosols test chamber. RMMs tested in the chamber will include personal protective equipment (PPE), engineering techniques and organisational measures. The results will provide valuable data for determining whether a particular RMM is suitable, effective and feasible for a specific exposure scenario. The project’s findings will help to strengthen the Library of RMM developed within the REACH Implementation Projects and improve the quality of Chemical Safety Assessments for nanomaterials. LIFE nanoRISK thus hopes to enable better implementation of the European REACH Regulation with regard to nanomaterials, and to reduce human and environmental risks from overexposure to nanoparticles. Expected results: A complete description of ENM exposure scenarios across the nanocomposites’ life cycle; New information on the airborne behaviour of ENMs; A compendium of at least ten testing protocols based on international standards to evaluate the effectiveness of RMMs in the workplace; A prototype nanoaerosols test chamber to assess RMM performance at pilot scale; A library of proven and technically feasible RMMs for mitigation and control of risks posed by ENMs; Improved Chemical Safety Assessments of nanomaterials, facilitating better implement of the REACH Regulation; A complete assessment report of ISO standards for PPE testing.