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Development of an interactive tool for the implementation of environmental legislation in Nanoparticle manufacturers (i-NANOTOOL LIFE+)
Start date: Jul 1, 2013, End date: Dec 31, 2015 PROJECT  FINISHED 

Background The development of nanomaterials - defined as having at least one dimension of 100 nanometres or less – is an area of science and industry expected to yield numerous technological advances. More than 1 500 European businesses are now involved in the production of substances at nanoscale and nanomaterials are providing a proliferation of new products in textiles and coatings in particular. However, the unique properties of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) also create potential health risks. Nano-particles are released into the environment both intentionally and unintentionally throughout the ENM lifecycle (production, use and disposal). This is believed to create risks of bioaccumulation in soil and water or excessive absorption through the skin, with consequent negative effects on environmental and human health. There is already increasing evidence of ecotoxicological effects on key species and communities, including the inhibition of seed germination and root growth, and oxidative stress in algae. Relevant regulations, including REACH, are having to be updated regularly to keep up with the technical advances in nanotechnology. This creates challenges for legislators. However, it also creates problems for companies involved in nanotechnologies, many of whom are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They have to continually increase and renew their knowledge in relation to the environmental consequences of their work and the evolving legislation, including the administrative procedures that they must fulfil. Objectives The objective of the i-NANOTOOL LIFE+ project is to contribute to the efficient implementation of environmental policy and legislation by companies involved in the production of nanomaterials, especially SMEs. It aims to help these companies access the most up-to-date information on the potential environmental impact of their activity and the current legislative requirements. The project will establish a complete and thorough compilation of current environmental regulations related to nanomaterials at European and national levels, in each country participating in the project - Spain, Portugal, Romania and Finland. It will also develop methodologies and tests to assess the environmental impact of nanomaterial and their production processes. To ensure nanomaterial producers can access the information they need, the project intends to develop an interactive platform. This will provide the latest information on the environmental impact of nanomaterials, related legislation and appropriate environmental management. It will also provide an environmental self-diagnosis e-tool for nanotechnology companies. The project hopes to extend the e-Tool throughout the EU. Ultimately, the project aims to enable companies manufacturing nanomaterials to successfully implement the most appropriate management techniques and meet the requirements of European and national environmental legislation. As well as reducing the environmental risks associated with nanotechnology, the project also seeks to contribute to the updating of environmental policy and legislation around nanotechnology. Expected results: The project expects to achieve the following results: A complete compilation of current European environmental regulations related to nanomaterials; A complete compilation of current national environmental regulations in each country participating in the project - Spain, Portugal, Romania and Finland; Tests and methodologies to assess the environmental impact of nanomaterials and their production processes; An innovative e-tool for assessing the environmental status of nanomaterial manufacturers and identifying appropriate management measures; Awareness of the project and its outputs by 50% of nanomaterial manufacturers in Europe; Use of the e-tool by 6% of the nanomaterial manufacturers in Europe and 50% of those in the participating countries; and A reduction in the environmental impact of ENM manufacturing.
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