Nanomaterials exhibit various physical, chemical, mechanical, optical, magnetic and biological properties, as well as different internal/external structures, and are used in a wide range of applications. There are now many divergent understandings and assumptions associated with emerging scientific concepts in this area leading to poor communication, lack of interoperability among systems and duplication of efforts. For nanotechnology to develop to its full potential there is therefore a strong need for a logical classification of nanomaterials.

In response to this need, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a new technical report, ISO/TR 11360:2010, Nanotechnologies - Methodology for the classification and categorization of nanomaterials, providing a comprehensive, globally harmonised methodology for classifying nanomaterials.

ISO/TR 11360 introduces a system called a "nano-tree", which places nanotechnology concepts into a logical context by indicating relationships among them as a branching out tree. The most basic and common elements are defined as the main trunk of the tree, and nanomaterials are then differentiated in terms of structure, chemical nature and other properties.

The document will be useful to a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines engaged in research, industry and government.

ISO Catalogue page

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a draft case study of engineered nanoscale silver (nano-Ag) as used in a number of disinfectant sprays for which it invites comments by 27 September 2010.

The case study is organised around a comprehensive environmental assessment (CEA) framework, which combines a product life-cycle perspective with a risk assessment paradigm. The document does not draw conclusions about potential risks. Instead, it is intended to be used as part of a process to identify what is known and unknown about nano-Ag in a selected application and as a starting point to identify and prioritise possible research directions to support future assessments of nanomaterials.

Each chapter includes lists of questions that reflect information gaps in that portion of the document. Some of these knowledge gaps or research needs are specific to the use of nano-Ag in disinfectant sprays; others may relate more broadly to nano-Ag irrespective of its application, while still others may apply more widely to nanomaterials in general. Readers are encouraged to consider the questions listed throughout the document and offer specific comments on how individual questions or research needs might be better expressed.

Draft document for comment

On Tuesday 15 June 2010, 13.55 - 15.55 local time (5.55-7.55 GMT) a workshop discussing the European Union Code of Conduct for Responsible Nanotechnology Research is organised during the ICPC-NanoNet conference on International Cooperation in Nanotechnology (14-15 June 2010, Unisplendour hotel, Beijing, China).