ECHA launched a website that gives citizens, workers, regulators, and scientists information on nanomaterials on the EU market in 23 languages. It is the first phase of the European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON). The website explains what nanomaterials are and aims to be a reliable source of information on health and safety issues, research, regulatory and international activities, as well as applications of nanomaterials.

Nanomaterials are regulated by the same EU legislation as any other chemical substance. Depending on how they are used, nanoform substances are managed under many regulatory regimes by different EU authorities. The potential hazards and risks resulting from the use of nanomaterials have to be assessed case-by-case as for any other chemical. However, more safety information is needed for many of the most commonly used nanomaterials. Therefore, the website will be further developed and EUON will carry out studies and make use of external databases and publications.

• Nanomaterials Website European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON)

• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Helsinki, Finland