European Commission > JRC > IHCP > Our Activities > Nanotechnology > JRC report reviews measurement methods for nanoparticle sizing

Personal tools

Navigation

Dynamic site map

JRC report reviews measurement methods for nanoparticle sizing

— filed under: nanosafety, nanotech, nanomaterials, nanobiosciences

Following the adoption of the definition of the term 'nanomaterial' in October 2011, this report identifies relevant measurement methods and key challenges for measuring nanoparticle size in the regulatory context

Contact Name	JRC-IHCP, Communication

In October 2011 the European Commission published its recommendation on a common definition of the term "nanomaterial" for regulatory purposes. Proper implementation of this definition requires appropriate tools and methodologies for which measurement aspects are crucial.

This report describes the requirements for particle size measurements of nanomaterials based on the definition. It discusses the related generic measurement issues and reviews the capabilities of the measurement methods currently available. Moreover, it illustrates with practical examples the measurement issues that remain to be solved.

The report does not cover other related issues, such as the implementation of the definition by means other than through measurements, or methods to detect specific nanomaterials (such as fullerenes and single-wall carbon nanotubes), measurements to assess exposure to or effects of nanomaterials, or the detection and measurement of nanomaterials in consumer products. These will be addressed in a follow-up report.

Download the Report from the JRC Publication Repository:
T. Linsinger, G. Roebben, D. Gilliland, L. Calzolai, F. Rossi, P. Gibson, C. Klein, Requirements on measurements for the implementation of the European Commission definition of the term 'nanomaterial', EUR 25404 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2012. JRC73260
See also full reference of the Report

Read more on the JRC web site and download the JRC news release (17.09.2012)

See also: Commission Recommendation of 18 October 2011 on the definition of nanomaterial. Text with EEA relevance. OJ L 275, 20.10.2011, p. 38–40

Document Actions

News: Highlights: Major EU regulatory tool enhanced with JRC reporting forms - Apr 17, 2013; JRC scientists contribute to the synthesis of radiolabelled gold nanoparticle aerosols for rodent inhalation and translocation studies - Mar 28, 2013; JRC scientists introduce "representative test materials" - Mar 21, 2013; New experiments at the JRC Cyclotron on the production of Rhodium-105 from enriched Ruthenium-104 - Feb 20, 2013; Flame retardant materials: JRC-IHCP is partner of the 3-year FP7 project DEROCA - Feb 14, 2013; Radiolabelled silver nanoparticles synthesized at the JRC Cyclotron - Feb 06, 2013; JRC Technical Report and Presentations now available: Symposium 'Safety issues and regulatory challenges of nanomaterials', May 2012 - Jan 25, 2013; Live Webstreaming 30.01 9h30-16h30 CET: Workshop on the Second Regulatory Review on Nanomaterials - Jan 30, 2013; JRC scientists investigate toxicity of gold nanoparticles - Jan 23, 2013; Krzysztof Maruszewski new Director of JRC-IHCP as from 01 January 2013 - Jan 10, 2013; see all

News: Publications: Updated list of materials in the JRC Nanomaterials Repository - Oct 27, 2011; The JRC MC40 Cyclotron and nanoparticle activation - Jul 04, 2011; Poster: Support to policy - Nanotechnology - Part 2 - Jun 16, 2011; Poster: Support to policy - Nanotechnology - Part 1 - Jun 16, 2011; E. Anklam: "Bridging Science and Policy to Support Innovation and Consumers’ Acceptance of Nanotechnology" - Jun 16, 2011; Updated list of materials in the JRC Nanomaterials Repository - May 26, 2011; see all

News: Multimedia: Watch our videoclip "Small materials, big impact" - Oct 17, 2011; see all

Deliverables: Reports: JRC Technical Report and Presentations: Symposium 'Safety issues and regulatory challenges of nanomaterials', May 2012 - Feb 02, 2013 - Jan 02, 2013; JRC report " Requirements on measurements for the implementation of the European Commission definition of the term 'nanomaterial'" - Sep 17, 2012; Joint JRC-EASAC Report "Impact of engineered nanomaterials on health: considerations for benefit-risk assessment" - Oct 18, 2011; Summary Report - Joint JRC Nano Event and 2nd ENPRA Stakeholders Workshop 2011 - Jan 10, 2011; Report of Workshop "Early Harvest of Research Results on Nanosafety" - Sep 13, 2010; see all

Watch our video "Small materials, big impact": The video, issued in October 2011, illustrates JRC activities in support to safety assessment of nanomaterials in consumer products.

Watch it on You Tube, JRC channel

Related terms: nanoparticle

nanomaterials

carbon nanotubes

fullerene

As the Commission's in-house science service, the Joint Research Centre's mission is to provide EU policies with independent, evidence-based scientific and technical support throughout the whole policy cycle. Working in close cooperation with policy Directorates-General, the JRC addresses key societal challenges while stimulating innovation through developing new methods, tools and standards, and sharing its know-how with the Member States, the scientific community and international partners. Key policy areas include: environment and climate change; energy and transport; agriculture and food security; health and consumer protection; information society and digital agenda; safety and security, including nuclear; all supported through a cross-cutting and multidisciplinary approach.

Last update: Nov 07, 2012

Top