Engineered nanomaterials (ENM) can pose a challenge within Test Guidelines (TG) and Guidance Documents (GD) for substance characterisation and safety assessment, with complexity in lab analysis and data interpretation. The NanoHarmony project supports the development of a set of scientifically reliable test methods and good practice documents, based on the translation of existing scientific knowledge and data into a form that has regulatory relevance.
NanoHarmony focuses on OECD TGs and GDs for eight nanomaterial test endpoints that have been prioritized with the help of ECHA, NMEG, Industry and the Malta Initiative and considering the OECD WPMN priority recommendations.
NanoHarmony coordinates the collection and use of available data and information to support the finalisation of the test method development. It also develops a sustainable international network of experts, for data analysis and recommendations for test method maturation, plus future regulatory pathways.
NanoHarmony also analyses processes in test method developments, to set up a framework structure for seamless and smooth cooperation between all stakeholders for timely developments of test methods ready for regulation.
Open workshops, interviews and stakeholder engagement are core to NanoHarmony’s activities to achieve the finalisation of test methods and framework development. By identifying gaps and obstacles, and developing an adequate framework for possible implementation, future needs for regulatory test methods will be identified and methods developed faster.
All interested stakeholders can follow NanoHarmony progress and be involved in project activities, including webinars and workshops. Visit ‘Get Involved‘ to sign up as a stakeholder and express an interest in contributing to project work. The project is part of the ‘Malta Initiative‘, where 18 European countries, several Directorates-General of the European Commission, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), authorities, research institutions, NGOs, universities and industry work together on a voluntary and self-organised basis with the aim to make legislation enforceable, particularly within the chemicals sector.