HARMLESS

Next generation nanomaterials are a challenge for the established risk assessment and management paradigm. The regulatory frameworks have just been modified to address risk assessment of primary nanomaterials with simple coatings and are currently in the first phase of implementing methods and tools adequate for simple nanomaterials. Next generation nanomaterials and products thereof, are multiconstuent materials which exhibit much more complex behaviour, potentially including mixture toxicology. The morphologies and stoichiometry of next generation advanced nanomaterials are not harmless, as designs including high aspect ratio shapes and heavy metal content are abundant. By elucidating the role of nanostructures, their transformation and initiation of adverse outcome pathways, HARMLESS will provide novel tools, guidance and decision support for balancing functionality versus risk to ensure that the next generation nanomaterials will be harmless.