SCENIHR lists applications of nanotechnology in medicine and graphene among emerging risk issues
The European Commission Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) addressed a statement about emerging health or environmental risks to the European Commission (EC). The members of the SCENIHR demand for a consistent report of the issues according to certain criteria.
The aim of this position paper is to draw the attention of the EC to potential future risks. Besides further materials or procedures, such as 3D-printers or E-cigarettes, the use of nanomaterials in medicine and graphene nanomaterials are considered as emerging risks. In medicine, nanoparticles are used to selectively transport drugs within the human body. Such particles may accumulate in organs, leading to health issues, according to SCENIHR. Various exposure pathways as well as effects of different combinations of drugs and nanoparticles should therefore be investigated. The impacts of graphene emissions from electronic devices are largely unknown. Because of the high stability of graphene, environmental or health issues might result. Both of these emerging risks are considered as urgent.
Source: SCENIHR (2014). Position Statement on emerging and newly identified health risks be drawn to the attention of the European Commission.
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