A multidisciplinary approach to the identification of reference materials for engineered nanoparticle toxicology

Abstract

The development of reference materials for toxicology and metrology is a critical component in establishing testing strategies and methods for human health hazard assessment of nanoparticles. A UK-based project (REFNANO) employed a workshop-based process to identify a priority list of candidate reference materials to support the measurement, toxicology and risk assessment of engineered nanoparticles. Consensus was reached amongst leading UK experts in toxicology, metrology and risk assessment from academia, government and industry on: (i) A rationale for the selection and development of priority reference/test materials; (ii) a priority listing of reference/test materials; (iii) the quantities of materials needed and the matrix in which they are present; and (iv) a recommended set of characteristics to be determined for the reference/test materials. The project also identified a series of actions for the development and promulgation of reference materials for nanoparticles for further consideration, both nationally and internationally.

• Nanotoxicology
• reference materials
• nanoparticles
• risk assessment

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the valuable contribution made by all those attending the two workshops. Without their enthusiasm and their contribution this project would not have been possible. We would also like to thank those who assisted in the preparation of the project's briefing papers and in the organization of the two workshops. This work was funded by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) under project CB01099.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.