There is a general belief that the successful exploitation of nanomaterials and nanotechnology can create many benefits, particularly exciting new products and new markets. Nanomaterials can, in principle, promote reduced pollution, enhanced energy conservation and improved husbandry of increasingly scarce natural resources.

All this is made possible by the pronounced changes in the properties of materials when they are engineered down to nanometre (1 billionth of a metre) scale. In short, very small quantities of nanomaterials can make very big differences. However, along with these benefits come a number of new challenges. For example, comparatively little is known about the activity of nanomaterials upon the human body. This is because their risk depends not only upon their chemical composition, but also their particulate size, shape and form. Currently, much information pertinent to these variables is limited and consequently manufacturers are proceeding very cautiously with nanomaterial development and exploitation. AssuredNano™ exisits to overcome the obstacles to nanomaterial commercialisation resulting from SHE concerns. AssuredNano offers, for the first time, a way for responsible manufacturers to address SHE concerns based upon the application of good current practice. In so doing it provides a demonstration to all stakeholders in nanomaterials and nanotechnology that SHE issues are being taken seriously and tackled proactively and that the health and safety of people exposed to nanomaterials or nano-enabled products will be safeguarded throughout the product life cycle (ie from cradle to grave).

AssuredNano’s Market

AssuredNano is an accreditation scheme which is both comprehensive in its scope, but also in application. It has just as much relevance to the research group in a corporate or university laboratory as to a manufacturer of nanomaterials or nano-enabled products. It is equally applicable to the SME as to the global multinational company. In addition, AssuredNano is committed to both continuous improvement of its own methodologies, but also those of the organisations to be accredited. In such a fast moving environment as nanomaterial and nanotechnology SHE, where knowledge is developing constantly, such an approach is not just good practice, but vital.

Awareness

Pivotal to AssuredNano is its access to the key researchers and knowledge leaders in nanomaterial SHE. Its close links with the Institute of Occupational Medicine, the pre-eminent authority world-wide in nanomaterial SHE, ensures the credibility of AssuredNano’s technical methodology. As part of its offer, AssuredNano will promote the timely dissemination of up to the minute nanomaterial SHE information and advice. By creating nanomaterial SHE awareness and advocating the adoption of evolving examples of good practice, AssuredNano will ensure that the future of nanomaterials and nanotechnology is indeed bright.

Risk Reduction

AssuredNano is all about risk reduction: risk elimination is impossible in a dynamic and changing world. However, the adoption of good current practice will ensure that nanomaterials and nanotechnology are exploited responsibly. The ethical commercialisation of nanomaterials and nanotechnology will guarantee that their success benefits all of society. AssuredNano will be instrumental in delivering that success.