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Review of OECD/OPPTS-harmonized and OPPTS ecotoxicity test guidelines for their applicability to manufactured nanomaterials
Citation:
DIAMOND, S. A., D. UTTERBACK, C. P. ANDERSEN, R. M. BURGESS, S. HIRANO, K. T. HO, C. INGERSOLL, M. G. JOHNSON, A. J. KENNEDY, D. R. MOUNT, J. W. NICHOLS, P. PANDARD, P. T. RYGIEWICZ, J. J. SCOTT-FORDSMAND, AND K. STEWART. Review of OECD/OPPTS-harmonized and OPPTS ecotoxicity test guidelines for their applicability to manufactured nanomaterials. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-09/065, 2009.
Impact/Purpose:
This report summarizes the results of a review process conducted by an international workgroup, identifies specific areas where test guidelines are adequate or inadequate, and provides some recommendations for regulatory testing of nanomaterials. The general conclusion of the workgroup is that none of the current test guidelines reviewed is adequate for testing NMs. The breadth of the review, inclusion of selected, non-Series 850 guidelines, and the nature of the inadequacies, suggests that this is true of essentially all test guidelines (no colloid-specific toxicity test methods were identified).
Description:
Assessing the environmental risk of manufactured nanomaterials (NMs) presents a significant and growing challenge for environmental regulators. These materials, defined as having at least one physical dimensions between 1 and 100 nanometers are being developed, produced, and incorporated into a broad range of commercial, medical, environmental, and other products. The challenge for regulators derives in part from this rapid pace of development, but also because early evidence suggest that nanomaterials can and will be created in nearly unlimited variations in size, form, elemental composition, and the addition of functional groups. While the regulatory challenge of ever-growing numbers of substances is not unique relative to soluble chemicals, NMs also present several additional and novel challenges due to their particulate or fibrous properties. A concern for regulators is what sort of guidance should be given to potential registrants on how NMs should be tested. This report summarizes the results of a review process conducted by an international workgroup, identifies specific areas where test guidelines are adequate or inadequate, and provides some recommendation for regulatory testing of NMs.