Nanomaterials are materials designed at the molecular (nanometre) level to take advantage of their small size and/or novel properties which are generally not seen in their conventional bulk form. Nanomaterials which are considered to be industrial chemicals fall within the scope of the National Industrial Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS).
In 2006, there was increasing research, development and use of nanomaterials and NICNAS needed to ensure that the regulatory regime was appropriate for assessing and regulating nanomaterials in order to protect human health and the environment. To do so, it was necessary to understand both the hazards of the nanomaterials and potential exposures that are likely to occur.
Purpose and scope of the 2006 call for information
There was little publicly available information on which nanomaterials were used for industrial (including domestic and cosmetic) purposes in Australia. Information on the use of nanomaterials was recognised as a first step in understanding the potential for exposure.
To obtain this information, NICNAS issued a voluntary call for information on nanomaterials in the Chemical Gazette of February 2006. The call for information was directed to all persons who manufactured or imported nanomaterials or products (mixtures) containing nanomaterials for industrial uses during 2005 and 2006.
Companies were asked to provide information on the types of nanomaterials, their volume of introduction and uses. Nanomaterials used exclusively as therapeutic goods (such as sunscreens), food or food additives and agricultural or veterinary chemicals, do not fall within the scope of NICNAS and were consequently outside the call for information.
In 2006 there was no agreed national or international definition of nanomaterials. For the purposes of the call for information, NICNAS used the broad definition for nanomaterials as those materials that have been specifically engineered to have at least one dimension less than 100nm.
