Precautionary Matrix for Synthetic Nanomaterials

Switzerland's Federal Office of Public Health and Federal Office for the Environment has recently revised/updated the Precautionary Matrix for Synthetic Nanomaterials based on user's experience in using the matrix. The revision was made in early 2010. 

"Guidelines on the Precautionary Matrix for Synthetic Nanomaterials" - this link to the matrix webpage provides several documents that can be used to implement the concept, including a factsheet, the matrix document itself, and a guideline document.

The matrix is designed to "estimate the 'nanospecific potential risk' of synthetic nanomaterials and of their applications for employees, consumers and the environment, based on selected parameters. However, the approach should not in any way be compared with doing a risk assessment.

An Important Tool for Trade and Industry
The precautionary matrix provides a structured method to assess the "nanospecific precautionary need" of workers, consumers and the environment arising from the production and use of synthetic nanomaterials. The matrix is a tool to help trade and industry meet their obligations of care and self-monitoring. It helps them to recognise applications which may entail risk and to take precautionary measures to protect human health and the environment. In the case of new developments, the matrix can contribute to the development of safer products. It enables users to conduct an initial analysis on the basis of currently available knowledge and indicates when further investigations are necessary. The precautionary matrix is available to a broad circle of users at home and abroad. It will be further developed in close cooperation with trade, industry and science as well as with consumer and environmental organisations.