The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) and BASF SE have launched a joint safety research project to investigate potential chronic effects of nanoparticles in the lung.
The studies are scheduled to run for four years and comply with the testing guidelines of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). Total project funding amounts to €5 million (US$6.25 million).
BASF will be conducting the inhalation studies, while stewardship and overall coordination of the project rests with the BMU. The detailed coordination and subsequent evaluation of the results will then be performed by the BAuA, the Federal Environment Office (UBA) and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) as independent competent authorities.
The goal of the study is to allow thoroughly researched statements to be made regarding the long-term effects of various important nanomaterials. One special focus is on investigating effects in the low-exposure range which are of major significance for the workplace and the environment.
For more information, visit http://www.basf.com.
