Nanomaterials in waste

Nanotechnologies and nanomaterials are having a large and growing impact on society. For example, all kinds of nanomaterial-containing consumer products are being launched onto the market, including electronics and personal care products. In 2006, the Health Council of the Netherlands published an advisory report entitled “Health significance of nanotechnologies”, in which it called for a policy based on the precautionary principle. The Dutch government adopted this report’s recommendations in its 2006 Government Vision on Nanotechnology. Building on that previous advisory report, the Health Council is using this horizonscanning report to raise awareness of the issue of nanomaterials in waste. It was drafted by the Health and Environment Surveillance Committee, which is tasked with alerting the authorities to important links between environmental factors and human health.