Nanotechnology as a new technology is of special interest for the public, the politics and industry. Potential toxicological and ecotoxicological risks linked to this expanding technology cannot be assessed currently. Extensive research and development activities have to follow up in various scientific disciplines. There are needs to map and structure the different research activities and to set priorities. Furthermore it is important to promote research activities that lead to results which are appropriate to perform a comprehensive risk assessment framework and adequate to conclude on regulatory activities (classification, limit values, handling recommendations).

Initiated and coordinated by BAuA (Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), UBA (Federal Environment Agency), BfR (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) and BAuA have developed a joint research strategy, that addresses especially health and environmental risks of engineered nanoparticles. The strategy has been finalised in December 2007.

In addition, in spring 2006 the German Chemical Industry Association (Verband der Chemischen Industrie/VCI) and the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin/BAuA) conducted, among VCI member companies, a joint survey on occupational health and safety in the handling and use of nanomaterials. The purpose of the survey was to obtain an overview of occupational health and safety methods currently applied in the chemical industry in activities involving nanomaterials. The results of the survey have been published in October 2007 (Gefahrstoffe - Reinhaltung der Luft 10/2007, pp. 419-424, in German) and April 2008 (in English).

A further aim was to develop, on the basis of the survey results, a "Guidance for handling and use of nanomaterials at the workplace" - with recommendations and operating instructions for the handling of nanomaterials. The guidance has been finalised in August 2007.