CERASAFE is a pioneering European project suported by the SIINN ERA-NET. In the particular framework seven main partners, from different European research institutions, are participating and cooperating (CSIC – IDAEA, UL, Nova ID, UJI, BBU, INSA, ULCO).

Nowadays, in the aftermath of the nanotechnology breakthrough, we live in the era of nanotechnology application and commercialisation. Ceramic nanomaterials (nanoceramics) are about to dominate the respective market due to their numerous and advantageous properties. Several industries have already incorporated within their production processes the manufacture of different types of ceramic nanoparticles, as well as the application of those nanomaterials on conventional products.

CERASAFE proposes an integrated approach to enviromental health and safety (EHS) in the ceramic industry. The aims of the project are:

• to characterise release scenarios during industrial processes of the ceramic sector
• to assess exposure by addressing the release mechanisms and the toxicity
• to characterise the intentionally and unintentionally produced nanoparticles
• to propose mitigation measures in order to minimise exposure

CERASAFE will also develop an online tool to discriminate engineered ceramic nanoparticles from background aerosols, innovating the field of characterisation methods relevant to EHS issues. The project will establish a set of “Good Manufacturing and Use Practices” for nanoceramic materials. Results will be collected in a public database complemented with risk assessment and including recommendations for industry, users and stakeholders to ensure worker safety during ceramic nanomaterials manufacturing, application and processing.

Furthermore, “CERASAFE” will go beyond the state of the art by closing one of the major knowledge gaps in exposure assessment, the one between results from personal exposure and stationary measurements. All the data will be evaluated and interconnected with the different parameters in order to achieve a full and detailed interpretation. Finally, “CERASAFE” will contribute in motivating ceramic and nanotechnology industries to adopt and implement safer and cleaner methods of productions, resulting in overall reduce of health and environmental hazards.

1 January 2016 – 31 December 2018