A Scottish university is to lead a multi-million global project assessing the risks of nanomaterials.

The scientists will develop an approach to minimise the harm which may be posed to humans or the environment by nanomaterials, which are used in products including clothing, medicines, cosmetics and electronics.

Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University will coordinate the GRACIOUS project to reduce the need to individually assess the risks posed by building a framework which allows decisions on their safety to be made.

Professor Vicki Stone, director of nano-safety research group at Heriot-Watt University, said: "Nanomaterials are hundreds of times smaller than the width of a human hair and can be made from many different elements.

"Because they can vary in terms of size, shape and other characteristics, tens of thousands of different nanomaterials can be produced, making it challenging to assess each individually.

"Nanotechnology promises significant benefits. Materials can be made stronger, lighter, more durable and more reactive among many other traits.

"Many products that are in daily use already rely on nanoscale materials but the growth of this industry is threatened by safety uncertainties."

She added: "To ensure that nanomaterials are safely used, their toxicity needs to be assessed."