ISO Issues Technical Report on Nanotech Safety
The field of nanotechnologies is advancing rapidly and is expected to impact virtually every facet of global industry and society. ISO has just published a report, ISO/TR 12885:2008, "Health and safety practices in occupational settings relevant to nanotechnologies," which focuses on the manufacture and use of engineered nanomaterials. The technical report is based on current information about nanotechnologies, including characterization, health effects, exposure assessments, and control practices.
Broadly applicable across a range of nanomaterials and applications, the technical report provides advice for companies, researchers, workers and other people to prevent adverse health and safety consequences during the production, handling, use and disposal of manufactured nanomaterials.
Dr. Peter Hatto, chair of ISO technical committee ISO/TC 229, Nanotechnologies, comments: "The introduction of new engineered nanomaterials into the workplace raises questions concerning occupational safety and health that should be addressed, as appropriate, by international standards. While such standards are being developed, it is important, through ISO/TR 12885:2008, to assemble and make available to users, useful knowledge on occupational safety and health practices in the context of nanotechnologies."
The technical report will be revised and updated and new safety standards will be developed as knowledge increases and experience is gained in the course of technological advance.
For more information, contact ISO at http://www.iso.org.