ISO Publishes Technical Report on Safe Handling of Nanotechnology in the Workplace

An ISO technical committee focusing on nanotechnology issues has developed a technical report (ISO/TR 12885:2008) that 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.” Titled Health and Safety Practices in Occupational Settings Relevant to Nanotechnologies, the report “is expected to be widely adopted as a foundation for national nanotechnology occupational safety and health programs around the world,” according to the project leader, who also serves as special assistant to the director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

ISO is an international standard-setting organization that brings together experts from around the world to establish technical standards that are often adopted by the governments of member states; each national delegation develops its positions in consultation with all potentially affected stakeholders. The group that developed this report is ISO/TC 229, Nanotechnologies, Working Group 3, Health, Safety and the Environment, which is led by the United States under the guidance of an Intel Corp. representative. Nanomaterials are used in a host of consumer products, including food packaging materials. See ISO Press Release, January 5, 2009; ANSI Press Release, January 7, 2009.