Overview
ISO/TS 21623:2017 - Workplace exposure: Assessment of dermal exposure to nano-objects and their aggregates and agglomerates (NOAA) provides a systematic framework for evaluating occupational skin exposure to engineered nanomaterials and nano-enabled products. The Technical Specification guides identification of exposure routes, exposed body parts, and potential consequences (skin uptake, local effects and inadvertent ingestion) arising during production, handling and professional use (e.g., cosmeticians). It is intended for occupational hygienists, safety professionals and researchers assessing workplace exposure to nanoparticles and nano-objects.
Key Topics
- Definitions and metrics: clear terms for nano-objects, aggregates, agglomerates, nanoscale and dermal exposure parameters (dermal exposure mass, loading, concentration, surface).
- Source domains and exposure routes: links life-cycle release mechanisms to dermal contamination pathways and identifies where NOAA release is likely (synthesis, manufacturing, downstream use).
- Stepwise assessment approach:
- Step 1 - Desk evaluation (including toxicological hazard evaluation based on NOAA composition and job-title screening);
- Step 2 - Observation of potential dermal exposure;
- Step 3 - Observation of worker behaviour;
- Step 4 - Quantification of NOAA on skin or contact surfaces;
- Step 5 - Evaluation and review.
- Annexed guidance: informative annexes include industries associated with nanomaterial use, methods to determine skin disruption, the DREAM dermal exposure assessment method, inadvertent ingestion pathways, and exploratory measurement considerations for nanoparticles.
- Outcomes considered: potential for systemic penetration, local skin effects (absorption by stratum corneum), and hand-to-mouth ingestion.
Applications
- Performing workplace risk screening and prioritization for dermal exposure to nanoparticles during manufacture, handling or application of nano-enabled products.
- Informing occupational hygiene surveys, observational studies and exposure quantification protocols.
- Guiding safety professionals in defining control measures, PPE selection and worker training based on identified exposure routes and behaviors.
- Supporting researchers studying skin uptake, transfer from surfaces to skin, and measurement feasibility of NOAA.
- Applicable to professional users of nano-containing products (e.g., beauticians), but not to intentional consumer use or prescribed exposures.
Who should use it
- Occupational hygienists, industrial safety officers, regulatory assessors, R&D scientists, and consultants involved in workplace exposure assessment, risk management and standard development for nanomaterials.
Related standards
- EN 1540 (workplace exposure terminology), ISO 18158 (workplace air terminology)
- References to dermal exposure guidance: CEN/TR 15278, CEN/TS 15279, ISO/TR 14294
- ISO/TS 80004 series (nanotechnology vocabulary)
This specification is a practical resource for integrating dermal exposure considerations into comprehensive workplace exposure assessments for nanomaterials.