DUSTINANO: a pre-normative research project towards a harmonized approach to evaluate the nanomaterials dustiness

The propensity of bulk nanomaterials powders to be released as particles, the so called dustiness, is an important consideration for worker exposure and the design and operation of many industrial or research processes. OECD considers that dustiness is one of the endpoints to take into account as it contributes to a proper risk assessment of the nanomaterials. Also, the RIP-oN 2 project on the key aspects of the implementation of REACH considers as advantageous to have accurate information on dustiness as part of the Integrated Testing Strategy for properties relevant for nanomaterials. These last years, few studies have been performed in adapting the two methods described in the EN 15051 standard for nanomaterials (i.e. the rotating drum and the continuous drop systems), while new approaches have also been proposed based on a small rotating drum and a vortex shaker. These four methods are different in their concept of agitation (and energy input). However, the absence of a harmonized approach concerning the measurement strategies and techniques, metrics and size ranges and the procedures of data analysis and reporting limits the comparison of these different dustiness methods. In response to this need, a pre-normative research project has been launched under the mandate 461 between the European Commission and CEN. The objectives of this joint research effort are: (1) Develop a harmonized approach for evaluating dustiness for nanopowders taking into account the different existing concepts and test apparatus; (2) Assess the comparability and the repeatability for a given test system using the develop approach and (3) Evaluate how similar is the dustiness ranking of a selection of nanopowders using the different test system and approach develop within the project.