ISO/TR 13121, Nanotechnologies — Nanomaterial risk evaluation, describes a process for identifying, evaluating, addressing, making decisions about, and communicating the potential risks of developing and using manufactured nanomaterials, in order to protect the health and safety of the public, consumers, workers, and the environment. It offers guidance on the information needed to make sound risk evaluations and risk management decisions, as well as how to manage in the face of incomplete or uncertain information by using reasonable assumptions and appropriate risk management practices.

ISO/TR 13121 focuses on manufactured nanomaterials that consist of particles typically at or below 100 nanometers (nm) in one dimension (e.g., nanoplates), two dimensions (e.g., nanofibres), or three dimensions (e.g., nanoparticles). The process described is focused primarily on manufactured nanomaterials as they are used in industrial, chemical, manufacturing, and consumer applications, and on the potential risks associated with releases of nanomaterials at some point in their lifecycles.

ISO/TR 13121 was prepared by ISO TC 229, Nanotechnologies, Working Group (WG) 3, Health, Safety and Environment. This group is U.S.-led, operating under the leadership of Steven Brown of the Intel Corporation. Dr. Laurie Locascio of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) serves as the WG 3 chair for the ANSI-accredited U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to ISO TC 229.

“This Technical Report represents a collaborative effort by experts around the world,” said Mr. Brown. “It is designed to provide sound technical guidance for all organizations handling nanomaterials, including small to medium enterprises, and can be applied to research and development activities performed in academic settings.”

The United States participates actively in the work of ISO TC 229 and its four WGs, and national input is developed by the U.S. TAG to ISO TC 229, a group that is accredited and administered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

To learn more about the U.S. TAG for ISO TC 229, visit www.ansi.org/isotc229tag or contact Heather Benko ([email protected]).