Test No. 127: Dustiness determination of materials containing nano‑objects and their aggregates and agglomerates

This Test Guideline on the dustiness determination of manufactured nanomaterials was developed to address the need for standardised dustiness test methods applicable to powders containing granular and fibrous Nano-Objects, and their Aggregates and Agglomerates (NOAA). Dustiness is the propensity of a powder or finely divided solid material to generate airborne dust during its handling under a mechanical or aerodynamic stimulus. The dustiness of a material can be measured using various measurands including health-related dustiness mass fractions, a number-based dustiness index, and a number-based emission rate. These measurands are valuable for several applications, although their selection should be tailored to the specific objectives of each test. This Test Guideline describes six methods applicable to powders containing NOAA. The methods are the Rotating Drum, Small Rotating Drum, Continuous Drop, Vortex Shaker, Fluidizer, and Venturi. Overall, dustiness data is essential for effective risk management, material development, and workplace safety improvements.