Overview
EN ISO 21683:2020 (ISO 21683:2019) - "Pigments and extenders: Determination of experimentally simulated nano-object release from paints, varnishes and pigmented plastics" - specifies a standardized laboratory method to assess whether and how many nanoscale pigments and extenders are released into the environment when coated surfaces or pigmented plastics undergo mechanical stress. The standard covers simulation of lifecycle conditions (aging, weathering, conditioning) and quantification of airborne particulate release (aerosols) under controlled stress application.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and definitions: clear definitions of nanoscale (approximately 1–100 nm), nano-objects and related terms to ensure consistent interpretation.
- Test specimens and conditioning: requirements for sample preparation, aging and weathering to simulate realistic lifecycle exposure.
- Methods of stress: description of mechanical stress processes (abrasion, erosion, comminution) and the need to record process parameters and energy applied.
- Measurement strategy: emphasis on particle number concentration and number-weighted particle size distribution as primary measurands, since mass-based detection of nano-objects is often below instrument sensitivity.
- Aerosol measurement and sampling: guidance on aerosol background control, sampling line configuration, aerosol conditioning and compatible aerosol measuring equipment.
- Procedure, calculation and reporting: standardized steps for executing tests, calculation of release metrics and detailed test report contents to support reproducibility and interpretation.
- Informative annexes: examples of stress-application parameters and recommended aerosol measuring equipment.
Applications and users
EN ISO 21683:2020 is practical for:
- Coating and pigment manufacturers verifying the potential for nano-object release from formulations.
- Paint, varnish and pigmented-plastics producers during product development and quality control.
- Independent testing laboratories performing exposure and emission testing for clients or certification bodies.
- Regulatory authorities and safety assessors needing standardized data to evaluate environmental and occupational exposure risks.
- R&D and health & safety teams conducting nanoparticle release studies, risk assessment and mitigation design.
Use cases include comparative testing of formulations, supporting safety declarations, compliance evidence for product stewardship, and informing exposure control measures.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 21683:2020, nano-object release, pigments and extenders, paints varnishes pigmented plastics, aerosol measurement, particle number concentration, nanoparticle testing, lifecycle conditioning.
