United States. A new ASTM standard tests the potential of a pressurized aerosol product to be accidentally inhaled and aspirated (traced into the respiratory tract of those near the dew).
The standard (D7952, Test Method for Measuring the Potential Aspiration of Aerosol Products) specifically tests the aspiration potential by determining the spray pattern and aerosol deposition rates. Aspiration can potentially cause lung damage.
ASTM member Woodhall Stopford is an assistant professor at Duke University Medical Center. Stopford notes that this test method was developed to determine whether pressurized aerosol spray products containing petroleum distillates present an aspiration risk and require hazard labeling. Paints, varnishes, dyes and lubricants are some of the products dispensed from pressurized aerosol containers. The new standard could help manufacturers, regulators and laboratories determine if a product is properly labeled and if child-proof caps are needed.
Plans are underway to conduct an inter-lab study for the standard in the next two years.
