What is this ISO 15800 - Human exposure to soil about?
ISO 15800 provides guidance on the type and extent of soil characterization necessary for the evaluation of human exposure to substances present in possibly leading to adverse effects. Background information is provided on human health related to exposure to soil and the influence on exposure via different pathways.
ISO 15800 provides information that depends on the type and concentration of the substance, the relevant soil parameters, and the type of exposure relevant for the area investigated, represented in the conceptual site model (CSM). Furthermore, the sampling method and strategies can depend on the use of the project area and the possible exposure patterns.
Note: ISO 15800 does not provide guidance on:
- The design or selection of numerical models that can be used to estimate exposure
- Potential exposure to radioactivity, pathogens, or asbestos in soil
Who is ISO 15800 - Human exposure to soil for?
ISO 15800 on human exposure to soil is useful for:
- Health professionals
- Soil scientists
- Soil laboratories
- Health and safety inspectors
- Owners and users of the site
Why should you use ISO 15800 - Human exposure to soil?
Characterizations of soils and sites relating to human exposure are performed all over the world. They are often planned and conducted by consultancies and expert organizations. Information from these characterizations is used to assess human exposure. ISO 15800 provides guidance on the types of information that might be required for a human health risk assessment and indicates for which parameters or procedures International Standards are available.
ISO 15800 aims to perform risk assessments with respect to human exposure. These assessments are performed by referring to published International or National Standards that set out physical, chemical, or other criteria that are complied with, or according to criteria set on a site-specific basis. In many jurisdictions, formal guidance on such assessments has been published and should be considered. Guidance has also been provided by professional organizations and some standardization bodies.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS ISO 15800:2019 supersedes ISO 15800:2003, which is withdrawn. BS ISO 15800:2019 includes some technical changes with respect to ISO 15800:2003.
These include:
- The feedback on contaminated soil management for 15 years has been taken into account
- The analysis results have been updated
