ASTM D7952-15(2021)

Standard Test Method for Measuring Aspiration Potential of Aerosol Products

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method provides a means of measuring whether or not an aerosol product may present an aspiration risk if a dispensed aerosol gets into one’s mouth.  
4.2 The degree of risk for aspiration of an aerosol depends both on spray pattern as well as aerosol deposition rate.2  
4.3 This test method will be used to determine the need for child-resistant packaging of aerosol products.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a small-scale laboratory procedure to determine the aspiration potential of aerosol products by determining spray pattern and aerosol deposition rates.  
1.2 This test method has been developed to address a need to identify which aerosol products may present an aspiration risk such that special labeling and/or child-resistant packaging would be appropriate. Studies based on this method may allow the development of a practice to identify such aerosol products.  
1.3 Although this method may be useful for testing non-pressurized aerosol products, its development has been limited to testing pressurized aerosols.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2021
• ICS: 55.130 - Aerosol containers
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.57 - Artist Paints and Related Materials

Overview

ASTM D7952-15(2021), Standard Test Method for Measuring Aspiration Potential of Aerosol Products, provides a laboratory procedure for evaluating whether an aerosol product may present aspiration risks if accidentally dispensed into the mouth. Developed by ASTM International, this test method is essential for manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and safety professionals concerned with aerosol product safety, particularly where labeling and child-resistant packaging may be required.

This standard is aligned with globally recognized principles on standardization as outlined by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee, ensuring its international relevance and acceptance.

Key Topics

• Aspiration Potential Assessment: The standard describes a test method to determine the likelihood that aerosol products could present risks if their contents are inhaled or ingested unintentionally.
• Spray Pattern and Deposition Rate: Two primary factors assessed are the aerosol's spray pattern (stream, cone spray, mist) and its deposition rate (measured in grams per second). Mist patterns deposit less than 0.05 g/s, streams deposit over 0.75 g/s, and cones are intermediate.
• Small-scale Laboratory Testing: The test involves spraying the aerosol product onto a designated test cup and precisely measuring the mass of material deposited.
• Reporting Requirements: Results must include the aerosol type, average deposition rate, spray pattern, and any pooling observed, providing reproducible and interpretable outcomes.
• Child-Resistant Packaging Determination: The results from this method can guide decisions regarding the need for child-resistant or special packaging and relevant risk labeling.

Applications

ASTM D7952-15(2021) is widely used across the aerosol industry and regulatory sectors for:

• Product Safety Evaluation: Identifying aerosol products that may require child-resistant packaging based on their aspiration potential, contributing to consumer protection and product compliance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supporting claims and documentation needed for meeting regulatory obligations regarding the safety of pressurized aerosols.
• Quality Assurance: Allowing manufacturers of paints, personal care products, or any product dispensed in a spray format to assess safety risks during product development and before market release.
• Testing Both Pressurized and Non-Pressurized Aerosols: While primarily developed for pressurized aerosol products, the method is adaptable for non-pressurized versions if appropriate.

Related Standards

• ASTM D3061 - Standard Test Method for Thermoplastic Elastomers-Aerosol Product Evaluation: Focuses on aerosol performance evaluation.
• ISO 8317 - Child-Resistant Packaging – Requirements and Testing Procedures: Specifies international requirements for child-resistant packaging, which may be referenced after determining a product's aspiration risk.
• ASTM D4236 - Standard Practice for Labeling Art Materials for Chronic Health Hazards: Offers broader guidance on product labeling, including for products evaluated using ASTM D7952.

Practical Value

ASTM D7952-15(2021) offers a reliable, standardized approach for measuring aspiration potential in aerosol products, supporting safety assessments and regulatory submissions. By focusing on both spray pattern and deposition rate, this test method helps manufacturers and authorities make informed decisions about product packaging and labeling, mitigating risks for users, especially children. Using this standard ensures compliance with global safety expectations and demonstrates a proactive commitment to consumer safety in the aerosol products market.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D7952 − 15 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Aspiration Potential of Aerosol Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7952; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.1.3 cone spray, n—spray pattern where the bottom of the
test cup is completely covered duringa5to7s test but a
1.1 This test method covers a small-scale laboratory proce-
portion of the aerosol is deposited outside of the cup during the
dure to determine the aspiration potential of aerosol products
entire test.
by determining spray pattern and aerosol deposition rates.
2.1.4 deposition rate, n—the amount of aerosol (in grams)
1.2 This test method has been developed to address a need
that dispenses in a test cup in one second.
to identify which aerosol products may present an aspiration
2.1.5 mist, n—spray pattern where the aerosol only partially
risk such that special labeling and/or child-resistant packaging
covers the bottom of the test cup duringa5to7s test.
would be appropriate. Studies based on this method may allow
2.1.6 pressurized aerosol product, n—an aerosol product
thedevelopmentofapracticetoidentifysuchaerosolproducts.
that is self-pressurized and does not require pumping to
1.3 Although this method may be useful for testing non-
dispense an aerosol.
pressurized aerosol products, its development has been limited
2.1.7 spray pattern, n—the pattern in which an aerosol is
to testing pressurized aerosols.
dispensed and deposited.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3. Summary of Test Method
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.1 After shaking and discarding 5 s worth of spray, the test
and are not considered standard.
aerosol is sprayed onto a test cup held in place with sticky wax
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
fromanaligningapparatus(seeFig.1)for5to7 s.Thetestcup
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
is weighed before the test and within 60 s after concluding the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
test.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Significance and Use
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1 This test method provides a means of measuring
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
whether or not an aerosol product may present an aspiration
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
risk if a dispensed aerosol gets into one’s mouth.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.2 The degree of risk for aspiration of an aerosol depends
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
both on spray pattern as well as aerosol deposition rate.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.3 This test method will be used to determine the need for
2. Terminology child-resistant packaging of aerosol products.
2.1 Definitions:
5. Apparatus
2.1.1 aerosol product, n—a product that dispenses liquid as
5.1 Scale, sensitive to 0.0001 g.
an aerosol.
5.2 6.0 cm Aluminum Weighing Cups.
2.1.2 ballistic stream (or stream), n—a stream pattern that
deposits entirely in the test cup.
5.3 Jeweler’s Sticky Wax.
5.4 Stopwatch, sensitive to ⁄100 th s.
5.5 Plexiglas Sheet,2by3ft.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.57 on Artist Paints and Related Materials.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2021. Published November 2021. Originally Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
approved in 2015. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D7952 – 15. DOI: beobtainedbyrequestingResearchReportRR:D01-1179.ContactASTMCustomer
10.1520/D7952-15R21. Service at [e-mail].
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United State
...