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:
ISO 15800 on human exposure to soil is useful for:
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.
BS ISO 15800:2019 supersedes ISO 15800:2003, which is withdrawn.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:
ISO 15800