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FAQ: NSF/ANSI/CAN 600 in Relation to Standards NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 and 61

February 15, 2023
In this article, we cover common misconceptions about reference standard NSF/ANSI/CAN 600 and its relationship to NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 and 61.

Full Names of the Standards

NSF/ANSI/CAN 60: Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals - Health Effects

NSF/ANSI/CAN 61: Drinking Water System Components - Health Effects

NSF/ANSI/CAN 600: Health Effects Evaluation and Criteria for Chemicals in Drinking Water

Q: Does NSF/ANSI/CAN 600 Replace NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61?

A: No, NSF/ANSI/CAN 600 is a companion standard to the flagship North American standards NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61.

Q: What Do NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 Address?

A: NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 covers the health effects of drinking water treatment chemicals.

NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 covers the health effects of drinking water system components.

Q: What Is the Purpose of NSF/ANSI/CAN 600? Why Was It Created?

A: This standard defines the toxicology review procedures for evaluating the potential human health risk of contaminants that may be imparted to drinking water with anticipated use of treatment chemicals (NSF/ANSI/CAN 60) and water distribution system components (NSF/ANSI/CAN 61).

Until 2018, the content now comprising Standard 600 was located in Annexes A, C and D between NSF/ANSI/CAN Standards 60 and 61. Annex A in both standards contained the toxicological risk assessment procedures for establishing pass/fail criteria. On the other hand, Annex C (from NSF/ANSI/CAN 60) and Annex D (from NSF/ANSI/CAN 61) contained the pass/fail criteria.

The joint committees that oversee NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 decided to separate these sections into their own standard that would serve as a reference standard for all drinking water standards.

This consolidation was intended to make the toxicology data more accessible, as well as to make it easier to update and navigate the pass/fail criteria. This new reference standard was then designated NSF/ANSI/CAN 600.

Q: Is NSF/ANSI/CAN 600 a Standard To Be Certified Against?

A: No, it serves as a reference standard.

Q: Is There a Charge for NSF/ANSI/CAN 600?

A: Yes. However, anyone purchasing a copy of NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 or 61 will receive a complimentary copy of NSF/ANSI/CAN 600.

Q: Where Can I Learn More About These Three Standards?

A: Visit the following pages:

NSF/ANSI/CAN 60

NSF/ANSI/CAN 61

NSF/ANSI/CAN 600

Overview of NSF/ANSI/CAN 600 and Updated Health Effects Criteria

We explore the movement of the toxicological risk assessment procedure and pass/fail criteria from NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 to reference standard NSF/ANSI/CAN 600. We also dive into implementation periods around specific product types referenced, including toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes.
Learn more

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