Although abuse-resistant gypsum panel products have been on the market for sometime, until recently, there was no standard way to evaluate or classify their various abuse-resistant properties. However, a new standard developed by ASTM International Committee C11 on Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems, now fills this need. The standard, C 1629, Classification for Abuse-Resistant Nondecorated Interior Gypsum Panel Products and Fiber-Reinforced Cement Panels, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee C11.01 on Specifications and Test Methods for Gypsum Products.

The new online "Passport to Steel" now available from ASTM International provides the latest data on more than 50,000 steels with the ability to find comparable worldwide steel standards from organizations around the globe. Several search options, including product forms and alloy groups, make it easy to find needed information quickly. In addition, a Reference Center provides additional related information, including journal articles and book chapters, hardness conversion tables, and metal terminology in four languages.

ASTM International Committee E55 on Pharmaceutical Application of Process Analytical Technology has created a new subcommittee, E55.03 on General Pharmaceutical Standards, which will address issues on quality within a broad framework of chemistry, manufacturing and control.

A new ASTM International standard will assist aerospace companies that are purchasing fine grain titanium alloys. The standard, E 2448, Test Method for Determining the Superplastic Properties of Metallic Sheet Materials, has been developed by ASTM Subcommittee E28.02 on Ductility and Flexure Testing, which is under the jurisdiction of Committee E28 on Mechanical Testing.

STP 1468, Elemental Analysis of Fuels and Lubricants: Recent Advances and Future Prospects, is a new publication now available for purchase from ASTM International. Included in the volume are 23 peer-reviewed papers that provide the latest information on the elemental analysis of fuels and lubricants.

Six sections cover the following topics:

Minor head injuries among soccer players are more common than have been previously recognized, according to a series of recent studies. In one such study conducted by McGill University, it was found that more than 60 percent of college soccer players surveyed had concussion symptoms over the course of a single year. Another study by the National Institutes of Health estimated that 90 percent of sports-related concussions were not recognized or diagnosed.

Verifying the results of application software used to calculate the mechanical properties of materials is the subject of a new standard developed by ASTM International Committee E08 on Fatigue and Fracture. The new standard, E 2443, Guide for Verifying Computer-Generated Test Results Through the Use of Standard Data Sets, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee E08.03 on Advanced Apparatus and Techniques.

A new CD-ROM, "ASTM Standards Related to Biodiesel Fuel Blend Stock (B 100) for Middle Distillate Fuels," is now available from ASTM International. The work includes the latest edition of D6751, Standard Specification for Biodiesel Fuel (B100) Blend Stock for Distillate Fuels as well as 35 other referenced ASTM standards. Among the standards are two practices for sampling petroleum and petroleum products, two specifications for diesel and gas turbine fuel oils, and numerous test methods.

A new, two DVD set, "Reference Radiograph E 2422, Standard Digital Reference Images for Inspection of Aluminum Castings," is now available for purchase from ASTM International.

The images illustrate the types and degrees of discontinuities that may be found in aluminum-alloy castings. This two DVD set consists of 13 digital files, software to load the desired format, and specific instructions on the loading process.

A new publication about the performance of protective clothing is now available from ASTM International. STP 1462, Performance of Protective Clothing: Global Needs and Emerging Markets, 8th Symposium, includes 19 peer-reviewed papers that address topics related to the performance of protective clothing for government and industrial workers, first responders, and civilians.

A vital resource for safety professionals, industrial hygienists, and manufacturers, STP 1462 has five sections covering the following areas: