This document specifies a method for collecting samples of airborne particulate matter for subsequent determination of metals and metalloids using inductively coupled plasma — atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Samples obtained using the method described herein can also be subsequently analysed for elemental composition by other instrumental methods, such as atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

The method is not applicable to the sampling of mercury, which is present in air in the vapour phase at ambient temperatures; inorganic compounds of metals and metalloids that are permanent gases, e.g. arsine (AsH₃); or inorganic compounds of metals and metalloids that are present in the vapour phase at ambient temperatures, e.g. arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃).

NOTE Although the method does not describe a means of collecting inorganic compounds of metals and metalloids that are present in the vapour phase, in most instances this is relatively easily to achieve by using a back-up filter which has been pre-treated to trap the compound(s) of interest, e.g. a back-up paper pad impregnated with sodium carbonate is suitable for collecting arsenic trioxide (see ISO 11041^[2]).

The method is applicable to personal sampling of the inhalable, thoracic or respirable fraction of airborne particles, as defined in ISO 7708, and to static sampling.

This document excludes sampling of surfaces or bulk materials. Guidance on collection of samples for surfaces may be found in ASTM D7659^[7].