5.1 The health of workers in many industries is at risk through exposure by inhalation to toxic metals. Industrial hygienists and other public health professionals need to determine the effectiveness of measures taken to control workers' exposures, and this is generally achieved by making workplace air measurements. Exposure to some metal-containing particles has been demonstrated to cause dermatitis, skin ulcers, eye problems, chemical pneumonitis, and other physical disorders (16).3

5.2 FAAS is capable of quantitatively determining many metals in air samples at the levels required by federal, state, and local occupational health and air pollution regulations. The analysis results can be used for the assessment of workplace exposures to metals in workplace air. The suitability of FAAS for elemental analysis for exposure assessment purposes must be investigated prior to carrying out workplace air sampling, in consideration of relevant occupational exposure limit values (OELVs) for metals of concern.

1.1 This test method covers the collection, dissolution, and determination of trace metals in workplace atmospheres, by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS).

1.2 The estimated method detection limits and optimum working concentration ranges for 21 metals are given in Table 1.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 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. (Specific safety precautionary statements are given in Section 9.)

1.5 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.