NBN ISO 15202-1:2021

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 (As2
O3
).
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]
.