ISO 15202-3:2004

Overview

ISO 15202-3:2004 - Workplace air - Determination of metals and metalloids in airborne particulate matter by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‑AES) - Part 3: Analysis - specifies the analytical procedures for measuring metals and metalloids in workplace air. It covers method development, instrument performance checks, routine analysis, quality control and expression of results for test solutions prepared according to ISO 15202-2 from samples collected as specified in ISO 15202-1. Results are intended for assessment of workplace exposure and comparison with occupational limit values.

Keywords: ISO 15202-3, workplace air, ICP‑AES, metals and metalloids, airborne particulate matter, occupational exposure, method detection limits, matrix‑matching.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Analytical technique: Use of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‑AES) for analysis of dissolved sample solutions.
• Method development: Selection of analytical wavelengths, calibration strategy, matrix‑matching and establishment of the linear dynamic range.
• Instrument performance checks: Routine checks and diagnostics to ensure reliable operation (see informative annexes on maintenance and fault diagnostics).
• Quality control: Use of reagent, laboratory and field blanks; calibration blanks; internal standards; and a quality control procedure (QUID) for identifying instrument malfunctions.
• Detection and quantification: Procedures to estimate detection limits, quantification limits, upper analytical range, bias, precision and overall measurement uncertainty.
• Interferences and corrections: The method generally suffers from no significant spectral interferences when suitable wavelengths are used. However, inaccurate background correction and inadequate matrix‑matching can adversely affect results.
• Scope of elements: Applicable to a wide set of metals and metalloids (for example: aluminium, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, selenium, silver, zinc, uranium, etc.). Note: ISO 15202-3 states that for some listed elements the effectiveness of dissolution methods in ISO 15202-2 is not established. The standard is not applicable to elemental mercury (mercury vapour is not collected by the sampling method in ISO 15202-1).
• Sampling context: Suitable for assessing long‑term exposure (typical sampling at 2 L·min⁻¹ for 30 min to 8 h) and, where applicable, short‑term exposure limits.

Applications and users

• Industrial hygienists and occupational health professionals assessing worker exposure to toxic metals.
• Environmental and analytical laboratories performing workplace air analysis using ICP‑AES.
• Regulatory agencies and health & safety managers comparing measured concentrations with limit values.
• Industries handling metals and metalloids (manufacturing, mining, welding, electronics, plating).

Related standards

• ISO 15202-1:2000 - Sampling (airborne particulate collection)
• ISO 15202-2:2001 - Sample preparation (dissolution methods)
• Reference standards for exposure assessment: EN 689, ASTM E1370 (as cited for exposure comparisons)

This standard provides a practical, traceable framework for ICP‑AES analysis in occupational exposure monitoring when used together with ISO 15202-1 and ISO 15202-2.