ASTM D7439-14

Standard Test Method for Determination of Elements in Airborne Particulate Matter by Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The health of workers in many industries is at risk through exposure by inhalation to toxic metals and metalloids. Industrial hygienists and other public health professionals need to determine the effectiveness of measures taken to control workplace exposure. This is generally achieved by making workplace air measurements. This test method has been developed to make available a standard methodology for valid exposure measurements for a wide range of metals and metalloids that are used in industry. It will be of benefit to agencies concerned with health and safety at work; analytical laboratories; industrial hygienists and other public health professionals; industrial users of metals and metalloids and their workers; and other groups.  
5.2 This standard test method specifies a generic method for determination of the concentration of metals and metalloids in workplace air samples using ICP-MS. For many metals and metalloids, analysis by ICP-MS may be advantageous, when compared to methods such as ICP atomic emission spectrometry, due to its sensitivity and the presence of fewer spectral interferences.  
5.3 The analysis results can be used for the assessment of workplace exposures to metals and metalloids in workplace air.
SCOPE
1.1 This standard test method specifies a procedure for sample preparation and analysis of airborne particulate matter for the content of metals and metalloids in workplace air samples using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This test method can be used for other air samples provided the user ensures the validity of the test method (by ensuring that appropriate data quality objectives can be achieved).  
1.2 This standard test method assumes that samples will have been collected in accordance with Test Method D7035.  
1.3 This standard test method should be used by analysts experienced in the use of ICP-MS, the interpretation of spectral and matrix interferences and procedures for their correction.  
1.4 This standard test method specifies a number of alternative methods for preparing test solutions from samples of airborne particulate matter. One of the specified sample preparation methods is applicable to the measurement of soluble metal or metalloid compounds. Other specified methods are applicable to the measurement of total metals and metalloids.  
1.5 It is the user's responsibility to ensure the validity of the standard method for filters of untested matrices.  
1.6 Table 1 provides a non-exclusive list of metals and metalloids for which one or more of the sample dissolution methods specified in this document is applicable.  
1.7 This standard test method is not applicable to compounds of metals and metalloids that are present in the gaseous or vapor state.  
1.8 No detailed operating instructions are provided because of differences among various makes and models of suitable ICP-MS instruments. Instead, the analyst shall follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the particular instrument. This test method does not address comparative accuracy of different devices or the precision between instruments of the same make and model.  
1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.  
1.10 This standard test method contains notes that are explanatory and are not part of the mandatory requirements of the method.  
1.11 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 14-Jan-2014
• ICS: 13.040.30 - Workplace atmospheres
• Technical Committee: D22 - Air Quality
• Drafting Committee: D22.04 - Workplace Air Quality

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D7439 − 14
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Elements in Airborne Particulate Matter by
1
Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7439; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope accuracy of different devices or the precision between instru-
ments of the same make and model.
1.1 This standard test method specifies a procedure for
sample preparation and analysis of airborne particulate matter 1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
for the content of metals and metalloids in workplace air standard.
samples using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry
1.10 This standard test method contains notes that are
(ICP-MS). This test method can be used for other air samples
explanatory and are not part of the mandatory requirements of
provided the user ensures the validity of the test method (by
the method.
ensuring that appropriate data quality objectives can be
1.11 This standard does not purport to address all of the
achieved).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.2 This standard test method assumes that samples will
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
have been collected in accordance with Test Method D7035.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 This standard test method should be used by analysts
1.12 This international standard was developed in accor-
experiencedintheuseofICP-MS,theinterpretationofspectral
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
and matrix interferences and procedures for their correction.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.4 This standard test method specifies a number of alter-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
native methods for preparing test solutions from samples of
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
airborne particulate matter. One of the specified sample prepa-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ration methods is applicable to the measurement of soluble
metal or metalloid compounds. Other specified methods are
2. Referenced Documents
applicable to the measurement of total metals and metalloids.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.5 Itistheuser’sresponsibilitytoensurethevalidityofthe
D1193Specification for Reagent Water
standard method for filters of untested matrices.
D1356Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of
1.6 Table 1 provides a non-exclusive list of metals and Atmospheres
D4185Test Method for Measurement of Metals in Work-
metalloids for which one or more of the sample dissolution
methods specified in this document is applicable. placeAtmospheres by FlameAtomicAbsorption Spectro-
photometry
1.7 This standard test method is not applicable to com-
D4840Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
poundsofmetalsandmetalloidsthatarepresentinthegaseous
D5011Practices for Calibration of Ozone Monitors Using
or vapor state.
Transfer Standards
1.8 No detailed operating instructions are provided because
D6785TestMethodforDeterminationofLeadinWorkplace
of differences among various makes and models of suitable
Air Using Flame or Graphite FurnaceAtomicAbsorption
ICP-MS instruments. Instead, the analyst shall follow the
Spectrometry
instructions provided by the manufacturer of the particular
D7035Test Method for Determination of Metals and Met-
instrument. This test method does not address comparative
alloids in Airborne Particulate Matter by Inductively
Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-
AES)
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D22 on Air
Quality and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.04 on WorkplaceAir
2
Quality. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2014. Published May 2014. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D7439–08. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D7439-14. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D7439 − 14
TABLE 1 Applicable Metals and Metalloids
A A A
Element Symbol CASRN Element Symbol CASRN Element Symbol CASRN
Aluminum Al 7429-90-5 Antimony Sb 7440-36-0 Arsenic As 7440-38-2
Barium Ba 7440-39-3 Bery
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7439 − 08 D7439 − 14
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Elements in Airborne Particulate Matter by
1
Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7439; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This standard test method specifies a procedure for sample preparation and analysis of airborne particulate matter for the
content of metals and metalloids in workplace air samples using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This
test method can be used for other air samples provided the user ensures the validity of the test method (by ensuring that appropriate
data quality objectives can be achieved).
1.2 This standard test method assumes that samples will have been collected in accordance with Test Method D7035.
1.3 This standard test method should be used by analysts experienced in the use of ICP-MS, the interpretation of spectral and
matrix interferences and procedures for their correction.
1.4 This standard test method specifies a number of alternative methods for preparing test solutions from samples of airborne
particulate matter. One of the specified sample preparation methods is applicable to the measurement of soluble metal or metalloid
compounds. Other specified methods are applicable to the measurement of total metals and metalloids.
1.5 It is the user’s responsibility to ensure the validity of the standard method for filters of untested matrices.
1.6 Table 1 provides a non-exclusive list of metals and metalloids for which one or more of the sample dissolution methods
specified in this document is applicable.
1.7 This standard test method is not applicable to compounds of metals and metalloids that are present in the gaseous or vapor
state.
1.8 No detailed operating instructions are provided because of differences among various makes and models of suitable ICP-MS
instruments. Instead, the analyst shall follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the particular instrument. This test
method does not address comparative accuracy of different devices or the precision between instruments of the same make and
model.
1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.10 This standard test method contains notes that are explanatory and are not part of the mandatory requirements of the method.
1.11 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
D4185 Practice for Measurement of Metals in Workplace Atmospheres by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
D4840 Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
D5011 Practices for Calibration of Ozone Monitors Using Transfer Standards
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D22 on Air Quality and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.04 on Workplace Air Quality.
Current edition approved April 1, 2008Jan. 15, 2014. Published May 2008May 2014. Originally approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D7439 - 08.
DOI: 10.1520/D7439-08.10.1520/D7439-14.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D7439 − 14
TABLE 1 Applicable Metals and Metalloids
A A A
Element Symbol CASRN Element Symbol CASRN Element Symbol CASRN
Aluminum Al 7429-90-5 Antimony Sb 7440-36-0 Arsenic As 7440-38-2
Barium Ba 7440-39-3 Beryllium Be 7440-41-7 Bismuth Bi 7440-69-9
Boron B 7440-42-8 Cadmium Cd 7440-43-9 Calcium Ca 7440-70-2
Cesium Cs 7440-46-2 Chromium Cr 7440-47-3 Cobalt Co 7440-48-4
B
Copper Cu 7440-50-8 Gallium Ga 7440-55-3 Germanium Ge 7440-56-4
Hafnium Hf 7440-58-6 Indium In 7440-74-6 Ir
...