ISO 30011:2025

Workplace air — Determination of metals and metalloids in airborne particulate matter by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

This document specifies a procedure for the use of quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), including single-quadrupole instruments and tandem ICP-MS/MS, for analysing test solutions prepared from samples of airborne particulate matter collected as specified in ISO 15202-1. Method development, performance checks and a routine analysis method are specified in this document NOTE 1 Other types of ICP-MS (e.g. magnetic sector) are outside of the scope of this document. Test solutions for analysis by this document are prepared as specified in ISO 15202-2. This document is applicable to the assessment of workplace exposure to metals and metalloids for comparison with limit values (e.g. see EN 689[ REF Reference_ref_21 \r \h 10 08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B0200000008000000110000005200650066006500720065006E00630065005F007200650066005F00320031000000 ] and ASTM E1370[ REF Reference_ref_19 \r \h 8 08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B0200000008000000110000005200650066006500720065006E00630065005F007200650066005F00310039000000 ]). This document is not applicable to the determination of elemental mercury, since mercury vapour is not collected using the sampling method specified in ISO 15202-1. The procedure specified in this document is suitable for the assessment of exposure against the long-term exposure limits for most of the metals and metalloids for which occupational exposure limit values have been set, when sampling at a typical flow rate of at least 2 l min−1 for sampling times in the range 0,25 h to 8 h and for the assessment of exposure against the short-term exposure limits, where applicable. NOTE 2 The procedure is subject to no significant spectral interferences (see Clause A.3), provided that suitable analytical isotopes are used. However, inadequate matrix-matching can adversely affect results.

Air des lieux de travail — Détermination des métaux et métalloïdes dans les particules en suspension dans l'air par spectrométrie de masse avec plasma à couplage inductif

L'ISO 30011:2010 spécifie un mode opératoire permettant d'utiliser la spectrométrie de masse quadripolaire avec plasma à couplage inductif (ICP-MS) pour l'analyse de solutions d'essai préparées à partir d'échantillons de particules en suspension dans l'air prélevés comme spécifié dans l'ISO 15202-1. Le développement de la méthode, les vérifications de performances et une méthode d'analyse de routine sont spécifiés. Les solutions d'essai en vue d'une analyse conformément à l'ISO 30011:2010 sont préparées comme spécifié dans l'ISO 15202-2. L'ISO 30011:2010 est applicable pour l'évaluation de l'exposition des lieux de travail aux métaux et métalloïdes aux fins de comparaison à des valeurs limites.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 07-Aug-2025
• ICS: 13.040.30 - Workplace atmospheres
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 146/SC 2 - Workplace atmospheres
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 146/SC 2 - Workplace atmospheres
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 08-Aug-2025
• Due Date: 05-Aug-2025
• Completion Date: 08-Aug-2025

Relations

• Revises: ISO 30011:2010 - Workplace air — Determination of metals and metalloids in airborne particulate matter by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
• Effective Date: 06-Jun-2022

Standards Content (Sample)

International
Standard
ISO 30011
Second edition
Workplace air — Determination of
2025-08
metals and metalloids in airborne
particulate matter by inductively
coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Air des lieux de travail — Détermination des métaux et
métalloïdes dans les particules en suspension dans l'air par
spectrométrie de masse avec plasma à couplage inductif
Reference number
© ISO 2025
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
3.1 Terms related to analysis .2
3.2 Terms related to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) .3
4 Principle . 6
5 Requirements . 6
6 Reagents . 6
7 Laboratory apparatus . 9
8 Procedure .10
8.1 Preparation of sample solutions .10
8.2 Method development . .10
8.2.1 General .10
8.2.2 Interferences .10
8.2.3 Sample introduction system .10
8.2.4 Analytical mass .10
8.2.5 Plasma conditions . 12
8.2.6 Instrument operating parameters . 13
8.2.7 Sample introduction rate . 13
8.2.8 Sample wash-out parameters . 13
8.2.9 Minimization of wall losses and contamination . 13
8.2.10 Calibration solutions .14
8.2.11 Selection of internal standards .14
8.3 Instrument performance checks . 15
8.3.1 Visual inspection . 15
8.3.2 Performance checks and fault diagnostics. 15
8.4 Routine analysis . 15
8.4.1 Dilution of sample solutions . 15
8.4.2 Addition of internal standards . 15
8.4.3 Determination of mercury . 15
8.4.4 Setting up the instrument .16
8.4.5 Analysis .16
8.5 Estimation of detection and quantification limits .17
8.5.1 Estimation of the instrumental detection limit .17
8.5.2 Estimation of the limit of detection and the limit of quantification .17
8.6 Quality control .17
8.6.1 Blank solutions .17
8.6.2 Quality control solutions .17
8.6.3 Internal standards .18
8.6.4 External quality assessment .18
8.7 Estimation of measurement uncertainty .18
9 Expression of results .18
10 Method performance . 19
10.1 Limits of detection and limits of quantification .19
10.2 Upper limits of the analytical range .19
10.3 Bias and precision .19
10.3.1 Analytical bias .19
10.3.2 Analytical precision . . . 20
10.4 Evaluation of measurement uncertainty for this method . 20

iii
11 Test report .20
11.1 Test records . 20
11.2 Laboratory report .21
Annex A (informative) ICP-MS principles and interferences .22
Annex B (informative) Examples of instrument operating parameters .25
Annex C (informative) Guidance on maintenance of ICP-MS instrumentation .27
Annex D (informative) Recalculation of metal and metalloid in air concentrations to reference
conditions .29
Annex E (informative) Method validation data (LOD, LOQ) for ICP-MS using various substrates .30
Bibliography .33

iv
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information giv
...

FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/FDIS 30011
ISO/TC 146/SC 2
Workplace air — Determination of
Secretariat: ANSI
metals and metalloids in airborne
Voting begins on:
particulate matter by inductively
2025-05-09
coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Voting terminates on:
2025-07-04
Air des lieux de travail — Détermination des métaux et
métalloïdes dans les particules en suspension dans l'air par
spectrométrie de masse avec plasma à couplage inductif
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
Reference number
ISO/FDIS 30011:2025(en) © ISO 2025

FINAL DRAFT
ISO/FDIS 30011:2025(en)
International
Standard
ISO/FDIS 30011
ISO/TC 146/SC 2
Workplace air — Determination of
Secretariat: ANSI
metals and metalloids in airborne
Voting begins on:
particulate matter by inductively
coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Voting terminates on:
Air des lieux de travail — Détermination des métaux et
métalloïdes dans les particules en suspension dans l'air par
spectrométrie de masse avec plasma à couplage inductif
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
© ISO 2025
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/FDIS 30011:2025(en) © ISO 2025

ii
ISO/FDIS 30011:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
3.1 Terms related to analysis .2
3.2 Terms related to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) .3
4 Principle . 6
5 Requirements . 6
6 Reagents . 6
7 Laboratory apparatus . 9
8 Procedure .10
8.1 Preparation of sample solutions .10
8.2 Method development . .10
8.2.1 General .10
8.2.2 Interferences .10
8.2.3 Sample introduction system .10
8.2.4 Analytical mass .10
8.2.5 Plasma conditions . 12
8.2.6 Instrument operating parameters . 13
8.2.7 Sample introduction rate . 13
8.2.8 Sample wash-out parameters . 13
8.2.9 Minimization of wall losses and contamination . 13
8.2.10 Calibration solutions .14
8.2.11 Selection of internal standards .14
8.3 Instrument performance checks . 15
8.3.1 Visual inspection . 15
8.3.2 Performance checks and fault diagnostics. 15
8.4 Routine analysis . 15
8.4.1 Dilution of sample solutions . 15
8.4.2 Addition of internal standards . 15
8.4.3 Determination of mercury . 15
8.4.4 Setting up the instrument .16
8.4.5 Analysis .16
8.5 Estimation of detection and quantification limits .17
8.5.1 Estimation of the instrumental detection limit .17
8.5.2 Estimation of the limit of detection and the limit of quantification .17
8.6 Quality control .17
8.6.1 Blank solutions .17
8.6.2 Quality control solutions .17
8.6.3 Internal standards .18
8.6.4 External quality assessment .18
8.7 Estimation of measurement uncertainty .18
9 Expression of results .18
10 Method performance .20
10.1 Limits of detection and limits of quantification . 20
10.2 Upper limits of the analytical range . 20
10.3 Bias and precision . 20
10.3.1 Analytical bias . 20
10.3.2 Analytical precision . . . 20
10.4 Evaluation of measurement uncertainty for this method .21

iii
ISO/FDIS 30011:2025(en)
11 Test report .21
11.1 Test records .21
11.2 Laboratory report .21
Annex A (informative) ICP-MS principles and interferences .23
Annex B (informative) Examples of instrument operating parameters .26
Annex C (informative) Guidance on maintenance of ICP-MS instrumentation .28
Annex D (informative) Recalculation of metal and metalloid in air concentrations to reference
conditions .31
Annex E (informative) Method validation data (LOD, LOQ) for ICP-MS using various substrates .32
Bibliography .35

iv
ISO/FDIS 30011:2025(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of
...

ISO/DISFDIS 30011:2024(en)
ISO/TC 146/SC 2 N1382
Secretariat: ANSI
Date: 2025-04-24
Workplace air — Determination of metals and metalloids in airborne
particulate matter by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Second edition
Date: 2024-11-18
Air des lieux de travail — Détermination des métaux et métalloïdes dans les particules en suspension dans l'air
par spectrométrie de masse avec plasma à couplage inductif
FDIS stage
2 © ISO #### – All rights reserved

ISO/FDIS 30011:2025(en)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
EmailE-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
iii
ISO/FDIS 30011:2025(en)
Contents
Foreword . v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
3.1 Terms related to analysis . 2
3.2 Terms related to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) . 4
4 Principle . 6
5 Requirements . 6
6 Reagents . 7
7 Laboratory apparatus . 10
8 Procedure . 11
8.1 Preparation of sample solutions . 11
8.2 Method development . 11
8.3 Instrument performance checks . 17
8.4 Routine analysis . 17
8.5 Estimation of detection and quantification limits . 19
8.6 Quality control . 19
8.7 Estimation of measurement uncertainty . 20
9 Expression of results . 20
10 Method performance . 21
10.1 Limits of detection and limits of quantification . 21
10.2 Upper limits of the analytical range . 21
10.3 Bias and precision . 21
10.4 Evaluation of measurement uncertainty for this method . 22
11 Test report . 22
11.1 Test records . 22
11.2 Laboratory report . 23
Annex A (informative) ICP-MS principles and interferences . 24
Annex B (informative) Examples of instrument operating parameters . 28
Annex C (informative) Guidance on maintenance of ICP-MS instrumentation . 31
Annex D (informative) Recalculation of metal and metalloid in air concentrations to reference
conditions . 33
Annex E (informative) Method validation data (LOD, LOQ) for ICP-MS using various substrates34
Bibliography . 41

iv
ISO/FDIS 30011:2025(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO documentsdocument should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules
of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 146, Air quality, Subcommittee SC 2, Workplace
atmospheres.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 30011:2010), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— — references and definitions have been updated;
— — data in Tables 2Tables 2 and 4 have been updated;
— — a new Annex BAnnex B has been added containing example instrument operating parameters for
standard and collision modes; (the previous Annexes BAnnexes B and CC have been renumbered as
Annexes CAnnexes C and DD,, respectively;);
— — a new Annex EAnnex E has been added containing substrate-specific detection and quantification
data;.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
v
ISO/FDIS 30011:2025(en)
Introduction
The health of workers in many industries is at risk through exposure by inhalation of toxic metals and
metalloids. Industrial hygienists and other public health professionals need to determine the effectiveness of
measures taken to control workers' exposure, and this is generally achieved by taking workplace air
measurements. This document has been published in order to make available a method for making valid ultra-
trace exposure measurements for a wide range of metals and metalloids in use in industry. It is intended for:
— — agencies concerned with health and safety at work;
— — industrial hygienists and other public health professionals;
— — analytical laboratories; and
— — industrial users of metals and metalloids and their workers.
This document specifies a method for the determination of the mass concentration of metals and metalloids
in workplace air using quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP--MS). For many metals
and metalloids, analysis by ICP--MS is advantageous when compared to methods such as inductively coupled
plasma atomic emission spectrometry, due to its sensitivity and the presence of fewer spectral interferences.
This document gives requirements and test methods for analysis of sample solutions by ICP-MS. Users of this
document are referred to ISO 15202-1 for collection of samples of airborne particulate matter and to
ISO 15202-2 for procedures for preparing sample solutions for analysis by ICP-MS.
The execution of the provisions of this document, and the interpretation of the results obtained, is assumed to
be entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced people.
vi
ISO/FDIS 30011:2025(en)
Workplace air — Determination of metals and metalloidmetalloids in
airborne particulate matter by inductively coupled plasma mass
spectrometry
1 Scope
This document specifies a procedure for the use of quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
(ICP-MS)), including single-quadrupole instruments and tandem ICP-MS/MS, for analysing test solutions
prepared from samples of airborne particulate matter collected as specified in ISO 15202-1. Method
development, performance checks, and a routine analysis method are specified. in this document
The procedure in this document is for quadrupole ICP-MS, including single-quadrupole instruments and tandem ICP-
MS/MS. NOTE 1 Other types of ICP-MS (e.g. magnetic sector) are outside of the scope of this document.
Test solutions for analysis by this document are prepared as specified in ISO 15202-2.
This document is applicable to the assessment of workplace exposure to metals and metalloids for comparison
[ [10]] [ [8] ]
with limit values (e.g. see EN 689 0 and ASTM E1370 0 ). ).
This document is not applicable to the determination of elemental mercury, since mercury vapour is not
collected using the sampling method specified in ISO 15202-1.
The procedure specified in this document is suitable for the assessment of exposure against the long-term
exposure limits for most of the metals and metalloids listed abovefor which occupational exposure limit values
−1
have been set, when sampling at a typical flow rate of at least 2 l min for sampling times in the range 0,25 h
to 8 h and for the assessment of exposure against the short-term exposure limits, where applicable.
NOTE 2 The procedure is subject to no significant spectral interferences (see Clause A.3Clause A.3),), provided that
suitable analytical isotopes are used. However, inadequate matrix-matching can adversely affect results.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 1042, Laboratory glassware — One-mark volumetric flasks
ISO 3585, Borosilicate glass 3.3 — Properties
ISO 8655--1, Piston-operated volumetric apparatus — Part 1: Terminology, general requirements and user
recommendations
ISO 8655--2, Piston-operated volumetric apparatus — Part 2: Pipettes
ISO 8655--5, Piston-operated volumetric apparatus — Part 5: Dispensers
ISO 8655--6, Piston-operated volumetric apparatus — Part 6: Gravimetric reference measurement procedure for
the determination of volume
ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
ISO 15202--1, Workplace air — Determination of metals and metalloids in airborne particulate matter by
inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry — Part 1: Sampling
ISO/FDIS 30011:2025(en)
ISO 15202--2:2020, Workplace air — Determination of metals and metalloids in airborne partic
...