1.1 This practice covers the collection, dissolution, and determination of trace metals in workplace atmospheres, by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

1.2 The sensitivity, detection limit, and optimum working concentration for 23 metals are given in Table 1.

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

TABLE 1 AAS Instrumental Detection Limits and Optimum Working Concentration for 23 Metals

^A These detection limits represent ideal laboratory conditions; variability due to sampling, digestion, reagents, and sample handling has not been taken into account.

^B Threshold Limit Values of Airborne Contaminants and Physical Agents adopted by ACGIH for 1994-1995. Values are elemental concentrations except as noted.