Standard Practice for Collection of Surface Dust by Micro-vacuum Sampling for Subsequent Metals Determination

1.1 This practice covers the micro-vacuum collection of surface dust for subsequent determination of metals. The primary intended application is for sampling from soft, rough, or porous surfaces.

1.2 Micro-vacuum sampling is carried out using a collection nozzle attached to a filter holder (sampling cassette), which is in turn connected to an air sampling pump.

1.3 This practice allows for the subsequent determination of metals on a loading basis (mass of metal(s) per unit area sampled), or on a concentration basis (mass of metal(s) per unit mass of sample collected), or both.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.5 Limitations—Due to a number of physical factors inherent in the micro-vacuum sampling method, analytical results for vacuum dust samples are not likely to reflect the total dust contained within the sampling area prior to sample collection. Indeed, dust collection will generally be biased towards smaller, less dense dust particles. Nevertheless, the use of this standard practice will generate data that are consistent and comparable between operators performing micro-vacuum collection at a variety of sampling locations and sites.

1.6This 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.