ASTM D5438-23 - Standard Practice for Collection of Floor Dust for Chemical Analysis

1.1 This practice covers a procedure for the collection of a sample of dust from carpets and bare floors that can be analyzed for inorganic metals such as lead and organic compounds such as pesticides and other semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs).

1.2 This practice is applicable to a variety of carpeted and bare floor surfaces. It has been tested for level loop and plush pile carpets and bare wood floors, specifically. This practice is not applicable to elevated, non-floor surfaces.

1.3 This practice is not intended for the collection and evaluation of dust for the presence of asbestos fibers.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This practice describes use of a sampling device, the High-Volume Small Surface Sampler (HVS3). Other event-based sampling devices that use commercially available vacuum attachments are not in scope. Composite sampling using whole vacuum cleaner bags is not in scope. Other approaches for floor or non-floor surface sampling (Practices D6966, D6661, D7144) are not within the scope.

1.6 This practice only applies to the HVS3. Other dust sampling methods may or may not be directly comparable. Method evaluation for other dust sampling approaches is encouraged. This could be done by comparison with methods outlined in this standard practice for HVS3 or through independent evaluation using field spikes and certified reference materials.

1.7 This practice provides information on dust loading, chemical dust concentration, and chemical dust loading. Information on the type of floor, the floor surface area sampled, and amount of dust collected is required (see Fig. 2). Cleaning the vacuum attachments in between sampling events is also required (see Section 13).

1.8 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.