ASTM D6552-06R21 - Standard Practice for Controlling and Characterizing Errors in Weighing Collected Aerosols

1.1 Assessment of airborne aerosol hazards in the occupational setting entails sampling onto a collection medium followed by analysis of the collected material. The result is generally an estimated concentration of a possibly hazardous material in the air. The uncertainty in such estimates depends on several factors, one of which relates to the specific type of analysis employed. The most commonly applied method for analysis of aerosols is the weighing of the sampled material. Gravimetric analysis, though apparently simple, is subject to errors from instability in the mass of the sampling medium and other elements that must be weighed. An example is provided by aerosol samplers designed to collect particles so as to agree with the inhalable aerosol sampling convention (see ISO 7708, Guide D6062, and EN 481). For some sampler types, filter and cassette are weighed together to make estimates. Therefore, if the cassette, for example, absorbs or loses water between the weighings required for a concentration estimation, then errors may arise. This practice covers such potential errors and provides solutions for their minimization.

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

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

1.4 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.