ISO 30011-2025 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 30011:2025 — Workplace air — Determination of metals and metalloids in airborne particulate matter by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This international standard specifies a validated procedure using quadrupole ICP‑MS (single‑quadrupole and tandem ICP‑MS/MS) for analysis of test solutions prepared from workplace airborne particulate samples collected and prepared according to the ISO 15202 series.

Abstract

The document describes method development, instrument performance checks and a routine analysis method for quadrupole ICP‑MS analysis of airborne particulate matter. It excludes other ICP‑MS types (e.g. magnetic sector) and is not applicable to elemental mercury vapour. The method is intended for assessment of workplace exposure to metals and metalloids against occupational limit values; typical sampling conditions and cautions about spectral interferences and matrix‑matching are included.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 8 August 2025 (Edition 2, 2025).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.040.30 (Workplace atmospheres / occupational hygiene).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2025).
• Number of pages: 34.

Scope

Specifies a procedure for analysing test solutions by quadrupole ICP‑MS (including single‑quadrupole and tandem ICP‑MS/MS) prepared from airborne particulate matter collected as specified in ISO 15202‑1, with sample preparation per ISO 15202‑2. The standard is applicable to workplace exposure assessment for metals and metalloids when comparing results with occupational limit values. It excludes magnetic‑sector ICP‑MS instruments and is not applicable to elemental mercury vapour because that form of mercury is not collected by the sampling method referenced. Typical recommended sampling flow and time ranges are given for comparison with long‑ and short‑term exposure limits.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope of instrumentation: quadrupole ICP‑MS and ICP‑MS/MS only (magnetic sector excluded).
• Requirement that test solutions derive from sampling in ISO 15202‑1 and sample preparation per ISO 15202‑2.
• Guidance on method development: selection of analytical isotopes, instrument operating parameters, sample introduction and wash‑out procedures.
• Instrument performance checks and routine analysis procedures (performance verification to ensure reliable workplace exposure assessment).
• Applicability to assessment against occupational exposure limit values (long‑ and short‑term), including recommended sampling flow rates and sampling durations.
• Limitations and interferences: exclusion of elemental mercury determination and caution about spectral interferences and matrix‑matching.

Typical use and users

Used by occupational hygiene laboratories, analytical laboratories performing workplace air monitoring, industrial hygienists, regulatory agencies, certification bodies and standards committees. Typical applications include routine workplace monitoring for metal and metalloid contaminants, compliance testing against occupational exposure limits, method validation and performance verification in analytical laboratories.

Related standards

Closely linked to the ISO 15202 series (sampling and sample preparation for airborne particulate matter). The standard references methods and exposure assessment guidance such as EN 689 and ASTM E1370 and replaces the earlier ISO 30011:2010 edition. It is developed under ISO/TC 146/SC 2 (Workplace atmospheres).

Keywords

Workplace air, airborne particulate matter, metals, metalloids, ICP‑MS, ICP‑MS/MS, occupational exposure, industrial hygiene, ISO 15202, method validation, sampling.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 30011:2025 is an international standard that specifies a procedure for determining metals and metalloids in airborne particulate matter using quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‑MS).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers method development, instrument performance checks and routine analysis for quadrupole ICP‑MS (including ICP‑MS/MS) of test solutions prepared from samples collected per ISO 15202‑1 and prepared per ISO 15202‑2, and guidance for assessing workplace exposure against occupational limit values. It excludes magnetic‑sector ICP‑MS and elemental mercury vapour determination.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Occupational hygiene and analytical laboratories, industrial hygienists, regulators, and organizations responsible for workplace air monitoring and compliance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — ISO 30011:2025 (Edition 2) was published in August 2025 and replaces the earlier ISO 30011:2010 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is intended to be used with the ISO 15202 series (sampling and sample preparation for airborne particulate matter) and was developed under ISO/TC 146/SC 2 (Workplace atmospheres).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Workplace air, ICP‑MS, metals, metalloids, airborne particulate matter, occupational exposure, sampling (ISO 15202).