Metals
Metals Testing and Analysis
Certain metals, especially heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, pose serious health and environmental risks.
When metals become airborne, they can be inhaled, settle on soil, or contaminate water, leading to:
- Health impacts: neurological damage, reproductive harm, and increased cancer risk.
- Environmental damage: soil contamination, reduced crop yields, bioaccumulation in wildlife, and persistence in ecosystems for decades.
Regulatory bodies such as the EPA, NIOSH, and OSHA have established strict standards to monitor and control metal exposure in occupational and environmental settings. Meeting these requirements requires precision sampling, reliable analysis, and accredited laboratory methods.
The SGS Air Metals Solution
SGS delivers accredited, high-precision metals testing for occupational, environmental, and regulatory needs. We use ISO/IEC 17025-accredited methods and cutting-edge instrumentation to quantify metals in air, ensuring results meet strict detection limits and industry requirements.
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Sampling for Metals in Air
We use filter-based active sampling methods, collecting airborne particles on calibrated personal sampling pumps with specific filter cassettes. Sampling technique selection depends on:
- Work environment
- Detection limits
- Applicable regulations
- Cost considerations
- Specific metals of interest
Accredited Methods and Standards
SGS uses approved methods from:
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
- NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
|
Analyte |
Analytical Technique |
Typical Reporting Limit |
|
Standard metals |
ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) |
Parts Per Billion (ppb) |
|
Ultra-low metals |
ICP/MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry) |
Parts Per Trillion (ppt) |
|
Mercury |
Cold Vapor |
Method-specific |
|
Hexavalent Chromium |
Ion Chromatography |
Method-specific |
Why SGS for Metals in Air?
- ISO/IEC 17025-accredited metals analysis
- Results at ppb and ppt levels
- Ultra-low detection limits for sensitive environments
- Comprehensive reporting for regulatory compliance
- Expert guidance on method selection and sampling strategies
