What question did this study set out to answer?

To develop and validate a method for measuring cadmium and its inorganic compounds in workplace air.

May 10, 2026Open Access

Method for the determination of cadmium and its inorganic compounds in workplace air using ICP mass spectrometry

Key Points

To develop and validate a method for measuring cadmium and its inorganic compounds in workplace air.
Air samples are collected using a membrane filter and a flow-regulated pump at 10 L/min for 1200 L.
Cadmium is prepared using unpressurized acid digestion before analysis by ICP-MS.
Quantitative determination is based on a 10-point calibration function.
Absolute limit of quantification is 0.1 µg/L and relative LOQ is 0.007 µg/m3 based on an air sample volume.
Mean recovery of the method is 102%.
Expanded uncertainty for cadmium in inhalable dusts is approximately 19% and 26% in respirable dusts.

Abstract

This analytical procedure is a validated measurement method for the determination of cadmium and its inorganic compounds in workplace air averaged over the sampling period after personal or stationary sampling. Sampling is performed by drawing a defined volume of air through a membrane filter located in the sampling head (GSP and FSP) of the sampling device using a suitable flow‐regulated pump. The flow rate is set to 10 L/min with a recommended air sample volume of 1200 L. The collected cadmium is prepared by unpressurised acid digestion and analysed by means of mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP‐MS). The quantitative determination is based on a calibration function obtained by means of an equidistant 10‐point calibration. The absolute limit of quantification (LOQ) is 0.1 µg/L and the relative LOQ is 0.007 µg/m3 based on an air sample volume of approx. 1.2 m3. The mean recovery is 102% and the expanded uncertainty for cadmium in inhalable dusts is approx. 19% and approx. 26% in respirable dusts. Joint Publication of the Analytical Subcommittee of the Chemistry Board of Experts of the Expert Committee Raw Materials and Chemical Industry of the German Social Accident Insurance and the working group “Air Analyses” of the Permanent Senate Commission of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area.

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