Metals in Air Testing Laboratory
Houston TX metals in air testing laboratory — comprehensive ICP-AES and ICP-MS analysis of 30+ elements simultaneously from a single MCE filter. NIOSH 7300 and 7303 methods. OSHA PEL compliance for lead, arsenic, cadmium, beryllium, chromium, manganese, nickel, and more. ISO/IEC 17025 and AIHA LAP accredited.
Multiple OSHA substance-specific standards with individual action levels — you can't manage what you haven't measured
Multiple OSHA Substance-Specific Standards
Lead, cadmium, beryllium, arsenic, and hexavalent chromium each carry their own OSHA standards with action levels, medical surveillance triggers, and monitoring frequency requirements. A PNOR dust result tells you nothing about these metals — only a full ICP metals scan does.
IARC Group 1 Carcinogens in Workplace Air
Arsenic, cadmium, beryllium, nickel compounds, and hexavalent chromium are all IARC Group 1 confirmed human carcinogens. Occupational exposure to these metals at sub-PEL concentrations over a working career contributes significantly to elevated cancer risk. Targeted ICP analysis is the only way to quantify and reduce that risk.
Unknown Mixtures Require a Full Scan
Abrasive blasting, foundry casting, demolition, and smelting generate airborne particles from materials whose exact metal content may be unknown or variable. A 30+ element ICP scan identifies every metal present simultaneously — you cannot target what you don't know is there. A full ICP metals scan eliminates that blind spot.
Control & Engineering Verification
LEV systems, wet suppression, isolation, and PPE reduce metal concentrations — but only ICP metals monitoring confirms controls maintain exposures below PELs and action levels. Baseline and post-control sampling pairs are the primary documentation for engineering change records and OSHA inspection defense.
What Is a Metals in Air Testing Scan?
A metals in air testing scan is the process of collecting airborne particulate on a Mixed Cellulose Ester (MCE) filter using a calibrated personal sampling pump, then dissolving all collected metal particles via acid digestion (nitric/hydrochloric acid) in the laboratory and analyzing the resulting solution by Inductively Coupled Plasma spectrometry.
ICP-AES (Atomic Emission Spectrometry) simultaneously measures the emission spectra of up to 30+ metallic elements from a single digest. ICP-MS (Mass Spectrometry) extends sensitivity to sub-parts-per-billion (ppb) detection for metals with extremely low OSHA action levels — beryllium (0.1 µg/m³), arsenic (5 µg/m³), cadmium (2.5 µg/m³). Both methods are performed in-house at AGT Labs' Houston facility under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
- 30+ metallic elements detected simultaneously from a single MCE filter digest
- Results in µg/m³ or mg/m³ compared to OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV, and NIOSH REL
- ICP-MS for trace metals requiring sub-ppb detection (Be, As, Cd, Tl, Se)
- Identifies unknown metal contaminants in complex mixed-metal environments
- Baseline profiling, periodic compliance monitoring, and control verification sampling
- OSHA substance-specific standard compliance: Pb, Cd, Be, As, Cr(VI)
30+ Metallic Elements Analyzed from One Filter
A single acid digest of one MCE filter provides simultaneous detection of every metal listed below. No separate samples needed — the entire ICP scan panel runs from one collection, one chain-of-custody form, and one analysis.
* Panel elements subject to change. Cr(VI) speciation requires separate NIOSH 7605 analysis — total Cr from this ICP scan panel cannot distinguish hexavalent from trivalent chromium. Contact AGT Labs to confirm current panel or request specific element additions.
Key Metals in Air — OSHA PELs, Action Levels & ACGIH TLVs
AGT Labs reports every sample result against OSHA PEL, action level (where applicable), ACGIH TLV, and NIOSH REL. Metals with substance-specific OSHA standards carry additional compliance triggers — medical surveillance, biological monitoring, and enhanced sampling frequency.
| Metal | OSHA PEL | OSHA Action Level | ACGIH TLV | NIOSH REL | Health Effect | OSHA Standard | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | 50 µg/m³ | 30 µg/m³ — triggers medical surveillance + biological monitoring | 0.05 mg/m³ | 50 µg/m³ | CNS, renal, reproductive toxicity; lead poisoning | 1910.1025 | IARC 2A |
| Cadmium (Cd) | 5 µg/m³ | 2.5 µg/m³ — enhanced monitoring + biological monitoring | 0.01 mg/m³ | Lowest feasible | Lung cancer, severe renal damage | 1910.1027 | IARC Group 1 |
| Inorganic Arsenic (As) | 10 µg/m³ | 5 µg/m³ — enhanced monitoring + medical surveillance | 0.01 mg/m³ | Lowest feasible | Lung cancer, skin cancer, peripheral neuropathy | 1910.1018 | IARC Group 1 |
| Beryllium (Be) | 0.2 µg/m³ | 0.1 µg/m³ — extensive program triggers | 0.00005 mg/m³ | 0.5 µg/m³ | Chronic beryllium disease (CBD); lung cancer | 1910.1024 | IARC Group 1 |
| Hexavalent Chromium Cr(VI) | 5 µg/m³ | 2.5 µg/m³ — enhanced monitoring + medical surveillance | 0.01 mg/m³ | 0.2 µg/m³ | Lung cancer, nasal cancer | 1910.1026 | IARC Group 1 |
| Manganese (Mn) Fume | 1 mg/m³ (ceiling) | No formal AL — ACGIH TLV: 0.02 mg/m³ | 0.02 mg/m³ | 1 mg/m³ | Manganism (irreversible Parkinsonism) | Z-Table + 1910.1000 | Neurotoxin |
| Nickel (Ni) Compounds | 1 mg/m³ | No substance-specific AL | 0.1 mg/m³ | 0.015 mg/m³ | Lung and nasal cancer; sensitization | Z-Table | IARC Group 1 |
| Cobalt (Co) | 0.1 mg/m³ | No substance-specific AL | 0.02 mg/m³ | 0.05 mg/m³ | Hard metal lung disease; possible carcinogen | Z-Table | IARC 2B |
| Vanadium (V) Dust/Fume | 0.05 mg/m³ (fume ceiling) | No substance-specific AL | 0.05 mg/m³ | 0.05 mg/m³ | Respiratory irritation; chemical pneumonitis | Z-Table | Systemic |
* Cr(VI) requires dedicated NIOSH 7605 analysis — total Cr by NIOSH 7300 the ICP scan does not speciate hexavalent vs. trivalent chromium. Beryllium requires ICP-MS (NIOSH 7303) due to sensitivity requirements. Contact AGT Labs for method selection guidance before sampling.
NIOSH 7300 (ICP-AES) vs. NIOSH 7303 (ICP-MS) — Which Do You Need?
The collection method is identical for both — the difference is what happens in the laboratory. Method selection is driven by which metals are present and what detection sensitivity is required for compliance.
NIOSH 7300 — ICP-AES
The primary and most widely used ICP method for metals analysis. Acid-digested MCE filter solution is nebulized into an argon plasma at ~6,000–10,000°C, where each element emits light at a characteristic wavelength measured simultaneously by the optical spectrometer. Detects 30+ elements at concentrations typically from 0.01–10,000 µg/m³. Adequate for compliance reporting against most OSHA PELs at standard industrial sampling volumes.
NIOSH 7303 — ICP-MS
ICP-MS uses the same plasma ionization as ICP-AES but passes ions through a quadrupole mass spectrometer, separating them by mass-to-charge ratio. This provides detection limits 100–1,000× lower than ICP-AES — reaching 0.0001–0.001 µg/filter. Essential when compliance limits require sub-ppb detection: beryllium (PEL 0.2 µg/m³), inorganic arsenic (PEL 10 µg/m³), cadmium (action level 2.5 µg/m³), and thallium.
NIOSH 7605 — Hexavalent Cr(VI)
Cr(VI) speciation requires a completely separate method and different sampling media from standard ICP collection. NIOSH 7605 (ion chromatography) measures only the hexavalent form of chromium. NIOSH 7300 ICP measures total Cr — it cannot distinguish Cr(VI) from the non-toxic Cr(III). For chromium-generating environments (stainless steel, chrome alloys, chrome plating), always order NIOSH 7605 alongside the standard metals scan. Requires cold-chain shipping (4°C) after collection.
When Do You Need a Full Metals in Air Scan?
Not every operation needs a full 30-element panel. Here are the six situations where a full-panel ICP scan — rather than targeted single-metal sampling — is the correct and defensible approach.
Unknown Coating, Paint, or Alloy Composition
Abrasive blasting, grinding, cutting, or welding on surfaces where the coating or substrate composition is unknown or variable — structural steel, old industrial equipment, or imported materials with uncertain provenance. The ICP scan identifies the full exposure profile before any control decisions are made.
New Process Baseline Survey
Before establishing a targeted monitoring program for a new manufacturing process, casting operation, or metal processing line — a baseline ICP metals scan establishes which metals are present and at what relative concentrations to drive ongoing program design.
OSHA Inspection Response
Following an OSHA inspection, citation, or hazard complaint — comprehensive ICP metals scan data demonstrates due diligence and provides the quantitative baseline for abatement documentation under any substance-specific standard that applies.
Lead Standard Triggering (AL: 30 µg/m³)
Any operation involving lead-painted surfaces (pre-1978 structures), lead-based primers, lead-containing alloys, battery manufacturing, or cable sheathing. The lead action level of 30 µg/m³ triggers medical surveillance and enhanced monitoring under 29 CFR 1910.1025 — ICP compliance monitoring under 29 CFR 1910.1025 is required.
Engineering Control Verification
After installation of LEV systems, isolation enclosures, wet suppression, or process substitution — pre/post ICP sampling using the same metals scan panel confirms the magnitude of exposure reduction and documents control effectiveness for OSHA records.
Foundry, Smelting, or Casting Operations
Metal casting and smelting generate airborne particulate from multiple metals simultaneously — base metal, alloying elements (Mn, Cr, Ni, Mo), and contaminant metals in recycled scrap (Pb, Cd, As). Only a complete ICP metals scan captures the complete occupational exposure picture.
Turnaround Times & Sampling Media Supply
ICP Metals Sampling Kits
- 37mm MCE filters (0.8 µm), acid-cleaned, pre-labeled — for NIOSH 7300/7303
- Closed-face cassette assemblies with end-caps
- 37mm PVC + Na₂CO₃ backup 2-section cassettes — for Cr(VI) NIOSH 7605 (on request)
- Calibrated personal air sampling pumps — loaner program
- Acid-washed tubing and filter holders
- Field data documentation sheet with metal source / process fields
- Industrial Hygiene Chain of Custody (COC) form
- Pre-paid UPS return shipping with cushioned cassette tray
Allow 5 business days for kit dispatch. Houston courier drop-off: (713) 453-6090.
Metals in Air — Field Sampling Requirements
From Sample Collection to Certified Metals in Air Report
Request Media & Pumps
Contact AGT Labs for acid-cleaned MCE kits for this analysis. Specify if Be, As, or Cd monitoring is needed so ICP-MS (NIOSH 7303) is confirmed on your COC alongside NIOSH 7300.
Deploy in Breathing Zone
Clip pump to belt; route to lapel. Wear gloves when handling cassettes. Record all metal sources, process, LEV status, and pump calibration flows on COC.
Ship to Houston Lab
Seal end-caps. Cr(VI) cassettes: refrigerate (4°C) and ship with ice packs. All samples received before 2:00 PM CST = same-day log-in.
Acid Digestion + ICP Analysis
MCE filters undergo HNO₃/HCl acid digestion, then ICP-AES (NIOSH 7300) and/or ICP-MS (NIOSH 7303). 30+ elements quantified from a single digest solution.
ICP Metals Compliance Report
Results on secure client portal — µg/m³ per element, OSHA PEL + ACGIH TLV + NIOSH REL comparison, method detection limits, analyst signature, and AIHA LAP accreditation number.
Who Relies on AGT Labs for Metals in Air Analysis
Battery Manufacturing & Recycling
Lead-acid battery manufacturing and recycling — highest-volume lead monitoring environment with 29 CFR 1910.1025 action level (30 µg/m³) and blood lead monitoring triggers. NiCd battery work adds cadmium (29 CFR 1910.1027). ICP-MS essential for both at sub-action-level confirmation.
Primary & Secondary Smelting
Primary ore smelting (copper, lead, zinc) and secondary smelting of recycled scrap — complex multi-metal fume mixtures including Pb, As, Cd, and Sb from ore impurities. Full ICP-AES + ICP-MS metals scan panel required to capture the complete profile from scrap feed variability.
Construction Demolition & Abrasive Blasting
Demolition of pre-1978 industrial structures (lead paint), abrasive blasting of steel bridges and tanks (lead and chromium primers), and surface prep on old industrial equipment. The ICP metals scan identifies Pb, Cr, Zn, and other coating-derived metals before respiratory protection selection.
Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing
Gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium phosphide (InP), and compound semiconductor manufacturing generate inorganic arsenic and other trace metals requiring ICP analysis at extremely low concentrations. ICP-MS (NIOSH 7303) required for As compliance (PEL 10 µg/m³, action level 5 µg/m³).
IH Consultants & EH&S Programs
Industrial hygiene consulting firms managing multi-client ICP metals scan programs — full ICP panel results with OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV, and NIOSH REL tri-comparison in every report. Compatible with client EHS platforms. Expert interpretation available on request from AGT Labs staff.
Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
Beryllium-copper alloy machining, beryllium ceramic manufacturing, titanium grinding, and specialized alloy fabrication all require ICP metals monitoring under the OSHA Beryllium Standard (29 CFR 1910.1024). Beryllium PEL 0.2 µg/m³ demands ICP-MS (NIOSH 7303). Cadmium plating also requires ICP-MS monitoring.
Metals in Air Testing — Frequently Asked Questions
What is a metals in air testing scan and when do I need one?
What is the OSHA PEL for lead in air?
What is the OSHA PEL for arsenic in air?
What is the OSHA standard for beryllium?
How many metals can be analyzed from one air sample?
What is the difference between NIOSH 7300 and NIOSH 7303?
Do I need to know which metals are present before metals in air testing?
What are the OSHA PEL and action level for cadmium in air?
What industries most commonly need metals in air analysis?
What turnaround times do you offer for metals in air analysis?
Ready to Submit Metals in Air Testing Samples?
ISO/IEC 17025 · AIHA LAP · NIOSH 7300 (ICP-AES) · NIOSH 7303 (ICP-MS) · 30+ Elements · Rush TAT · Houston TX
