Metals in Air Testing Lab Houston TX
Need metals in air testing in Houston? AGT Labs analyzes samples collected by your industrial hygienist, EHS team or consultant — drop off at 10200 East Freeway, Suite 101, or ship from anywhere in the U.S. AIHA IHLAP-accredited (LAP-101470) industrial hygiene testing laboratory for metals in air testing at 10200 East Freeway, Houston TX 77029 — comprehensive ICP-AES analysis of 30+ elements simultaneously from a single MCE filter. NIOSH 7300 (modified) and 7303 methods. OSHA PEL compliance for lead, arsenic, cadmium, beryllium, chromium, manganese, nickel, and more. AIHA IHLAP LAP-101470 and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited. Samples received before 2:00 PM CT logged same day.
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. The enhanced-sensitivity NIOSH 7303 method, combined with extended sample volumes, achieves the low detection limits required 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 AIHA IHLAP LAP-101470 and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation. A metals in air scan is the most efficient tool in an accredited IH testing lab's analytical portfolio — one filter yields data on 30+ regulated elements simultaneously, supporting OSHA compliance across multiple substance-specific standards from a single sample.
- 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
- NIOSH 7303 enhanced-sensitivity ICP for trace metals (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)
- Government & federal facility support — public building decommissioning, lead and beryllium surveys
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 OSHA ID-215 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.
A single 37 mm MCE filter cassette collected in the field provides enough sample material for simultaneous analysis of the complete ICP-AES element panel. AGT Labs reports results for aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, calcium, chromium (total), cobalt, copper, iron, lead, lithium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silver, sodium, strontium, tellurium, thallium, tin, titanium, vanadium, yttrium, zinc, and zirconium — all from one filter, one digestion, one analytical run.
This multi-element capability means you do not need to collect separate samples for each metal of concern. One personal breathing zone sample or area sample provides a complete exposure profile covering every OSHA-regulated metal and every ACGIH-listed metal with a TLV. For industrial operations with mixed metal exposures — welding, grinding, smelting, foundry work, battery manufacturing — this approach is both more efficient and more cost-effective than ordering individual metal analyses.
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 | 5 mg/m³ (ceiling) | No formal AL — ACGIH TLV: 0.02 mg/m³ | 0.02 mg/m³ | 1 mg/m³ TWA (3 mg/m³ STEL) | 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 OSHA ID-215 analysis — total Cr by NIOSH 7300 (modified) the ICP scan does not speciate hexavalent vs. trivalent chromium. Beryllium requires NIOSH 7303 (enhanced-sensitivity ICP) due to sensitivity requirements. Contact AGT Labs for method selection guidance before sampling.
NIOSH 7300 (modified) vs. NIOSH 7303 (ICP-AES) — 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 (modified) — 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 — Enhanced-Sensitivity ICP
NIOSH 7303 is the enhanced-sensitivity ICP-AES method — using optimized digestion and extended sample volumes to reach substantially lower reporting limits than the standard NIOSH 7300 (modified) scan. This is what AGT Labs uses when compliance limits require trace-level detection: beryllium (PEL 0.2 µg/m³), inorganic arsenic (PEL 10 µg/m³), cadmium (action level 2.5 µg/m³), and thallium.
OSHA ID-215 — Hexavalent Cr(VI)
Cr(VI) speciation requires a completely separate method and different sampling media from standard ICP collection. OSHA ID-215 (ion chromatography) measures only the hexavalent form of chromium. NIOSH 7300 (modified) 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 OSHA ID-215 alongside the standard metals scan. Requires cold-chain shipping (4°C) after collection. If your ICP scan indicates elevated chromium, speciation is required for OSHA 1910.1026 compliance. Our dedicated hexavalent chromium testing using OSHA ID-215 provides the Cr(VI)-specific data that a total metals scan cannot.
Detection Limits & Sample Volume Planning — NIOSH 7300 (modified) vs NIOSH 7303
For each metal with a substance-specific OSHA standard, here's the sensitivity headroom you have under each ICP method at typical sampling volumes. This is what drives the method-selection decision before sampling.
| Metal | OSHA Action Level | NIOSH 7300 (modified) RL | NIOSH 7303 RL | Recommended Sample Volume | Best Method for Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | 30 µg/m³ TWA | ~5 µg/filter (≈ 25 µg/m³ at 200L) | ~0.05 µg/filter (≈ 0.25 µg/m³ at 200L) | 200–480 L | NIOSH 7303 for AL confirmation |
| Cadmium (Cd) | 2.5 µg/m³ TWA | ~5 µg/filter (≈ 25 µg/m³ at 200L) | ~0.05 µg/filter (≈ 0.25 µg/m³ at 200L) | 240–480 L | NIOSH 7303 + EXTENDED VOLUME |
| Inorganic Arsenic (As) | 5 µg/m³ TWA | ~5 µg/filter (≈ 25 µg/m³ at 200L) | ~0.05 µg/filter (≈ 0.25 µg/m³ at 200L) | 240–480 L | NIOSH 7303 + EXTENDED VOLUME |
| Beryllium (Be) | 0.1 µg/m³ TWA | ~1 µg/filter (≈ 5 µg/m³ at 200L) | ~0.01 µg/filter (≈ 0.05 µg/m³ at 200L) | 480–960 L (extended) | NIOSH 7303 + EXTENDED VOLUME |
| Thallium (Tl) | 0.1 mg/m³ skin | ~5 µg/filter | ~0.05 µg/filter | 200–480 L | NIOSH 7303 recommended |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.02 mg/m³ TLV | ~5 µg/filter (≈ 25 µg/m³ at 200L) | ~0.05 µg/filter (≈ 0.25 µg/m³ at 200L) | 200–400 L | NIOSH 7300 (modified) adequate for OSHA PEL; NIOSH 7303 for ACGIH TLV |
| Iron, Zinc, Copper, Aluminum | 1–10 mg/m³ range | ~1–5 µg/filter | ~0.01–0.05 µg/filter | 200 L typical | ICP-AES sufficient |
Why the NIOSH 7300 (modified)-vs-7303 Choice Matters
For Pb, Cd, As, and Be, OSHA action levels are below the typical ICP-AES reporting limit at 200 L. Reporting "non-detect" when the standard LOD is higher than the action level does not demonstrate compliance. Our enhanced NIOSH 7303 method with an extended sample volume lowers the reporting limit so a non-detect actually means below the AL.
When uncertain about which metals may be present, the safest approach is to request both NIOSH 7300 (modified) and 7303 from the same MCE filter — the same digest supports both. Cost difference is incremental and the data is fully defensible against any OSHA audit.
Welding Fume Metals Testing — Hot Work Exposure Monitoring
Welding operations generate complex metal fume mixtures whose composition varies with the base metal, filler metal, flux, and welding process. OSHA does not regulate welding fumes as a single substance — instead, each metal component carries its own PEL, and employers must evaluate exposure to every regulated metal present in the fume.
Carbon steel welding produces fumes dominated by iron oxide, with significant concentrations of manganese (typically 1–5% of the fume mass). Stainless steel welding adds hexavalent chromium and nickel to the fume composition — both confirmed carcinogens — making exposure monitoring critical. Hardfacing and wear-resistant overlay welding may involve cobalt, tungsten, and chromium at elevated concentrations. Aluminum welding generates aluminum oxide fume along with any alloying elements (magnesium, zinc, silicon). Brazing and soldering operations may produce cadmium, silver, copper, and zinc fumes depending on the alloy composition.
For welding exposure assessments, sample in the welder’s breathing zone using a 37 mm MCE filter cassette at 2 L/min for a full-shift TWA, or at higher flow rates for short-term task-based sampling. Specify a full metals scan by NIOSH 7300 (modified) on the chain-of-custody form — this captures iron, manganese, chromium (total), nickel, zinc, copper, and all other ICP-detectable metals from a single cassette. If stainless steel or chromate-coated materials are being welded, add a separate sample for hexavalent chromium by OSHA ID-215 or NIOSH 7605, as the standard ICP scan reports only total chromium and cannot distinguish Cr(VI) from Cr(III).
AGT Labs provides welding fume exposure reports that break down each metal component against its individual OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV, and — where applicable — the substance-specific standard requirements for medical surveillance, regulated area designation, and respiratory protection triggers.
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. Welding, brazing, and thermal cutting operations are the most common trigger for metals in air monitoring. For weld-specific method packages, see our welding fume testing page.
Turnaround Times & Sampling Media Supply
ICP Metals Sampling Kits
- 37mm MCE filters (0.8 µm), acid-cleaned, pre-labeled — for NIOSH 7300 (modified)/7303
- Closed-face cassette assemblies with end-caps
- 37mm PVC + Na₂CO₃ backup 2-section cassettes — for Cr(VI) OSHA ID-215 (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.
ICP-AES Analytical Method — How Your Metal Samples Are Analyzed in the Lab
Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), also called ICP-OES (optical emission spectroscopy), is the gold-standard technique for multi-element metals-in-air analysis. Understanding how the analysis works helps industrial hygienists interpret results and communicate findings to clients and regulatory agencies.
When your sample cassette arrives at AGT Labs, the MCE filter is removed from the cassette in a clean preparation area and placed in a digestion vessel. The filter and collected particulate are dissolved using a hot acid digestion — typically a mixture of concentrated nitric acid and hydrochloric acid (aqua regia) or nitric acid with hydrogen peroxide — heated to approximately 95°C for 30 to 60 minutes until the filter and all particulate matter are completely dissolved. The resulting solution is diluted to a precise final volume with deionized water.
The digestate is then introduced into the ICP-AES instrument as a fine aerosol. Inside the instrument, the sample passes through an argon plasma torch operating at approximately 6,000 to 10,000 Kelvin — hot enough to atomize and excite every element present. Each excited element emits light at characteristic wavelengths as its electrons return to lower energy states. The spectrometer simultaneously measures emission intensity at multiple wavelengths, identifying and quantifying each element in a single analytical run. A typical ICP-AES analysis measures 30 or more elements simultaneously in under 3 minutes per sample.
Calibration is performed using certified reference standards traceable to NIST, with quality control samples (laboratory control samples, method blanks, and duplicate analyses) run with every analytical batch. Results are reported in micrograms per sample (µg/sample) and converted to airborne concentration (µg/m³) using the sample volume from your chain-of-custody form. Detection limits vary by element but typically range from 0.1 to 5 µg/sample for most regulated metals.
AGT Labs offers a 5-business-day standard turnaround for metals-in-air analysis by ICP-AES, with rush service available at 24-hour and 48-hour turnaround for time-critical projects such as OSHA compliance response, post-exposure investigations, and abatement clearance monitoring. Weekend and holiday analysis is available on request. For high-volume monitoring programs — refinery turnarounds, construction projects, and multi-site industrial campaigns — we provide dedicated analytical capacity and guaranteed turnaround commitments through project-specific service agreements.
Sampling media for metals-in-air analysis consists of 37 mm mixed cellulose ester (MCE) filter cassettes, 0.8 µm pore size, assembled in three-piece polystyrene cassettes with cellulose support pads. AGT Labs supplies pre-assembled, pre-labeled cassette kits at no charge — including cassettes, chain-of-custody forms, field blank cassettes, and prepaid return shipping labels. Kits are shipped within 24 hours of request to any location in the continental United States. For clients in the Houston metropolitan area, same-day kit delivery and sample pickup are available.
Metals in Air — Field Sampling Requirements
Sample Receipt and Chain of Custody
Every sample received at AGT Labs is logged into our laboratory information management system (LIMS) within one hour of arrival. The analyst verifies each cassette against the chain-of-custody documentation, checking for sample integrity — intact plugs, no visible filter damage, no particulate spillage — and records any discrepancies. Samples are assigned unique laboratory identification numbers and entered into the analytical queue based on the requested turnaround time.
Acid Digestion and ICP-AES Analysis
Following NIOSH 7300 (modified), the MCE filter is removed from the cassette and subjected to hot acid digestion to dissolve all collected particulate into solution. The digestate is analyzed by ICP-AES, with each element measured against certified calibration standards. Quality control samples — method blanks, laboratory control samples, and duplicate analyses — are processed with every batch. Results exceeding calibration range are diluted and reanalyzed to ensure accuracy.
Report Deliverables
The certified report includes results for every element in the analytical panel (30+ metals), reported in both µg/sample and µg/m³ (calculated from the sample volume on your chain-of-custody form). Each result is compared against the applicable OSHA PEL and flagged when it exceeds the action level or PEL. Reports include the analytical method, detection limits for each element, quality control results, analyst identification, and AIHA LAP accreditation number (LAP-101470). PDF reports are delivered through our secure online portal, with CSV data exports available for integration into industrial hygiene database software.
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 NIOSH 7303 (enhanced-sensitivity ICP) is confirmed on your COC alongside NIOSH 7300 (modified).
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 IH Lab
Seal end-caps. Cr(VI) cassettes: refrigerate (4°C) and ship with ice packs. All samples received before 2:00 PM CT = same-day log-in.
Acid Digestion + ICP Analysis
MCE filters undergo HNO₃/HCl acid digestion, then ICP-AES (NIOSH 7300 (modified)) and/or NIOSH 7303 (enhanced-sensitivity ICP). 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
Facilities performing a comprehensive IH survey often pair metals in air analysis with crystalline silica testing and respirable dust testing to cover both chemical and particulate hazards in a single sampling event.
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). NIOSH 7303 used 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 NIOSH 7300 (modified) + 7303 metals scan 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), shipyard and marine vessel blasting, 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. NIOSH 7303 (enhanced-sensitivity ICP) 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 NIOSH 7303 (enhanced-sensitivity ICP). Cadmium plating also requires NIOSH 7303 monitoring.
Government & Federal Facilities
Public building decommissioning, government facility lead and beryllium surveys, and environmental cleanup projects require accredited ICP metals data. Our AIHA IHLAP (LAP-101470) and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation supports government and federal facility metals testing. Note that environmental analysis performed on DoD and DOE installations is separately governed by DoD-ELAP requirements — contact us to confirm scope before bidding.
Foundry & Metal Casting
Iron and non-ferrous foundries and metal fabrication shops generate complex multi-metal fume from base metal, alloying elements (Mn, Cr, Ni, Mo), and contaminant metals from recycled scrap (Pb, Cd, As). Full NIOSH 7300 (modified) + 7303 scan provides the complete exposure profile required for OSHA PSM and substance-specific compliance.
Individual Metal Hazards — OSHA PELs, Health Effects & Exposure Sources
Each metal regulated by OSHA carries its own permissible exposure limit, health hazard profile, and common industrial source. Understanding which metals drive your monitoring requirements helps you design a sampling strategy that targets the right analytes and meets the applicable substance-specific standard.
Lead (Pb) — 29 CFR 1910.1025 / 1926.62
Lead is one of the most heavily regulated metals in occupational health. The OSHA PEL is 50 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) as an 8-hour TWA, with an action level of 30 µg/m³. Lead exposure triggers medical surveillance requirements including blood lead level monitoring when airborne concentrations exceed the action level. Common exposure sources include demolition and renovation of structures with lead-based paint, battery manufacturing and recycling, soldering operations, radiator repair, and firing ranges. ACGIH has set a lower TLV of 50 µg/m³ but recommends a Biological Exposure Index (BEI) of 20 µg/dL blood lead.
Cadmium (Cd) — 29 CFR 1910.1027 / 1926.1127
Cadmium has one of the lowest PELs of any metal at 5 µg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA, with an action level of 2.5 µg/m³. ACGIH sets an even more protective TLV of 2 µg/m³ for the respirable fraction. Cadmium is classified as a known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1) associated with lung cancer and kidney disease. Industrial exposures occur in electroplating, nickel-cadmium battery production, zinc and copper smelting, brazing and soldering with cadmium-containing alloys, and cutting or welding cadmium-plated steel. The OSHA cadmium standards require biological monitoring (blood cadmium and beta-2-microglobulin levels) for exposed workers.
Hexavalent Chromium Cr(VI) — 29 CFR 1910.1026 / 1926.1126
Hexavalent chromium carries a PEL of 5 µg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA, with an action level of 2.5 µg/m³. Cr(VI) is a confirmed human carcinogen causing lung cancer, and is also associated with nasal septum perforation, skin ulceration, and kidney damage. Key exposure sources include stainless steel welding and cutting, chrome plating, painting with chromate-based primers (aerospace and marine applications), cement production, and wood treatment with chromated copper arsenate. Cr(VI) is analyzed separately from total chromium using OSHA ID-215 or NIOSH 7605 — standard metals-in-air scans by NIOSH 7300 report total chromium only, so if hexavalent chromium exposure is suspected, specify the Cr(VI)-specific method on your chain-of-custody form.
Manganese (Mn)
Manganese has an OSHA PEL of 5,000 µg/m³ (5 mg/m³) as a ceiling limit, but ACGIH recommends a far lower TLV of 20 µg/m³ for the respirable fraction and 100 µg/m³ for the inhalable fraction. Chronic manganese exposure causes manganism, a neurological condition resembling Parkinson’s disease with symptoms including tremors, gait disturbance, and cognitive impairment. Welding is the primary source of manganese exposure — manganese is present in most structural steel and is a major component of welding fumes from carbon steel, high-strength low-alloy steel, and hardfacing electrodes. Other exposure sources include mining, ore processing, and battery manufacturing.
Nickel (Ni)
OSHA’s PEL for nickel metal and soluble compounds is 1,000 µg/m³ (1 mg/m³) as an 8-hour TWA. ACGIH TLVs are lower: 1,500 µg/m³ for nickel metal (inhalable fraction), 200 µg/m³ for soluble inorganic nickel compounds, and 100 µg/m³ for insoluble inorganic nickel compounds. Nickel compounds are classified as Group 1 carcinogens (IARC) associated with lung and nasal cancer. Exposures occur in stainless steel welding, nickel plating, grinding and machining nickel alloys, catalyst manufacturing, and electronics assembly. The speciation of nickel matters — soluble forms are more readily absorbed and carry higher health risks.
Beryllium (Be) — 29 CFR 1910.1024 / 1926.1124
Beryllium has one of the most stringent PELs at 0.2 µg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA, with a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 2.0 µg/m³. The ACGIH TLV is even lower at 0.05 µg/m³. Beryllium exposure can cause chronic beryllium disease (CBD), an incurable granulomatous lung condition, and acute beryllium disease at higher concentrations. Exposure sources include aerospace and defense manufacturing, nuclear energy facilities, dental alloy processing, ceramic manufacturing, and recycling of electronics. OSHA’s beryllium standard requires medical surveillance including a beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) for workers with confirmed exposure above the action level of 0.1 µg/m³.
AGT Labs reports individual results for all metals listed above — and 25 additional elements — from a single air cassette filter analyzed by ICP-AES, so one sample provides a comprehensive exposure profile across your full metals panel.
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 (modified) 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?
Is AGT Labs accredited for metals in air ICP testing?
What are the detection limits for NIOSH 7300 (modified) vs NIOSH 7303 metals testing?
Can ICP-AES distinguish hexavalent chromium from total chromium?
How long are MCE filter samples stable in shipping?
Does AGT Labs perform metals in air testing for government and federal facility projects?
ICP Metals Testing Lab Serving Houston's Industrial Base
AGT Labs is located at 10200 East Freeway, Suite 101, Houston TX 77029 — within the Houston Ship Channel industrial corridor. All ICP-AES metals analysis is performed in-house. No send-outs. Samples received before 2:00 PM CT logged same day.
Accredited
In-House
Available
10200 E. Freeway
Need an Accredited IH Lab for Metals in Air Testing?
AIHA IHLAP (LAP-101470) · ISO/IEC 17025:2017 · NIOSH 7300 Modified (ICP-AES) · NIOSH 7303 (enhanced ICP) · 30+ Elements · Rush TAT · 10200 East Freeway, Houston TX 77029 Ask about recurring monitoring programs and volume pricing for ongoing OSHA compliance sampling.