Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p> This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of vapour from mercury and its inorganic compounds in workplace air using atomic absorption spectrometry in a concentration range of one thousandth up to twice the currently valid Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) or MAK value of 0.02 mg/m <jats:sup>3</jats:sup> . Both personal and stationary sampling can be performed for risk assessment at work. Sampling is carried out by drawing a defined volume of air through an adsorption tube filled with hopcalite (mixture of MnO <jats:sub>2</jats:sub> and CuO) using a flow‐regulated pump. The flow rate is set to 250 mL/min with a recommended air sample volume of approx. 30 L at a sampling duration of 2 hours. After sampling the loaded hopcalite is transferred into a quartz boat and the collected mercury can be analysed directly via atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The quantitative determination is based on a calibration function obtained by means of a 10‐point calibration. The limit of quantification is 0.013 µg/m <jats:sup>3</jats:sup> based on an air sample volume of approx. 30 L with an expanded uncertainty between 18 and 21 %. </jats:p>