This International Standard provides recommendations for controlling the analytical uncertainty associated with aerosol collection medium instability, where collection medium or collection substrate includes any article used to collect particles (e.g. filter or foam material) as well as those supporting elements which must be analysed by weighing.

This International Standard is applicable to results compiled both from the literature and, if necessary and feasible, through laboratory experiment. Expected uncertainty associated with given aerosol capture methods is quantified where possible. Recommendations as to materials to be used are given. Means of minimizing uncertainty arising from instability are provided. Recommendations for the weighing procedure are given. A procedure for estimating weighing uncertainty is described. Finally, recommendations are given for the reporting of measured mass, including an uncertainty component and limits of detection and quantification.