This European Standard describes a standard method for determining the PM₁₀ or PM_2,5 mass concentrations of suspended particulate matter in ambient air by sampling the particulate matter on filters and weighing them by means of a balance.

Measurements are performed with samplers with inlet designs as specified in Annex A, operating at a nominal flow rate of 2,3 m³/h, over a nominal sampling period of 24 h. Measurement results are expressed in µg/m³, where the volume of air is the volume at ambient conditions near the inlet at the time of sampling.

The range of application of this European Standard is from approximately 1 µg/m³ (i.e. the limit of detection of the standard measurement method expressed as its uncertainty) up to 150 µg/m³ for PM₁₀ and 120 µg/m³ for PM^2,5.

This European Standard describes procedures and gives requirements for the use of so-called sequential samplers, equipped with a filter changer, suitable for extended stand-alone operation. Sequential samplers are commonly used throughout the European Union for the measurement of concentrations in ambient air of PM₁₀ or PM_2,5. However, this European Standard does not exclude the use of single-filter samplers.

This European Standard does not give procedures for the demonstration of equivalence of other sampler types, e.g. equipped with a different aerosol classifier and/or operating at different flow rates. Such procedures and requirements are given in detail in the Guide to the Demonstration of Equivalence of Ambient Air Monitoring Methods [11] and for automated continuous PM monitors (see CEN/TS 16450:2013).

The present European Standard represents an evolution of earlier European Standards (EN 12341:1998 and EN 14907:2005) through the development of the 2,3 m³/h sampler to include constraints on the filter temperature during and after sampling and the ability to monitor temperatures at critical points in the sampling system. It is recommended that when equipment is procured it complies fully with the present European Standard. However, older versions of these 2,3 m³/h samplers that do not employ sheath air cooling, the ability to cool filters after sampling, or the ability to monitor temperatures at critical points in the sampling system have a special status in terms of their use as reference samplers. Historical results obtained using these samplers will remain valid. These samplers can still be used for monitoring purposes and for equivalence trials, provided that a well justified additional allowance is made to their uncertainties (see Annex B).

In addition, three specific sampling systems – the “long nozzle” 2,3 m³/h sampler and the 68 m³/h sampler for PM₁₀ in EN 12341:1998, and the 30 m³/h PM_2,5 inlet in EN 14907:2005 – also have a special status in terms of their use as reference samplers. Historical results obtained using these samplers will remain valid. These samplers can still be used for monitoring purposes and for equivalence trials, provided that a well-justified additional allowance is made to their uncertainties (see Annex B).

Other sampling systems, as described in Annex B of this European Standard, can be used provided that a well justified additional allowance is made to their uncertainties as derived from equivalence tests.

This European Standard also provides guidance for the selection and testing of filters with the aim of reducing the measurement uncertainty of the results obtained when applying this European Standard.