Heavy metals consist of elements with metallic properties. Humans and animals need varying amounts of heavy metals. For example, the human body requires metals such as iron, copper, cobalt, manganese, zinc and molybdenum. However, high amounts of these metals enter the body, damaging the organism. Apart from these, various foodstuffs and other heavy metals such as mercury, lead and plutonium which enter the body through unwanted pathways, do not need any vital and useful organism. If these metals accumulate in the body, on the contrary, they cause serious diseases. Heavy metals such as tungsten and cadmium normally show toxic properties but may be useful in some cases for some organisms.

As it can be seen, heavy metals, depending on the type, create negative effects on the human body and even cause serious diseases. This phenomenon, called heavy metal poisoning, can arise from a variety of sources. However, it is most commonly found in enterprises where pure metals are obtained or ores are melted or nuclear fuels are prepared.

Heavy metal measurements in ambient air are also carried out in the authorized laboratories within the scope of indoor measurements. Depending on their field of activity, some companies have to breathe various chemicals and heavy metals in the working environment. In order to protect the health of employees, heavy metal measurements should be made and evaluated according to international standards at certain periods.

The Anti-Dust Regulation issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security also aims to prevent risks arising from pollination in enterprises. Within the framework of this regulation, enterprises must take the necessary precautions to ensure occupational health and safety in the working environment and to ensure that employees are protected from the effects of dust. The limit values ​​on this subject are included in the annex of the Regulation.

In addition, there are standards described by many domestic and foreign organizations that should be taken into consideration in the measurement and analysis of heavy metals.