This International Standard specifies a method based on acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrometry for the chemical analysis of lead samples collected on filters from ambient air. The method is applicable to ambient air samples with particulate lead contents, such that the amount of deposited particulate lead collected on the filter of the sampling equipment is greater than 1 pg if the final determination is made by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Final determination by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry allows measurement of quantities of less than 1 pg, but is only applicable after experimental validation of detection limits.