This explains the environmental certified reference materials developed by the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), their role and social significance.
NIES environmental certified reference materials function as "measuring instruments" for accurately measuring harmful substances in the environment, and are samples with predetermined reliable values for specific components. They are developed based on ISO 17034 and ISO Guide 35, with strict evaluation of homogeneity, stability, and reproducibility, clearly indicating measurement uncertainty and metrological traceability.
The development process is selected based on social issues and analytical needs, sometimes requiring over five years from raw material collection to component value determination. Collaborative testing by multiple research institutions is conducted to achieve high quality control. To date, 38 types of environmental certified reference materials have been developed, including dust, soil, sediment, biological tissue, hair, and urine, and are provided to universities, research institutions, and companies in over 50 countries.
A representative example is "NIES CRM No. 28 Urban Dust," which is utilized in Beijing's air pollution monitoring for measuring concentrations of harmful metal elements such as lead and cadmium. It also contributes to the analysis of new pollutants such as microplastics and PFAS.
The article evaluates that NIES environmental certified reference materials play an important role in scientifically supporting environmental monitoring, risk assessment, and policy decisions, providing visible certainty against invisible environmental anxieties.