Measurement of particles
Particles and aerosols have an impact on health and the environment. At METAS, we enable traceable measurement of particles, thus contributing to the monitoring of air quality and correct production processes.
Measurement of particles and aerosols in everyday life
Particles and aerosols surround us all the time – in the form of pollen, smoke or air pollution. They have an impact on our health, the environment and the climate. Accurate measurement of these fine particles dispersed in gas makes it possible to monitor air quality, control emissions and secure production environments. The correct functioning of particle measuring instruments is essential for reliable measurements.
Typical applications of particle and aerosol measurement
- Monitoring of clean rooms
- Monitoring the air quality (ultrafine particles, black carbon, PM2.5 and PM10) in the ambient air
- Indoor air quality monitoring
- Monitoring and prediction of bioaerosol number concentration
- Monitoring of particle load at the workplace
- Inspecting particulate emissions from internal combustion engines
Our services in the field of particles and aerosols
Calibrations
Our calibration services cover a particle count range from 5000 m-3 to 107 cm-3 with particle sizes from 5 nm to 100 μm.
Among other things, we calibrate:
- Optical particle counters (OPC, OPSS)
- Aerodynamic particle sizers (APS)
- Condensation particle counters (CPC)
- Differential mobility analysers (DMA) and scanning mobility particle sizer spectrometers (SMPS)
- Bioaerosol monitors
A detailed overview of our services in the field of particles and aerosols can be found in our services catalogue:
Approvals, conformity assessments and type examinations
We grant national approvals for measuring instruments for nanoparticles and diesel smoke and carry out type tests for PTI measuring instruments.
Verifications
We verify nanoparticle measuring instruments for internal combustion engines.
You can find further information on the page "nanoparticle measuring instruments for internal combustion engines" (page available in German, French and Italian only).
Is the service you are looking for not listed on the website? Please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can work together to find a customised solution to your problem.
Measurement campaigns
During the measurement campaigns, we can offer you our services at a preferential price. We have planned the following campaigns in 2026:
Measuring methods and technologies
We use the following measurement methods and technologies:
- Primary standard for the calibration of optical and condensation particle counters at low concentrations (0.5 cm-3-2,000 cm-3) (Horender et al. 2019; Vasilatou et al. 2021)
- Particle Tracking Velocimetry as a reference method for the calibration of bioaerosol monitors (Vasilatou et al. 2025)
- Traceable Faraday cup electrometer for calibrating condensation particle counters and mobility analysers
- Certified particles, the size of which has been traceably determined using atomic force microscopy, for calibrating DMA
- Air-conditioning and pressure chamber for type testing of particle counters for exhaust gas maintenance of diesel engines (PN-PTI)
- Generation of realistic test aerosols for calibrating black carbon photometers using a photothermal interferometer (Hammer et al. 2026)
- Test chamber for calibrating PM sensors (Horender et al. 2021)
Quality and expertise
You can find information on the quality of our services on the “Integrated Management System” page.
Enquiry and contact
Particles and Aerosols Laboratory
Federal Institute of Metrology METAS
Lindenweg 50
3003 Bern-Wabern
General enquiries: aerosol@metas.ch
Enquiries to the nanoparticle measuring instruments verification laboratory: nanopartikelmessgeraete@metas.ch (Opening Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4 pm)
Index
More information
Calibration
Our calibrations are based on nationally and internationally traceable references and guarantee the highest measurement accuracy and traceability to the International System of Units (SI) for measuring instruments from industry, research and administration.
National approval for measuring instruments in Switzerland
The national approval based on Article 16 of the Measuring Instruments Ordinance (SR 941.210; MIO) confirms compliance with binding requirements for measuring instruments and thus enables the legally compliant placing of your measuring instrument on the market. The application for national approval is usually submitted by the manufacturer or the Swiss distributor.
Conformity assessments of measuring instruments
Conformity assessments of measuring instruments by the Certification Body METAS-Cert ensure that your measuring instruments are put on the market in compliance with the law and that they are internationally recognised. In Switzerland and the EU, they are a prerequisite for market access for many measuring instruments.
Verification
Our verifications ensure that measuring instruments subject to verification carry out measurements in compliance with legal requirements. A verified measuring instrument can be recognised by its verification mark, which indicates the validity of the verification and, by extension, fosters trust in its measurement results.