J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 117N Forum Book Review Analyses of Hazardous Substances in Biological Materials Volume 6 Edited by Jurgen Angerer and Karl- Heinz Schaller. Pp. xxv+278. Wiley- VCH. 1999. Price (Hardcover) �65.00. ISBN 3-527-2704-0. The use of ICP-MS for the determination of trace elements in biological matrices is a key topic in the latest volume of this highly regarded series produced by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. The opening chapter gives a comprehensive overview of the use of ICP-MS for the determination of trace elements of relevance in occupational environmental and clinical medicine. Principles of the technique laboratory requirements sample introduction systems and interference eVects are introduced in a logical sequence. The section on interferences and their avoidance is particularly well written with examples of the diVerent interferences encountered clearly described.Later in the chapter more practical topics such as sample preparation instrument set-up calibration and quality assurance are covered supported by practical examples. The final part of this chapter deals with examples of trace element analysis in environmental occupational and clinical medicine and the use of alternative sample introduction techniques to broaden the analytical capabilities of the technique. Practical examples are given such as the determination of I and Br in clinical samples and the determination of Se Mo and Pt by electrothermal vaporisation-ICP-MS. An appendix is provided giving detailed information on clinical reference materials with certified and non certified values for trace elements.In the next two chapters detailed descriptions of the methods for the collective determination of 10 elements in urine and the determination of Th and U in urine by ICP-MS are presented. An introductory section describing the physicochemical characteristics industrial uses and general toxicology of each element is followed by a detailed operating procedure for quantitative determination in the specified matrices. These procedures are written in a way that they can be directly reproduced in other laboratories. As it states in the objectives of the working group responsible for this series only methods satisfying strict criteria for analytical reliability are published. Overall this book provides a very valuable source of practical information and advice on the use of ICP-MS for biological monitoring both for analysts already using the technique and for those considering using the technique for both routine and research activities.In addition the published methods further support the objectives of international harmonisation of analytical approaches and comparability of analytical data. Mark White Health and Safety Laboratory UK Edited by A. Fajgelj and M. Parkany. Pp. 206. The Royal Society of Chemistry. 1999. Price (Hardcover) �59.50. ISBN 0-85404-739-5. This book contains 14 lectures presented at the Workshop on �Proper Use of Environmental Reference Materials� held in Berlin on 22�23 April 1999. There are 14 diVerent authors (or groups of authors) many of whom are well known in the community of matrix reference materials (RMs).The texts show their diVerent views on how to prepare and certify RMs how to use them and how RMs provide measurement assurance. The chapters diVer in quality and length (7�30 pp). The first chapter �China GBW reference materials� by Pan Ziu Rong and Zhao Min is the longest one. Then follows an interesting chapter on �How to use matrix certified reference material? Examples of materials produced by IRMM�s Book Review The Use of Matrix Reference Materials in Environmental Analytical Processes reference materials unit� by J. Pauwels. He represents the European Commission�s endeavour in this field. The contribution on �Proper use of reference materials for elemental speciation studies� by K. Okamoto and J. Yoshinaga is highlighting the new tendency in trace element analyses towards speciation of the trace elements instead of total element measurements.NIST has a long-standing tradition in RMs as presented in a pleasant way by Th. E. Gills. The achievements of the IAEA in the field of radionuclides and in that of stable isotope composition are described in two chapters. They are good sources for information in these particular areas. Following chapters deal with the specific case of biological materials in the Czech Republic the preparation and use of a coal RM gaseous RMs the use of matrix RM and the contribution of the UK LGC�s oYce of reference materials who handle practically all existing RMs. Last but one there is a very stimulating chapter by P. De Bie` vre on the function of matrix reference materials in the measurement process. The book closes with an introduction to the ISO Guide 33 on the use of RMs and with an overview on the activities at ISO/ REMCO (this is the ISO�s committee on reference materials). This is a resourceful book for developing an understanding of the usefulness of reference materials in environmental analytical measurements. It is a valuable addition to the literature. Many of the authors represent the world-leading organizations in this field. The book can be recommended to beginners and experienced workers. Rita Cor