Comments on article 'critical outlook and trends for environmental reference materials at the measurements and testing generic activity'

摘要

As Chairman of ISO/REMCO (Council Committee on Reference materials of the International Organization for Standardization) I consider the following reply is warranted to the article "Critical outlook and trends for environmental reference materials at the Measurements and Testing Generic Activity" by Ph. Quevauviller, D. Bennick, and S. Bowalt published in Fresenius J Anal Chem (2001) 370 : 11-15. Overall, this publication helps further understanding of some of the characteristics and roles of certified reference materials in the general analytical community. There are, however, several instances where the discussion in the publication should have been more in tune with the actual international status of certified reference materials, and more importantly, where the text is misleading and even incorrect.