This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of cadmium [7440-43-9] and cadmium compounds in workplace air after personal or stationary sampling. Sampling is performed by drawing a defined volume of air through a quartz fibre filter using a suitable flow-regulated pump. After high-pressure microwave digestion, the respirable and inhalable fraction of cadmium retained on the filter is analysed using an atomic absorption spectrometer with the graphite furnace technique. The relative limit of quantification (LOQ) is 0.0019 μg cadmium/m³ for an air sample volume of 1.2 m³. Sampling is performed over 2 h at a flow rate of 10 l/min, a measurement solution volume of 25 ml and an injection volume of 20 μl. It is not possible to differentiate between the individual cadmium compounds. The mean recovery for cadmium was 100%. The concentration-dependent expanded uncertainty was between 26 and 27% and the concentration-dependent uncertainty for the determination of cadmium in the inhalable fraction was 26 to 27%, too. This analytical method has been accredited by the accident insurance companies for the detection in workplace air of substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction. This method has been tested and recommended for the determination of cadmium in work areas by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). Both personal and stationary sampling can be performed for measurements in order to evaluate work areas.