The application of x-ray fluorescence to the analysis of air pollution particulate samples was demonstrated to be a rapid and economical technique at concentrations encountered in practical situations. No sample preparation is necessary for particulates deposited on filters, which can be placed directly in the x-ray equipment. Because the specimens are thin, matrix absorption and fluorescence are negligible and calibration curves are linear. All of the elements of interest can be measured simultaneously in 100 seconds with either multichannel x-ray crystal spectrometers or multichannel analyzers with energy dispersion detectors. Sensitivity and detectability were compared for four types of excitation (x-ray tubes, fluorescers, radioisotopes and high-energy ions) and for the two types of data acquisition (crystal spectrometers and energy dispersive detectors). (Author)