A low-pressure graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry technique Is presented which, for aqueous Pb samples at 0.15 Torr, results In a 2 orders of magnitude reduction In sensitivity and a working range that extends to about 1 pg. The limit of detection Is 5 ng of Pb. Sticking Is diminished for refractory analytes (e.g., V), thus reducing memory effects and peak tailing. Solid sample analysis Is demonstrated for Pb In a phosphorlzed Cu alloy, for which low-pressure atomization minimizes Cu vaporization while allowing for quantitative determination of Pb when compared to a calibration curve prepared from aqueous standards. In addition, the appearance of multiple peaks suggests the use of the technique for differentiating between various forms or locations of Pb within the sample. This Is In contrast to atmospheric vaporization where only one broad peak Is observed.