On the biologically-relevant sampling of airborne particles

This paper describes how the assessment of workplace aerosols should be based on criteria which are directly relevant to health effects. Such criteria are embodied in two recent sets of recommended standards for aerosol sampling: firstly in 1981 by the International Standards Organisation and then in 1985 by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

In occupational hygiene, both static and personal dust samplers are widely used for estimating worker exposure. Although there are arguments for and against each, it is suggested that a well-planned sampling strategy should involve the use of both. We have therefore set out to develop new instruments of both types consistent with the recommended sampling criteria. These include inspirable aerosol samplers for the biologically-relevant measurement of so-called ‘total’ aerosol, and inspirable aerosol spectrometers for providing a wider range of health-related aerosol information.