Air ion composition of air: features of monitoring and evaluation

Abstract

Assessment of methods for measuring concentration of light air ions in the air of the working area is given in the article. As a result of experiments and statistical processing of the obtained data, it was found that compliance with MUK (methodological guidelines) 4.3.1675-03 “General requirements for monitoring the air ion composition of the air” allows to obtain reliable results and to avoid penalties for violation of SanPiN (Sanitary Regulations and Standards) 2.2.4.1294-03 “Hygienic requirements for the air ionic composition of the air in industrial and public premises”. Carrying out measurements by the “direct” method in accordance with the operating instructions for the “MAS-01” counter of air ions is misleading regarding the optimal or impermissible content of air ions of both polarities in the air, because other data, often contradicting the previous ones, are obtained after re-measuring. Results of direct measurements should be considered as reflecting the content of air ions in the air of the working area at a given time, which cannot be applied during the entire shift and, accordingly, cannot serve as the basis for penalties. Application of “Yantar-5A” bipolar ionizer allows to unambiguously increase the content of light air ions in the air. In this case, unipolarity coefficient corresponds to hygienic standards. However, uncontrolled use of air ionizers can lead to an increase of the number of air ions above the norm, which poses a threat to the health of workers. In this regard, the use of air ionizers in the production environment is possible only in combination with devices for continuous monitoring of the concentration of air ions. Efficiency of “MAS-01” air ion counter does not depend on the location of the aspiration chamber (frontal position or at an angle) relative to the source of air ions. Significant decrease in the indicator under study has been noted in workplaces with computers.