Effects of Environmental and Carpet Variables on Vacuum Sampler Collection Efficiency

Abstract

Abstract Vacuum sampling has been widely employed to investigate lead exposure in children and establish correlations between children's blood lead levels and dust lead loading on contact surfaces. The lack of information about the collection efficiency of the sampling devices used in many studies, however, limits the reliability of reported results. As part of the Childhood Lead Exposure Assessment and Reduction Study, an extensive investigation was completed to define the relationship between the collection efficiency of a vacuum sampler and four specific factors: carpet type, relative humidity, vacuum capture velocity, and dust loading. Test dust from residences with lead paint hazards was sieved to remove particles larger than 500 μm in diameter and was embedded in carpets using the American Society for Testing Materials standard method (F 608–89) for spreading dust. The results from the efficiency studies showed that each factor, both individually and jointly, affected the vacuum sampler collection e...