Field Testing of the LWW Dust Sampler and Association of Observed Household Factors with Dust Loadings

Abstract

Abstract The LWW dust sampler was designed by Lioy-Weisel-Wainman to collect approximately 90 percent of dust deposited on smooth surfaces. Evaluation of the use of the LWW sampler was carried out under field conditions with 50- and 100-cm2 templates in Jersey City, New Jersey. Since decision making by field technicians is necessary to determine which template to use, a checklist of home conditions was developed and field tested to identify home factors that can be used to enhance the accuracy of decision making. The checklist was used in a randomly selected group of homes from which dust samples were collected. Side-by-side samples were collected with the LWW sampler. The dust masses collected were significantly correlated. The mean percent difference in dust collected in side-by-side samples was 35 percent with the smaller template and 39 percent with the larger template. The 50-cm2 template was not sufficient to gather 5 mg of dust from clean surfaces in 36 percent of cases, although more than 2 mg of ...