Abstract
Exposure science is underpinned by characterization (measurement) of exposures. In this article, six recent advances in exposure characterization by sampling and analysis are reviewed as tools in the occupational exposure assessment of aerosols. Three advances discussed in detail are (1) recognition and inclusion of sampler wall deposits; (2) development of a new sampling and analytical procedure for respirable crystalline silica that allows non-destructive field analysis at the end of the sampling period; and (3) development of a new sampler to collect the portion of sub-300 nm aerodynamic diameter particles that would deposit in human airways. Three additional developments are described briefly: (4) a size-selective aerosol sampler that allows the collection of multiple physiologically-relevant size fractions; (5) a miniaturized pump and versatile sampling head to meet multiple size-selective sampling criteria; and (6) a novel method of sampling bioaerosols including viruses while maintaining viability. These recent developments are placed in the context of the historical evolution in sampling and analytical developments from 1900 to the present day. While these are not the only advances in exposure characterization, or exposure assessment techniques, they provide an illustration of how technological advances are adding more tools to our toolkit. The review concludes with a number of recommended areas for future research, including expansion of real-time and end-of-shift on-site measurement, development of samplers that operate at higher flow-rates to ensure measurement at lowered limit values, and development of procedures that accurately distinguish aerosol and vapor phases of semi-volatile substances.
Highlights
Exposure science is underpinned by exposure assessment [1,2]
NIOSH considers that all particles entering the closed-face cassette” (CFC) and the IOM sampler should be included as part of the sample whether they deposit on the filter or on the inside surfaces of the sampler
This study reported a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.015 mg based on 3 times standard deviation and a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.050 mg based on 10 times standard deviation of foams similar to the Disposable Inhalable Sampler (DIS) foam weighed in a glove box with controlled temperature (Peltier element with small fan) and saturated salt bath to control humidity
Summary
Exposure science is underpinned by exposure assessment [1,2]. Exposure assessment includes modeling of exposures, but most importantly characterization (measurement) of exposures. Six recent advances in sampling and analysis in the occupational exposure assessment of aerosols will be addressed. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 6820 occupations and much research has been undertaken and many developments have arisen from consideration of aerosols in mining. One of the first procedures to be used in mining was to pull a measured volume of air through a tube containing granulated sugar [4]. The sugar tube was used in mines prior to 1900 until its replacement by the Greenburg-Smith impinger in 1922 [5] In this device, air is accelerated by passing through a nozzle immersed in water. That many occupational hygienists and the laboratories that serve them are either unaware of, or slow or even unwilling to accept the consequences is a puzzle
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