Air Filter Samples Research Articles

Preparation, certification and interlaboratory analysis of workplace air filters spiked with high-fired beryllium oxide

Occupational sampling and analysis for multiple elements is generally approached using various approved methods from authoritative government sources such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as consensus standards bodies such as ASTM International. The constituents of a sample can exist as unidentified compounds requiring sample preparation to be chosen appropriately, as in the case of beryllium in the form of beryllium oxide (BeO). An interlaboratory study was performed to collect analytical data from volunteer laboratories to examine the effectiveness of methods currently in use for preparation and analysis of samples containing calcined BeO powder. NIST SRM(®) 1877 high-fired BeO powder (1100 to 1200 °C calcining temperature; count median primary particle diameter 0.12 μm) was used to spike air filter media as a representative form of beryllium particulate matter present in workplace sampling that is known to be resistant to dissolution. The BeO powder standard reference material was gravimetrically prepared in a suspension and deposited onto 37 mm mixed cellulose ester air filters at five different levels between 0.5 μg and 25 μg of Be (as BeO). Sample sets consisting of five BeO-spiked filters (in duplicate) and two blank filters, for a total of twelve unique air filter samples per set, were submitted as blind samples to each of 27 participating laboratories. Participants were instructed to follow their current process for sample preparation and utilize their normal analytical methods for processing samples containing substances of this nature. Laboratories using more than one sample preparation and analysis method were provided with more than one sample set. Results from 34 data sets ultimately received from the 27 volunteer laboratories were subjected to applicable statistical analyses. The observed performance data show that sample preparations using nitric acid alone, or combinations of nitric and hydrochloric acids, are not effective for complete extraction of Be from the SRM 1877 refractory BeO particulate matter spiked on air filters; but that effective recovery can be achieved by using sample preparation procedures utilizing either sulfuric or hydrofluoric acid, or by using methodologies involving ammonium bifluoride with heating. Laboratories responsible for quantitative determination of Be in workplace samples that may contain high-fired BeO should use quality assurance schemes that include BeO-spiked sampling media, rather than solely media spiked with soluble Be compounds, and should ensure that methods capable of quantitative digestion of Be from the actual material present are used.

Interlaboratory evaluation of trace element determination in workplace air filter samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is becoming more widely used for trace elemental analysis in the occupational hygiene field, and consequently new ICP-MS international standard procedures have been promulgated by ASTM International and ISO. However, there is a dearth of interlaboratory performance data for this analytical methodology. In an effort to fill this data void, an interlaboratory evaluation of ICP-MS for determining trace elements in workplace air samples was conducted, towards fulfillment of method validation requirements for international voluntary consensus standard test methods. The study was performed in accordance with applicable statistical procedures for investigating interlaboratory precision. The evaluation was carried out using certified 37-mm diameter mixed-cellulose ester (MCE) filters that were fortified with 21 elements of concern in occupational hygiene. Elements were spiked at levels ranging from 0.025 to 10 μg filter(-1), with three different filter loadings denoted "Low", "Medium" and "High". Participating laboratories were recruited from a pool of over fifty invitees; ultimately twenty laboratories from Europe, North America and Asia submitted results. Triplicates of each certified filter with elemental contents at three different levels, plus media blanks spiked with reagent, were conveyed to each volunteer laboratory. Each participant was also provided a copy of the test method which each participant was asked to follow; spiking levels were unknown to the participants. The laboratories were requested to prepare the filters by one of three sample preparation procedures, i.e., hotplate digestion, microwave digestion or hot block extraction, which were described in the test method. Participants were then asked to analyze aliquots of the prepared samples by ICP-MS, and to report their data in units of μg filter(-1). Most interlaboratory precision estimates were acceptable for medium- and high-level spikes (RSD <25%), but generally yielded greater uncertainties than were anticipated at the outset of the study.

Development of a cosmic veto gamma-spectrometer

Cosmic radiation contributes significantly towards the background radiation measured by a gamma-spectrometer. A novel cosmic veto gamma-spectrometer has been developed that provides a mean background reduction of 54.5%. The system consists of plastic scintillation plates operated in time-stamp mode to detect coincident muon interactions within an HPGe gamma-spectrometer. The instrument is easily configurable and provides improved sensitivity for radionuclides indicative of nuclear weapons tests and reactor incidents, including 140Ba, 95Zr, 99Mo, 141Ce, 147Nd, 131I, 134Cs and 137Cs. This has been demonstrated for Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty applications to obtain the required 140Ba MDA of 24 mBq within 2 days counting. Analysis of an air filter sample collected during the Fukushima incident indicates improved sensitivity compared to conventional gamma-spectrometers.

Butyric Acid- and Dimethyl Disulfide-Assimilating Microorganisms in a Biofilter Treating Air Emissions from a Livestock Facility

Biofiltration has proven an efficient tool for the elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ammonia from livestock facilities, thereby reducing nuisance odors and ammonia emissions to the local environment. The active microbial communities comprising these filter biofilms have not been well characterized. In this study, a trickle biofilter treating air from a pig facility was investigated and proved efficient in removing carboxylic acids (>70% reduction), mainly attributed to the primary filter section within which reduced organic sulfur compounds were also depleted (up to 50%). The secondary filter eliminated several aromatic compounds: phenol (81%), p-cresol (89%), 4-ethylphenol (68%), indole (48%), and skatole (69%). The active butyric acid degrading bacterial community of an air filter sample was identified by DNA stable-isotope probing (DNA-SIP) and microautoradiography, combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization (MAR-FISH). The predominant 16S rRNA gene sequences from a clone library derived from "heavy" DNA from [(13)C(4)]butyric acid incubations were Microbacterium, Gordonia, Dietzia, Rhodococcus, Propionibacterium, and Janibacter, all from the Actinobacteria. Actinobacteria were confirmed and quantified by MAR-FISH as being the major bacterial phylum assimilating butyric acid along with several Burkholderiales-related Betaproteobacteria. The active bacterial community assimilating dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) was characterized by DNA-SIP and MAR-FISH and found to be associated with the Actinobacteria, along with a few representatives of Flavobacteria and Sphingobacteria. Interestingly, ammonia-oxidizing Betaproteobacteria were also implicated in DMDS degradation, as were fungi. Thus, multiple isotope-based methods provided complementary data, enabling high-resolution identification and quantitative assessments of odor-eliminating Actinobacteria-dominated populations of these biofilter environments.

How Long to Air Sample? Practical Considerations for Short-Term Air Sampling

Transportable (e.g., "giraffe") air samplers can be used for both short-term "grab-sampling" situations involving a few minutes to several hours, as well as for long-term retrospective air sampling situations that typically last a week. It is the short-term coverage situation which begs the question: "how long a sampling time is adequate?" The basis for the answer (which depends mainly on the selected volumetric sampling rate and the counter sensitivity, as well as the concentration level to be measured) can be simply viewed as follows: that an adequate activity must be measureable on the air filter sample at the cessation of sampling. Equations for selection of sampling times are presented, as are example calculations for alpha counters in order to measure various target concentrations and exposures. The concepts presented here can be readily adapted to other counting systems as well as to different sampling flow rates.

Detection of respiratory viruses on air filters from aircraft

Aims: To evaluate the feasibility of identifying viruses from aircraft cabin air, we evaluated whether respiratory viruses trapped by commercial aircraft air filters can be extracted and detected using a multiplex PCR, bead‐based assay. Methods and Results: The ResPlex II assay was first tested for its ability to detect inactivated viruses applied to new filter material; all 18 applications of virus at a high concentration were detected. The ResPlex II assay was then used to test for 18 respiratory viruses on 48 used air filter samples from commercial aircraft. Three samples tested positive for viruses, and three viruses were detected: rhinovirus, influenza A and influenza B. For 33 of 48 samples, internal PCR controls performed suboptimally, suggesting sample matrix effect. Conclusion: In some cases, influenza and rhinovirus RNA can be detected on aircraft air filters, even more than 10 days after the filters were removed from aircraft. Significance and Impact of the Study: With protocol modifications to overcome PCR inhibition, air filter sampling and the ResPlex II assay could be used to characterize viruses in aircraft cabin air. Information about viruses in aircraft could support public health measures to reduce disease transmission within aircraft and between cities.

Comparison of Mounting Methods for the Evaluation of Fibers by Phase Contrast Microscopy

The objectives of this study were to evaluate mounting methods for fiber examination of air sample filters by phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and to evaluate differences in fiber counts that might be due to fiber movement. Acetone/triacetin (AT) with various amounts of triacetin and acetone/Euparal (AE) where the mounting medium was placed between the cleared filter wedge and the coverslip were tested as a function of time. Field sample slides collected from a taconite iron-ore processing mill, a tremolitic talc-ore processing mill, and from around a crusher in a meta-basalt stone quarry were prepared with relocatable coverslips to revisit the same field areas on the slides. For each slide, three or four field areas were randomly selected and pictures were taken every 2 weeks to determine any sign of fiber movement over time. For 11 AT slides (named as AT-3.5) prepared with 3.5 μl of the mounting medium according to the NIOSH 7400 method, no fiber movements were detected over 59 weeks. On the other hand, AT slides prepared with larger quantities (10, 15, and 20 μl) of the mounting medium (named as AT-10) and AE slides prepared with ∼10 μl mounting medium showed fiber movement from the eighth day at the earliest. Fiber movement began earlier for the slides mounted with excess triacetin than for those mounted with Euparal. The sample slide storage method, either vertically or horizontally, did not seem to accelerate fiber movement. Additionally, two other modified methods, dimethylformamide solution/Euparal (mDE) and dimethylformamide solution/triacetin (mDT), were also prepared where the mounting medium was placed between the cleared filter wedge and the glass slide. The findings of fiber movements were similar; when 3.5 μl of triacetin was used for the mDT slides, fiber movements were not detected, while fibers on slides prepared with 10 μl triacetin (mDT-10) moved around. No fiber movements were observed for the mDE slides at any time during 59 weeks. Once fiber movement started, fibers moved over distances measured from 4 μm and up to >1000 μm within 22 weeks. However, since then, no further fiber movements have been observed in any field sample slides. Additional sample slides, two Amosite and two chrysotile, were prepared from Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) samples using the AT method with 5 μl triacetin mounting medium. Fiber movements were also observed in these samples; chrysotile fibers began to migrate in 3 weeks, while Amosite fiber movement started after 3 months. Although fiber movement was observed for the AT-10, AE, and mDT-10 sample slides, fiber counts were not significantly different from AT-3.5 and mDE samples that exhibited no fiber movement. Although fiber counts would not be significantly changed by fiber movement, the type and amount of mounting medium for sample slide preparation remains critical for issues such as quality assurance and training of analysts by revisiting the same fibers.

Influence of Forest Canopies on the Deposition of Methylmercury to Boreal Ecosystem Watersheds

Although it has been previously shown that forest canopies significantly increase the total deposition of Hg to watersheds, sources and fates of atmospherically deposited MeHg in particular remain poorly understood. In this study, net loadings of MeHg to a watershed were quantified, and the retention and (photo)reduction of MeHg on foliage were measured using unique stable Hg isotope experiments. Annual loadings of MeHg in throughfall (0.34 ± 0.01 to 0.60 ± 0.16 mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) and litterfall (0.77 ± 0.07 to 0.97 ± 0.34 mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) were collectively 3-4 times higher under different forest canopies than loadings of MeHg in the open (0.41 mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), suggesting dry deposition of MeHg to forest canopies. Using Me¹⁹⁹Hg, we found that a portion of MeHg wet deposited to forest canopies is retained on foliage over time, eventually contributing to MeHg in litterfall. Average half-lives (t½) of Me¹⁹⁹Hg on spruce, jack pine, and birch foliage were 204 ± 66, 187 ± 101, and 8 ± 3 days, respectively. We also found using Me¹⁹⁹Hg that following wet deposition, MeHg is rapidly (photo)reduced to ¹⁹⁹Hg(0) on canopy foliage, which then evades to the atmosphere. We were unable to quantify concentrations of particulate-bound MeHg (p-MeHg) in the air using vacuum pumps and quartz microfiber air sampling filters, despite the possibility that p-MeHg does exist in small quantities. As a result, the source of dry deposited MeHg remains partially elusive.

Monitoring of gross alpha, gross beta and actinides activities in exhaust air released from the waste isolation pilot plant

The simultaneous measurements of gross alpha and beta activities is one of the simplest radioanalytical technique used as a method for screening samples of both high and low activities of alpha and beta emitting radionuclides in environmental and bioassay samples. Such measurements are of great interest from both a radiological, waste disposal viewpoint, and to establish a trend of radioactivity based on long term monitoring. At the WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Plant) site, unfiltered exhaust air from the underground repository is the most important effluent. As part of its monitoring program, the particulates from WIPP exhaust air are collected everyday at a location typically called the Fixed Air Sampler (FAS) site or Station A, this site is located at the release point for aerosol effluents from the underground to the environment. The measurements of gross alpha and beta activity on air filter samples were performed using an ultra low level counter, PIC-MPC 9604-α/β, from Protean Instrument Corporation. The high sensitivity of the gross alpha and beta instrument enables detection of low value activity from the air filters. In 2009, the values of gross alpha and beta activity concentrations ranged from <MDC (≈0.1 mBq/m(3)) to 1.03 mBq/m(3) and <MDC (≈0.2 mBq/m(3)) to 15.8 mBq/m(3); the density varied from <MDC (≈0.9 Bq/g) to 63.5 Bq/g and <MDC (≈1.7 Bq/g) to 114 Bq/g.

Biomolecular characterization of allergenic proteins in snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) and de novo sequencing of the second allergen arginine kinase using tandem mass spectrometry

Snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) proteins have been recognized as an important source of both food and occupational allergens. While snow crab causes a significant occupational allergy, only one novel allergen has recently been fully characterized. The muscle proteins from snow crab legs were profiled by SDS-PAGE. Several of these proteins were characterized using tandem mass spectrometry. Five proteins were identified; sarcoplasmic Ca-binding (20kDa), arginine kinase (40), troponin (23kDa) and α-actine (42kDa) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)ATPase (113kDa). Immunoblotting using serum of sixteen allergic patients resulted in strong reactivity with the 40-kDa protein in seven patients (43%). This protein was purified by chromatography and subsequently de novo sequenced using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization and electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. We identified a second important allergen, arginine kinase, in snow crab, designated Chi o 3. Based on identity and homology analysis, using bioinformatics tools, a signature peptide was identified as a chemical surrogate for arginine kinase. The suitability of this signature peptide was tested for analytically representing the arginine kinase, by performing a multi-reaction monitoring tandem mass spectrometry approach on actual air filter samples collected from a simulated crab processing plant.

Evaluation of 25 y of environmental monitoring data around Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS), Kalpakkam, India

The Environmental Survey Laboratory at Kalpakkam, India carries out elaborate monitoring programme involving atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic samples for radioactivity to evaluate the impact of operating two pressurised heavy water reactors. This paper presents the evaluation of 25 y (1983-2008) data. Statistical analysis of the environmental data for different radionuclides showed that the data best fits log-normal distribution. The data analysed showed that fission products such as (137)Cs, (90)Sr and (131)I were due to global fallout only. A ratio of 0.2 was obtained for (90)Sr to (137)Cs in air filter samples, only during Chernobyl accident period. The transfer factor of (137)Cs and (90)Sr for rice was computed to be 0.23 and 0.03 and vegetables 0.25 and 0.10, respectively. Activation products (3)H and (41)Ar are the only radionuclides that are related to MAPS operation. A strong correlation (r = 0.9) was observed between (3)H activity in air and (3)H discharged to the atmosphere. A similar correlation (r = 0.8) was observed in (3)H concentration in seawater and (3)H discharged in the liquid waste. The annual internal dose due to (3)H and annual external dose due to (41)Ar evaluated in the last 25 y show that the members of the public received less than 2 % of the dose limit (1 mSv y(-1)) set by ICRP 72.

Buoyancy-Corrected Gravimetric Analysis of Lightly Loaded Filters

Numerous sources of uncertainty are associated with the gravimetric analysis of lightly loaded air filter samples (<100 μg). The purpose of the study presented here is to investigate the effectiveness and limitations of air buoyancy corrections over experimentally adjusted conditions of temperature (21–25 °C) and relative humidity (RH) (16–60% RH). Conditioning (24 hr) and weighing were performed inside the Archimedes M3 environmentally controlled chamber. The measurements were performed using 20 size-fractionated samples of resuspended house dust loaded onto Teflo (PTFE) filters using a Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor representing a wide range of mass loading (7.2–3130 μg) and cut sizes (0.056–9.9 μm). By maintaining tight controls on humidity (within 0.5% RH of control setting) throughout pre- and postweighing at each stepwise increase in RH, it was possible to quantify error due to water absorption: 45% of the total mass change due to water absorption occurred between 16 and 50% RH, and 55% occurred between 50 and 60% RH. The buoyancy corrections ranged from −3.5 to +5.8 μg in magnitude and improved relative standard deviation (RSD) from 21.3% (uncorrected) to 5.6% (corrected) for a 7.2 μg sample. It is recommended that protocols for weighing low-mass particle samples (e.g., nanoparticle samples) should include buoyancy corrections and tight temperature/humidity controls. In some cases, conditioning times longer than 24 hr may be warranted.

Sequential isotopic determination of plutonium, thorium, americium and uranium in the air filter and drinking water samples around the WIPP site

The simultaneous determination of actinides in air filter and water samples around the WIPP site have been demonstrated. The analytical method is based on the selective separation and purification by anion exchange and Eichrome-TEVA, TRU and DGA-resin followed by determination of actinides by alpha spectrometry. Counting sources for alpha spectrometric measurements were prepared by microcoprecipitation on neodymium fluoride (NdF3). Radiochemical yields were determined using 242Pu, 229Th, 243Am and 232U as tracers. The validation of the method is performed through the analysis of reference materials or participating in laboratory intercomparison programs. The plutonium concentrations in aerosols varied seasonally, being highest in spring and summer due to the spring-time enhanced wind-storm transportation of radioactive aerosols from the stratosphere to the troposphere. The 238Pu/239+240Pu activity ratio in the aerosol samples is typically close to that of global fallout from historic above-ground nuclear weapons testing. The results presented here indicate that the source of plutonium in the WIPP environment results mainly from global nuclear fallout and there is no evidence of increases in radiological contaminants in the region that could be attributed to releases from the WIPP.

Rapid separation method for actinides in emergency air filter samples

A new rapid method for the determination of actinides and strontium in air filter samples has been developed at the Savannah River Site Environmental Lab (Aiken, SC, USA) that can be used in emergency response situations. The actinides and strontium in air filter method utilizes a rapid acid digestion method and a streamlined column separation process with stacked TEVA, TRU and Sr Resin cartridges. Vacuum box technology and rapid flow rates are used to reduce analytical time. Alpha emitters are prepared using cerium fluoride microprecipitation for counting by alpha spectrometry. The purified (90)Sr fractions are mounted directly on planchets and counted by gas flow proportional counting. The method showed high chemical recoveries and effective removal of interferences. This new procedure was applied to emergency air filter samples received in the NRIP Emergency Response exercise administered by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) in April, 2009. The actinide and (90)Sr in air filter results were reported in less than 4 h with excellent quality.

Characterizing Exposures to Airborne Metals and Nanoparticle Emissions in a Refinery

An air quality survey was conducted at a precious metals refinery in order to evaluate worker exposures to airborne metals and to provide detailed characterization of the aerosols. Two areas within the refinery were characterized: a furnace room and an electro-refining area. In line with standard survey practices, both personal and area air filter samples were collected on 37-mm filters and analyzed for metals by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. In addition to the standard sampling, measurements were conducted using other tools, designed to provide enhanced characterization of the workplace aerosols. The number concentration and number-weighted particle size distribution of airborne particles were measured with a fast mobility particle sizer (FMPS). Custom-designed software was used to correlate particle concentration data with spatial location data to generate contour maps of particle number concentrations in the work areas. Short-term samples were collected in areas of localized high concentrations and analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to determine particle morphology and elemental chemistry. Analysis of filter samples indicated that all of the workers were exposed to levels of silver above the Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit of 0.01 mg m(-3) even though the localized ventilation was functioning. Measurements with the FMPS indicated that particle number concentrations near the furnace increased up to 1000-fold above the baseline during the pouring of molten metal. Spatial mapping revealed localized elevated particle concentrations near the furnaces and plumes of particles rising into the stairwells and traveling to the upper work areas. Results of TEM/EDS analyses confirmed the high number of nanoparticles measured by the FMPS and indicated the aerosols were rich in metals including silver, lead, antimony, selenium, and zinc. Results of the survey were used to deduce appropriate strategies for mitigation of worker exposure to airborne metals.

Measurement of plutonium isotopes, 239Pu and 240Pu, in air-filter samples from Seville (2001–2002)

Since the last nuclear atmospheric test carried out by the People Republic of China in 1980 and since the Chernobyl accident in 1986, the plutonium hasn't been directly released into the atmosphere. However, nowadays, it is still present in the troposphere. This is due to plutonium-bearing soil particles physical resuspension processes. In this work, we study for the first time the temporal variation of plutonium isotopes, 239Pu and 240Pu, baseline concentrations on a monthly basis in surface air from Seville (Spain), and their correlation with some tracers of mineral dust, during 2001 and 2002. The Pu analyses were performed by low-energy Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS). The 239Pu plus 240Pu ( 239+240Pu) activity levels achieved maximums during the summer period, characterized by the absence of rains, and minimums during the rainy seasons, laying in the range 1–20 nBq m −3. The 240Pu/ 239Pu two-year average atomic ratio was 0.18 ± 0.03, in agreement with the fallout plutonium. A good correlation with Pu and Al and Ti levels is observed. They are crustal components usually used as tracers of African dust over European countries. The hypothesis of the influence of the Saharan dust intrusions is supported as well through the study of Total Ozone Mass Spectrometer (TOMS) daily images.

Interlaboratory evaluation of a standardized inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry method for the determination of trace elements in air filter samples: preliminary results

An interlaboratory evaluation of a standardized inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for determining trace elements in workplace air samples was carried out, toward fulfillment of method validation requirements for international voluntary consensus standard test methods. The interlaboratory study was performed in accordance with an applicable ASTM International standard practice, ASTM E691, which describes statistical procedures for investigating interlaboratory precision. Performance evaluation materials, prepared by a contract laboratory, consisted of mixed-cellulose ester filters that were spiked with 21 elements of interest at levels of 0.50 or 5.0 micrograms (µg) per filter. Triplicates of each spiked filter, plus media blanks spiked with blank reagent, were conveyed to each volunteer laboratory; spiking levels were unknown to the participants. The laboratories were requested to prepare the filter samples by one of the three sample preparation procedures (hotplate or microwave digestion or hotblock extraction) that are described in the standard test method, ASTM D7439. Participants were then asked to analyze aliquots of the prepared samples by ICP-MS using ASTM D7439, and to report their data in units of µg per filter sample. Preliminary interlaboratory precision and recovery estimates from 20 volunteer laboratories are reported.

Effect of an Air Cleaner with Electrostatic Filter on the Removal of Airborne House Dust Mite Allergens

PurposeThe effects of air cleaners on the removal of airborne indoor allergens, especially house dust mites (HDM), are still controversial. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of an air cleaner with an electrostatic filter on the removal of airborne mite allergens.Materials and MethodsA dried HDM culture medium that contained mite body particles and excretions was dispersed in a chamber equipped with an electrostatic air cleaner. The number of airborne particles was recorded continuously by a dust spectrometer for 60 minutes. Airborne particles in the chamber were collected on a sampling filter at a flow rate of 10 L/min and the Der f 1 concentration in the filter extracts was measured by two-site ELISA.ResultsThe air cleaner efficiently removed airborne HDM particles. The air cleaner removed airborne HDM particles (size 2-12.5 µm) 11.4 ± 2.9 fold (cleaner operating for 15 minutes), 5.4 ± 0.7 fold (cleaner operating for 30 minutes), and 2.4 ± 0.2 fold (cleaner operating for 60 minutes) more than the removal of HDM particles by natural settle down. Removal kinetics differed according to the particle size of the airborne particles. The air cleaner decreased the concentration of Der f 1 in the extraction of airborne particles collected on the air sampling filter by 60.3%.ConclusionThe electrostatic air cleaner can remove airborne HDM allergens and may be useful as a supplementary environmental control tool for HDM sensitized respiratory allergic patients.

Exposure to Suspended Chromium Compounds in Air and Its Association with Urinary β-2-Microglobulin Level among Welders in an Automotive Components Manufacturing Plant, Selangor

Introduction: The main objective of this study is to determine the correlation between suspended chromium concentrations and urinary β-2-microglobulin levels among welders in an automotive components manufacturing plant in Selangor. 49 welders and 39 workers involved in stamping process were selected as the exposed and the comparative group. β-2-microglobulin is a protein renal tubular dysfunction marker that can indicate renal dysfunction caused by heavy metal. Material and Methods: Air samples of worker’s breathing zone were collected using personal air sampling pump and filter papers. Filter paper were then diluted and analyzed with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Workers urine was collected at the end of 8-hour work shift and analyzed with β-2-microglobulin ELISA Kit (IBL-Hamburg) and a microtiter reader. Meanwhile, creatinine levels were analyzed with creatinine test strips and Reflotron®. Results: Mean concentrations of suspended chromium compounds in air for the exposed group was 0.135±0.043µg/m3 while for the non-exposed group was 0.124±0.029µg/m3 . The mean level of urinary β-2-microglobulin per creatinine for the exposed group was 84.996±39.246µg/g while that of the comparative group was 61.365±21.609 µg/g. The concentrations of suspended chromium compounds were higher in the exposed group compared to the comparative group (Z=-2.444, p=0.015). β-2-microglobulin level was also higher in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group (t=3.821, p=<0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between suspended chromium compounds in air and urinary β-2-microglobulin levels (r=0.080, p=0.457) among the respondents. A multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that the most influence variable or confounding factor to β-2-microglobulin level was the education year (β =-0.020, p=0.010). Conclusion: All respondents were exposed to concentrations of chromium below regulated limit. Years of education seemed to be a secondary factor that influenced β-2-microglobulin level.

Results of a Self-Absorption Study on the Versapor 3000 47-mm Filters for Radioactive Particulate Air Stack Sampling

Since the mid-1980's the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has used a value of 0.85 as a correction factor for the self absorption of activity for particulate radioactive air samples collected from building exhaust for environmental monitoring. More recently, an effort was made to evaluate the current particulate radioactive air sample filters (Versapor 3000, 47-mm diameter) used at PNNL for self absorption effects. There were two methods used to characterize the samples. Sixty samples were selected from the archive for acid digestion to compare the radioactivity measured by direct gas-flow proportional counting of filters to the results obtained after acid digestion of the filter and counting again by gas-flow proportional detection. Thirty different sample filters were selected for visible light microscopy to evaluate filter loading and particulate characteristics. Mass-loading effects were also considered. Large error is associated with the sample filter analysis comparison and subsequently with the estimation of the absorption factor resulting in an inadequate method to estimate losses from self-absorption in the sample filter. The mass loading on the sample filter as determined after digestion and drying was approximately 0.08 mg cm; however, this value may not represent the total filter mass loading given that there may be undetermined losses associated with the digestion process. While it is difficult to determine how much material is imbedded in the filter, observations from the microscopy analysis indicate that the vast majority of the particles remain on the top of the filter. In comparing the results obtained, the continued use of 0.85 as a conservative correction factor is recommended.