Environmental safety and hygiene 2024-2025

EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT TO INHALABLE PARTICLES

Introduction
There are several methods of collecting suspended particles, however the most
commonly used process is to pass the gas through an appropriate porosity filter
for a certain period of time. After sampling, it is appropriate that the filter be
analyzed in its entirety, because it is verified that if the analysis is performed
only with part of the filter, it leads to erroneous results. The efficiency of
collecting of the filters is dependent on their construction, and on whether the
collection of particles of different dimensions is carried out with the same
probability or not, these characteristics depending of the speed and direction of
the wind. In addition to these factors, filtration sampling may also be affected by
errors in flow measurement and air leakage. It can therefore be concluded that
only strict control of the experimental conditions can guarantee the quality of the
results obtained.

Sampling parameters
In general, the parameters that have to be considered are airflow, total sampled
volume, sampling time (inseparable from the previous two), and quantification
limit (LQ). Some of these variables will be fixed for practical issues such as
available time or sampling rate, LQ of the selected method, maximum sampling
volume. These parameters will be established together with the teacher.

Blank tests
These tests consist of samplers taken to the sampling site, handled in the same
way as the others, with the exception that air is not passed through them. Some
may be identified as being blank and others not (blind field blanks), in the latter
case for verification of the analysis process. Blank trials are a good way to deal
with contamination, but the best approach to avoiding them is to be careful.
Blank tests with unopened samplers should also be included. These will allow
an estimation of the bottom signal of the sample collector itself in the total
analytical signal.

Sampling of total particles (inhalable).

This work refers to the collection of all solid particles whose size is sufficiently
small in order to be transported by a gas flow, and are subsequently retained in
a filter. Particles collected in this way are also considered as those that are
inhalable.

Sampling planning.
The first decision you have to make will be to choose where sampling will be
made. It can be next to an expressway, on a busy street in the interior of the
city, a factory, etc. It may even be in an environment where low concentrations
of particles are predicted. Then you will have to choose the flow and sampling
time. To this end, you should take into account the location chosen for
sampling, as well as the following adapted characteristics of the REFERENCE
METHOD NIOSH 0500:
Recommended flow: 1 to 2 L/min
Estimated quantification limit: 0.5 mg per sample
Established Limit Value (VLE-MP, weighted average): 15 mg/m3
Maximum volume: 133 L @ 15 mg/m3

Important note: the aim will be to compare the concentration of particles

determined in the air of the sampling site with the maximum limit of 15 mg/m3.
Let's assume that the concentration at the sampling site is very much below the
established maximum limit. Planning should take this into account, especially if it
is expected to find air "clean" of particles. Thus, in this case, it is quite likely that
the result of the analysis is below the limit of quantification of the method, unless
the sampling time and volume are excessively high. So, in this case it is sufficient
to be able to state that the concentration of particles is less than 10% of the VLE,
in this case 1.5 mg/m3. In other words, if the test result is < 0.5 mg in the filter this
should correspond to < 1.5 mg/m3 in the air sample, or even less.
Material required:
- 2 samplers (pore filter 2 to 5 m in PVC or equivalent material) and respective
adapter supports.
- Individual sampling pump with capacity for flows of 1-2 L/min.
- Analytical scale (with unsaturated desiccant!)
- Tweezers, stickers.
Safety note: The materials, instruments and tools used do not present an
appreciable risk, except for the compressed air gun (see below for more
information). The use of a lab coat is mandatory.

Preparation of filters and supports before sampling:

Filter:
Filters must be handled with tweezers. You should prepare two filters, one of
which is intended for blank testing. These should be dried in an oven at 60 ºC
until constant mass (do not forget to record the value) determined after cooling
in desiccator, and finally placed on closed supports.
Supports:
Clean the particles deposited inside the filter adapter brackets with a
compressed air jet and then assemble each set (2) with the lids on.
Safety note: The use of compressed air jet requires the use of safety googles
by all attendees, due to the risk of solid particles, oil, and other objects being
projected.

The filter should be based on the cellulose sheet. Close the assembly, ensuring
that the two pieces fit perfectly, in order to avoid air leaks (the teacher will
exemplify). Then calibrate the sampling pump using a sampler identical to the
ones you will use, existing for this purpose in the laboratory. Follow the
following instructions.

Calibration of individual sampling pumps.

The accuracy of determining the concentration of a substance in the air
depends on the accuracy with which the volume of air is measured. Thus, a
calibration of the air flow passing through the collecting system is required,
using a reference instrument. In the laboratory it is recommended to use
spirometers or soap bubble flowmeters, which are primary measurement
patterns. The following instructions are related to the use of the soap bubble
flow meter.

1) Make the assembly shown in the figure. Use the specific filter sampler for
pump calibrations.

2) Ensure that the rechargeable batteries will run the pump throughout the
sampling period, recharging them completely. If you suspect that even fully
charged, the batteries will not last the entire sampling period, do this test in
advance.

3) Turn on the pump and moisten the inside of the flow meter with the soap
solution. Pass bubbles until they travel the entire length of the flowmeter without
bursting.

4) Adjust the flow in the pump to the desired value. Check the mercury pressure
gauge. The pressure drop through the sampler should not exceed 3.5 cm Hg.
5) Measure, with a stopwatch, the time that a bubble takes to pass on two
calibrated marks. The two marks should be selected so that the measured end
time is not less than 3 s. Repeat the measurement at least two more times.
Average the results and calculate the flow.

6) Record the following information:

- measured volume - elapsed time
- air temperature at the beginning and end of collection
- atmospheric pressure at the beginning and end of collection
- serial number and pump model
- date and operator name

Field sampling.
Field sampling should be carried out, if possible, immediately after calibration of
the pump in the laboratory. Record the initial time, temperature, pressure and
relative humidity, as well as the sampling site.

Blank test:
Remove the covers, and place on the sampling pump holder. Don't turn on the
pump. Remove the sampler from the holder, close with the lids, and leave the
assembly exposed to the sampling site.

Sample:
Proceed in the same way with the other sampler, this time by turning on the
pump and leaving it in operation for the predetermined time. Frequently observe
the filter. To the first evidence of excessive accumulation or flow lowering
complete sampling.
At the end of sampling remove the sampler and place the lids, record the final
time, temperature, pressure and relative humidity.

Measurement and calculation.

The measurement should take place as soon as possible. When returning with
the samplers to the laboratory, remove one of the lids and place in the oven (60
ºC). When you check the constant filter mass on the analytical scale, record the
values.
Correct the measurement of the sample with the measurement of blank and
calculate the concentration of particles in mg/m3.
Calculate the time weighted average of the concentration and compare with
established limit values.

Manuel Azenha – 2024/2025

Bibliography

 Métodos de Amostragem, C. M. Pereira, Departamento de Química, FCUP, Porto, 1989

 NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, 1998, NIOSH (acesso livre na Internet)
 Calculation methods for industrial hygiene, S. Dinardi, VNR, Nova Iorque, 1995