Laser Microprobe Mass Spectrometry (Lamms) Of Coal Mine Dusts: Single Particle Analysis And Toxicity Correlation

Abstract

The lack of clearcut correlations between toxicity of most samples of particulate airborne matter and conventional physico-chemical data may widely be ascribed to the heterogeneity of such materials. A “single particle approach” is necessary to take account of heterogeneity down to the level of individual particles. The present study illustrates the analytical capabilities of LAser Microprobe Mass Spectrometry (LAMMS) for characterizing individual particles. The concept of “exogen” and “endogen” mixtures are presented and applied to the mineral matter of coal mine dusts. Toxicological relevance of the results are discussed as compared to conventional mineralogical data. This approach sheds new light on the specific harmfulness of coal mine dusts.

Key Words:

• LAMMS
• coal mine dusts
• silicosis
• silica
• iron