Personal Aerosol Sampler Design: A Review

Abstract

A variety of personal aerosol samplers are commercially available. Several of these samplers have been used and evaluated by researchers. The literature describing a variety of personal dust samplers was reviewed to indicate sampler problems and potential solutions to these problems. The characteristics of samplers that can affect their accuracy include: adherence to current international conventions for sampling inhalable, thoracic, and respirable dust; construction and assembly; electrostatically induced biases; internal losses; collection medium stability; and sample handling ease before, during, and after collection. Each of these areas was examined and specific recommendations were made. All samplers in current use can be improved, though further research is needed in a number of areas.