Abstract
Test aerosols of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DOP) produced by the Laskin nozzle aerosol generator are widely used for in-place filter testing and respirator fit testing. Concern about health effects of DOP has led to a search for substitute materials for use as a test aerosol. Aerosols were generated with a Laskin generator and diluted 4800-fold with clean air. Size distributions were measured for DOP, di(2-ethylhexyl)sebecate, polyethylene glycol, mineral oil, and corn oil aerosols with a PMS ASAS-X optical particle counter. Distributions gave count median diameters from 0.22 to 0.30 µm. Size distributions varied little with aerosol material, operating pressure, or liquid level. Mineral oil and corn oil gave the closest agreement to the DOP size distribution.