Potential Biases Arising in the Use of Cascade Impactors to Estimate Respiratory Tract Deposition Patterns of Lead-Acid Battery Plant Aerosols

Abstract

The region of the respiratory tract where inhaled particles deposit can have important implications for the causation of local or systemic toxic effects. For most aerosols of occupational importance, respiratory tract deposition can be predicted from the aerodynamic diameter of the particles. With the advent of cascade impactors, particularly those of personal sampler size, the determination of the aerodynamic diameters of aerosols has become more common. Some limitations of cascade impactor use are well recognized (e.g., particle bounce and substrate overloading) and are generally correctable. However, two important limitations of the instruments may not be receiving adequate attention: relative humidity effects on potentially hygroscopic aerosols and the collection characteristics of fibrous aerosols as compared to their actual deposition site potential. The results of this study, when compared to results of previous controlled laboratory trials, suggest that, while potentially hygroscopic lead aerosols from lead-acid battery plant operations do not appear to be affected by changes in plant environmental humidity levels, the potential exists for significant size changes upon inhalation. Secondly, fibers were detected in aerodynamic size ranges that would be associated with deep lung deposition; however, upon microscopic examination, these same fibers would actually be predicted to deposit in the upper airways. This study suggests that the physical-chemical properties and morphological features of an aerosol should be carefully considered by industrial hygienists before cascade impactors are used in attempts to predict the effects of inhaled aerosols.