1. GREETINGS NEW ENGLAND AIHA & IAQA

2. Superbowl Saturday 2017

3. DEFINING AND MEASURING PARTICLES FOR HEALTH-RELATED SAMPLING
Presented by Debbie Dietrich, CIH
SKC Inc.
“Dusty Debbie”

4. PRESENTATION focus: aiha and iaqa applications
In the workplace: OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH create the standards/guidelines in how we define and measure particulates.
In indoor air: EPA has taken the leading role in how we define and measure particulates.
EPA’s leadership in indoor air is evidenced by:
Ongoing research and publications into public health issues like childhood asthma and indoor air quality in schools
Publication of the EPA Indoor Air Compendium of Methods
Adoption of EPA particulate definitions by U.S. Green Building Council in LEED

5. Presentation outline
Historical perspective on the definitions of particulate matter (PM) for occupational and environmental agencies
Rationale behind changes in recent years
Health effects for various particulate size fractions
Current size-selective sampling criteria
Available samplers to meet the criteria for occupational and indoor air applications

6. A shared historical perspective occupational and environmental
In both environmental and occupational arenas, sampling of particulate matter has evolved from a focus on total particulate to a focus on sampling of particles in designated sizes.
This makes sense since we are in the business of health and particle size ultimately determines the health effects for exposed individuals.

7. Epa national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for PM
Beginning in 1971, EPA standards for PM were issued for Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) which were particles less than 100 um in diameter.
By 1987, the focus turned to particles that could be inhaled into the respiratory system. An EPA standard for PM10 replaced the TSP standard.
In 1997, EPA supplemented the PM10 standard with a standard for PM2.5.

8. Quick definitions of pm10 and pm2.5
PM10 (known as coarse particles) are produced by crushing or grinding operations and dust stirred up by vehicles on the road. PM10 can also be produced by mother nature through sand storms.
PM 2.5 (known as fine or respirable particles) result from the reactions of chemicals and the subsequent growth of particles from pollutant gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides which are emitted from power plants, industries, and vehicles.

9. Health effects of environmental pm
Respiratory Distress:
Irritation of Airways
Aggravation of Asthma
Chronic Bronchitis
Cardiovascular Disease:
Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Cardiac Arrhythmias
Stroke
Hypertension
Atherosclerosis
Health risk is greater for PM 2.5 than for PM10.

10. EPA Criteria for ideal pm samplers
Notice the sharp cut in the curve of the EPA criteria compared to IH criteria for respirable dust samplers.

11. Indoor air Samplers for pm10 and pm2.5
Method of Reference for PM in Indoor Air is EPA Method IP-10A.
The method specifies the use of an impactor for either PM10 or PM2.5 with a PTFE filter for gravimetric analysis.
SKC 761-series
Personal Environmental Monitor (PEM): Models available for use at 2, 4, or 10 L/min for either PM10 or PM2.5.

12. later pm10 and pm2.5 samplers for iaq
SKC
SKC
Personal Modular Impactor (PMI)
For PM10 or PM2.5 at flowrates of 3 L/min
IMPACT Sampler
For PM10 or PM2.5 at flowrates of 10 L/min
Advantage: Pre-oiled Impaction Substrates

13. The Occupational perspective on pm
Except in cases where diseases are caused by fine respirable dust, it has been common practice to sample so- called total dust.
This is in general recognition that all inhaled particles could present either a specific or non-specific risk to health. (Mark and Vincent, 1986.)
Respirable dust includes those particles hazardous when deposited in the lower gas-exchange region of the lung.

14. traditional pm definitions problems
Total dust was never defined by a specific size range and a 50% cut-point (D50) was never established for total dust samplers.
Not all countries have standardized on 37-mm filter cassettes for total dust sampling.
Given the vague definition of total dust, a number of personal samplers with various performance characteristics have been used for sampling total dust around the world with considerable differences in results.
Similarly, throughout history various countries have used different performance criteria (cut-points) for respirable dust samplers.

15. SURPRISING STATISTICS: LIMITATIONS OF 37-MM CASSETTES
Despite their use for “total” dust sampling,
37-mm cassettes:
Were never designed to represent a “physiologically relevant exposure” to the respiratory system.
Aspiration efficiency is not very similar to the nose and mouth.
Are not 100% efficient in collecting all sizes of dust particles.
Have a upper size limit (approx. 30 um) where efficiency falls to zero.
(T. Renee Anthony, AIHCE 2011)

16. SEARCHING FOR A BETTER WAY NEW CRITERIA FOR DUST SAMPLING
Beginning in the
1980’s, occupational
hygiene professionals from
around the world
began to investigate a
better way to
evaluate particulates in
the workplace.
First, was the need for standards (guidelines) that reflect closely the nature of human exposure.
Secondly, was the need for samplers that collect the “physiologically relevant” size fraction of interest.

17. WHY CHANGE?
Measuring dust concentrations with the same efficiency as we inhale them makes better sense when evaluating the health-related dose.

18. SEARCHING FOR A BETTER WAY NEW CRITERIA FOR STANDARDS
Committees from ISO, CEN, ACGIH, and others have come to an agreement on new criteria.
Most occupational hygiene bodies around the world have now adopted this criteria (in full or in part).
The new criteria specified in ISO Standard indicates that health related sampling should be based on 3 particle size- selective fractions:
Inhalable, Thoracic, and Respirable.

19. NDESCRIPTIONS Inhalable-the fraction that enters the nose and/or mouth
during breathing (D50 of sampler= 100 um)
Thoracic-the sub-fraction of inhalable that penetrates
into the respiratory tract below the larynx
(D50 of sampler= 10 um)
Respirable-the sub-fraction of inhalable that penetrates
to the alveolar region of the lung. (D50 of sampler= 4 um)

20. Status of iso 7708 with ACGIH: fully ADOPTED NEW CRITERIA
In 1993, ACGIH published new “Particle Size- Selective Sampling Criteria for Airborne Particulate Matter” in Appendix of TLV handbook.
At this time, ACGIH adopted and defined inhalable, thoracic, and respirable particulate mass fractions.
See page 78 of the 2016 and 2017 TLV handbook.

21. Status of iso 7708 with NIOSH: adopted NEW CRITERIA in-part
Inhalable-NIOSH Method 5700 for formaldehyde on dust is the only method specifying an inhalable sampler.
Thoracic-NIOSH Method 5524 for metalworking fluids is the only method that includes the OPTION of a thoracic sampler.
Respirable-All NIOSH Methods for respirable dust now specify a cyclone with a D50 of 4 um to meet ISO Several cyclone options are listed in their respirable dust methods.
SKC aluminum

22. Status of iso 7708 with OSHA
Inhalable: SKC has a letter on file from OSHA indicating that the IOM Sampler is “more efficient” in sampling small and large particles than 37-mm cassettes and can be used for compliance sampling of particulates not otherwise regulated.
Respirable: U.S. OSHA has adopted the ISO criteria for respirable dust samplers in the 2016 final rule for respirable crystalline silica.

23. INHALABLE PARTICULATE MASS: DEFINED
Those materials that are hazardous when deposited anywhere in the respiratory tract.
Includes particulate matter that enter the head airways region including the nose and mouth.
Also includes materials that can produce systemic toxicity from deposition anywhere in the respiratory system.

24. THE IDEAL INHALABLE SAMPLER
An inhalable sampler is considered ideal “when a personal sampler mounted on the body gives the same measured dust concentration and aerodynamic size distribution as that inspired by its wearer, regardless of dust source location and wind conditions”. (Mark and Vincent, 1986)
(Note: Inhalable dust was originally called inspirable dust.)
Inhalable samplers have a D50 (50% efficiency) at 100 microns. Reminder: 37-mm cassettes are 0% efficient at 30 microns.

25. 37-MM FILTER CASSETTES
Do not effectively sample the inhalable fraction.
They significantly underestimate the concentration of larger dust particles from um.
Another concern are sample losses that occur from particles that adhere to the interior cassette walls.

26. INHALABLE SAMPLERS: DESIGNED FOR THE NEW CRITERIA
The first personal sampler specifically designed for inhalable particulate mass was developed by Mark and Vincent in 1986 at the Institute of Occupational Medicine in Scotland.
The sampler was named the IOM sampler and it was licensed to SKC Ltd. in the UK.
So what are these so called “inhalable” samplers?

27. IOM SAMPLER A GOLD STANDARD
Exploded View
SKC A

28. USING THE IOM SAMPLER GRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS
Load a 25-mm filter into the cassette using forceps and wearing gloves.
Equilibrate the filter/cassette assembly overnight under controlled humidity conditions then weigh them as a unit.
Allow the assembly to stabilize a few minutes before taking a reading.
Sample at 2 L/min.

29. USING THE IOM SAMPLER WITH OTHER TYPES OF ANALYSES
The IOM Sampler is also available with a stainless steel cassette.
(SKC A)
This cassette is typically used for chemical (elemental) analysis where a solvent rinse is done inside the cassette.
A stainless steel IOM body along with a stainless steel cassette is available for those using the sampler for bioaerosol sampling.
(SKC A)
This model allows for autoclaving.

30. OTHER INHALABLE SAMPLERS
Button Sampler
Developed by University of Cincinnati
Screen keeps out large, non- inhalable projectiles from impacting or splashing onto the filter
4 L/min flow enhances sensitivity
Can be autoclaved for bioaerosols
SKC

31. 2017 TLVs® ISSUED AS INHALABLE
Calcium silicate
Calcium sulfate
Caprolactam
Captafol
Captan
Carbaryl
Carbofuran
Carbon Black
Chlorpyrifos
Citral
Clopidol
Coumaphos
Cresol, all isomers
Acetamide
Acrylamide
Alachlor
Aldrin
Asphalt Fume
Atrazine
Azinphos-methyl
Barium Sulfate
Benomyl
Beryllium
Borate cpds, Inorganic
Butylated hydroxytoluene
Cadusafos

32. 2017 TLVs® ISSUED AS INHALABLE
Demeton (and Demeton- S- methyl)
Diazinon
Dibutyl phosphate
2,2-Dichloropropionic acid
Dichlorvos (DDVP)
Dicrotophos
Dieldrin
Diesel Fuel
Diethanolmine
Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether
Dioxathion
Diquat
Disulfoton
Endosulfan
EPN
Ethion
Ethylene Glycol
2-Ethylhexanoic acid
Fenamiphos
Fensulfothion
Fenthion
Ferbam
Flour Dust
Fonofos

33. 2017 TLVs® ISSUED AS INHALABLE
Glyoxal
Hexahydrophthalic anhydride
Iodine and Iodides
Isobutyl nitrite
Lithium hydride
Magnesium oxide
Malathion
Maleic anhydride
Manganese
Methomyl
Methyl demeton
Methyl parathion
Mevinphos
Mineral oil, excluding metal working fluids
Molybdenum (Metal and insoluble cpds.)
Monochloroacetic acid
Monocrotophos
Naled
Natural rubber latex as total proteins
Nickel, Elemental, Soluble and Insoluble Cpds.
Nickel Subsulfide
5-Nitro-o-toluidine

34. 2017 TLVs® ISSUED AS INHALABLE
p,p-Oxybis(benzene
sulfonyl hydrazide)
Parathion
Particulates Not Otherwise Specified (Issued as a guideline; not a TLV)
Pentachlorophenol
Peracetic Acid (PAA)
Phorate
m- and o-Phthalodinitrile
Piperazine and salts
Propoxur
Ronnel
Silicon carbide, nonfibrous
Simazine
Stearates
Sulfotepp (TEDP)
Sulprofos
Synthetic Vitreous Fibers (Continuous filament)
Temephos
Terbufos
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromomethane

35. 2017 TLVs® ISSUED AS INHALABLE
Tetrethyl pyrophosphate (TEPP)
Thallium
4,4-Thiobis(6-tert-butyl-m- cresol)
Thiram
Toluene diisocyanate 2,4- or 2,6- or as a mixture
Tributyl phosphate
Trichlorphon
Trimellitic anhydride
Triorthocresyl phosphate
Vanadium pentoxide
Warfarin
Wood Dusts
Xylidine (mixed isomers)

36. DATA CONVERSION?? TOTAL VS INHALABLE
Inhalable particulate mass is typically greater than total particulate mass.
How much greater will depend upon the SIZE of the particles.
With larger particles, inhalable particulate mass will be much greater than total particulate mass.
With smaller particles, inhalable and total particulate mass will be comparable.

37. DATA CONVERSION?? TOTAL VS INHALABLE
Type of particulate Ratio of Results IOM/37-mm cassette
Dust from powder handling, grinding
Mist from paint spray or oil mist
Hot Processes such as foundries
Fumes from Welding
*Werner, et al. (1996)

38. DATA CONVERSION?? TOTAL VS INHALABLE
Dr. Anthony’s AIHCE 2011 session makes the point that it is really not enough to use a simple conversion factor as given on the previous slide.
Conversion factor will vary with particle size distribution.
“Using a standard correction factor without knowing your aerosol distribution may under- or over-estimate inhalable- converted exposure levels.”

39. DATA CONVERSION?? TOTAL VS INHALABLE
So what do you do?
Collect both 37-mm cassette and inhalable samples and determine process-specific ratios for YOUR unique operation.

40. THORACIC PARTICULATE
Defined as those materials that are hazardous when deposited anywhere within the lung airways and the gas-exchange region.
Thoracic samplers have a 50% cut-point of 10 um.
The next particulate size fraction that we will discuss is Thoracic Particulate Matter.
As discussed previously, the first bullet on the slide shows the definition of thoracic particulate.
Note also that thoracic samplers have a 50% cut-point of 10 micron.
Thoracic region includes bronchioles as well as air sacs in the lower lung.

41. THORACIC TLVs AS OF 2017 Sulfuric acid-TLV of 0.2 mg/m3
Cotton Dust-TLV of 0.1 mg/m3
Hard Metals containing cobalt and tungsten carbide as CO-TLV of mg/m3

42. NIOSH METHOD specifying thoracic samplers
Metalworking Fluids
NIOSH Method 5524, Issue 1 specifies a 2-um
PTFE filter in a 37-mm filter cassette with an optional thoracic particulate sampler.
At the time the method was published, the only thoracic sampler available commercially was a thoracic cyclone from BGI.
At this time, there is only one NIOSH method that specifies a thoracic particulate sampler.
NIOSH Method 5524 for metalworking fluids specifies sample collection using a 2 um PTFE filter in a 37-mm cassette OR optional thoracic sampler
At the time the method was published, the only thoracic sampler available commercially was a cyclone from BGI Incorporated.

43. SKC THORACIC impactors thoracic PPI samplers
REUSABLE SAMPLER
Made of anodized aluminum
DISPOSABLE SAMPLER
Made of conductive plastic
SKC Thoracic PPIs are available in reusable or disposable options.
The REUSABLE thoracic PPI is constructed from anodized aluminum and the DISPOSABLE PPI is constructed from conductive plastic.
The disposable model eliminates the burdens of sampler assembly and cleaning and is available pre-loaded with filters for designated applications.
Both the reusable and the disposable thoracic PPI samplers are designed for use at 2 L/min with analysis following the same techniques as specified in government methods using traditional filter cassettes.
SKC
SKC

44. RESPIRABLE DUST SAMPLING: osha adopts global standard in silica final rule
ISO STANDARD 7708
Most significant development in recent years for sampling of particulate matter.
Changed how professionals around the world define and measure various sizes of particulates for health-related sampling in the workplace.

45. ISO 7708 performance criteria for respirable dust samplers
The performance criteria is essentially a collection efficiency curve that specifies the efficiency of the sampler for particles of designated sizes.

46. OF PARTICULAR NOTE: THE 50% CUT-POINT
The 50% cut-point is often used to describe the performance of respirable dust samplers.
This is the particle size that the sampler collects with 50% efficiency.
ISO 7708 specifies a 50% (median) cut-point of 4 um.

47. RESPIRABLE DUST SAMPLERS: TO MEET ISO 7708/OSHA SPECIFICATIONS
OPTION #1:
TRADITIONAL CYCLONES

48. CYCLONE SAMPLERS: TO MEET ISO & OSHA CRITERIA
10-mm NYLON DORR-
OLIVER CYCLONE:
Listed in OSHA Final Rule on page 16439
Listed in NIOSH respirable dust methods
Designated flow rate is 1.7 L/min (This seems strange because it is the same flowrate as that used for 1971 criteria).

49. DORR-OLIVER CYCLONE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Advantage: Long history of use in the U.S. by compliance officers.
Disadvantage: Nylon construction creates static electricity concerns.
Disadvantage: Orientation bias. (AIHA Journal 56, November 1995).
Disadvantage: Dust sticks to cassette top with closed-face operation. (ASTM, STP 1565, 2013)
A BETTER WAY?

50. CYCLONE SAMPLERS: TO MEET ISO & OSHA CRITERIA
SKC ALUMINUM CYCLONE:
Listed in OSHA Final Rule on page 16439
Listed in NIOSH respirable dust methods
Published performance
(J. Aerosol Science, 29, 1998)
Designated flow rate is 2.5 L/min
SKC

51. SKC ALUMINUM CYCLONE DESIGN FEATURES
Metal construction eliminates static electricity concerns.
Open-face sample collection enhances collection.
Calibration adapter offers user convenience.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR COAL MINING:
Aluminum is considered a spark hazard in underground mines. So choose another sampler such as the GS-3 cyclone for this application.

52. CYCLONE SAMPLERS: TO MEET ISO & OSHA CRITERIA
SKC GS-3 CYCLONE:
Listed in OSHA SILICA NPRM on page 267
Published performance
(J. Aerosol Science, 28, 1997)
Designated flow rate is 2.75 L/min .
SKC

53. GS-3 CYCLONE DESIGN FEATURES
Developed at West Virginia University
to overcome problems evidenced with
10-mm nylon cyclone:
Conductive plastic construction eliminates static electricity concerns; not a spark hazard for underground use.
3-inlet slits overcome orientation bias
Open-face sample collection using 3-piece cassette enhances collection and eliminates particles sticking to the top of a 2-piece cassette. .
SKC /103

54. IMPORTANT NOTE ON FLOWRATE
All cyclones are not created equal!
Each cyclone has different operating specifications to meet the required performance criteria.
Be sure you know the flow rate specified before using any cyclone.
If you use the wrong flowrate, your data is meaningless.

55. RESPIRABLE DUST SAMPLERS: TO MEET ISO 7708 & OSHA CRITERIA
NEW OPTIONS

56. NEW SAMPLERS: FOR ISO 7708 & OSHA CRITERIA
On Page of the final rule on silica, OSHA notes:
The new silica rule “will permit
employers to use ANY sampling device that
conforms to the ISO/CEN convention”.

57. NEW SAMPLERS: FOR ISO 7708 & OSHA CRITERIA
Page goes on to say that in addition to traditional cyclones:
“There are also personal impactors available for use at flowrates from 2 to 8 L/min that have been shown to conform closely with the ISO/CEN convention”.
This data was supplied by SKC to the OSHA docket on new PPI samplers.

58. Respirable PPI SAMPLER OPTIONS
SKC originally produced the PPI only in reusable aluminum.
But users asked SKC to produce the PPI sampler in a single-use plastic model.
This design eliminates the need for sampler assembly and cleaning.
Reusable Aluminum
Disposable Anti-Static Plastic

59. DISPOSABLE PPI: DESIGN FEATURES
The disposable PPI looks like a traditional 37-mm filter cassette.
But the inlet section has 4 internal, pre-oiled impactor plates that scrub out larger particles.
The respirable dust is then collected onto the filter in the outlet section for analysis.
NO TIPPING HAZARD TO INVALIDATE THE SAMPLE.

60. PPI SAMPLER PERFORMANCE COMPARED TO ISO/OSHA CRITERIA

61. SKC RESPIRABLE PPI: FLOWRATE OPTIONS
Single-use, disposable PPI models are available for use at either 2, 4, or 8 L/min so you can choose the flowrate based on sample times and expected concentrations.
2 L/min for 8-hr TWA
Others for shorter times
2 L/min:
8 L/min:
4 L/min:

62. Thank you from dusty debbie
Technical inquiries can be sent to me at
Contact Rick Rainville for local support at