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| An expanded view of the personal dust monitor showing the location of the quartz-compatible filter |
Background
The development and evaluation (both laboratory and field) of the personal dust monitor have been successful. However, the filter material currently being used in the monitor is not effective in analyzing silica, an airborne respirable dust commonly found in underground mines. NIOSH researchers have recently identified a filter material that is both compatible with the analytical method used to quantify airborne silica and stable when measuring total respirable dust mass.
Potential Outcome
NIOSH has applied for a patent for this development. Successful implementation of this research will increase the utility of the personal dust monitor for routine monitoring of coal miners’ exposure to not only coal mine dust, but also to the fraction of silica in that dust. Laboratory tests of this filter material are near completion. Thermo Electron Co., the producer of the personal dust monitor technology, is interested in licensing the technology for the monitor. In 2006, the information on this technology will be shared with Thermo-Electron, which will provide it to industry.