Air sampling and analysis for gases and vapors.
Authors
Peach-MJ III; Carr-WG
Source
Occupational respiratory diseases. Merchant JA, Bochlecke BA, Taylor G, eds. Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 86-102, 1986 Sep; :41-68
Abstract
The current procedures employed by industrial hygienists to assess, measure, and characterize occupational exposure to potentially hazardous airborne gases and vapors were described. Two air sampling methods were employed by industrial hygienists: grab sampling, in which a volume of air was collected over a short period of time ranging from a few seconds to less than 2 minutes; and integrated sampling, in which a known volume of air was metered through an appropriate absorbing or adsorbing medium which removed gaseous contaminants from the airstream. Both these methods required laboratory analysis of the collected samples. Analysis of grab samples provided information on the airborne concentration of the contaminant at the sampling location at a given point in time, while analysis of integrated samples reflected longterm exposure levels. Direct reading instrumentation capable of immediate detection and measurement of potentially hazardous contaminants was also available. Methods and equipment used in colorimetric direct reading instrumentation and electronic direct reading instrumentation were described. Important criteria for the selection of sampling methods, which included, the solubility, volatility and reactivity of the contaminant being measured, and the sensitivity and specificity of the analytical method, were summarized.
Keywords
Air-sampling-equipment; Toxic-gases; Toxic-vapors; Workplace-studies; Sampling-methods; Occupational-diseases; Pulmonary-system-disorders; Industrial-hygienists
Editors
Merchant-JA; Bochlecke-BA; Taylor-G
Source Name
Occupational respiratory diseases
