NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Sampling airborne microorganisms.

Authors
Chatigny MA
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; :89-101
NIOSHTIC No.
00171281
Abstract
A rationale for the selection of samplers for the measurement of airborne microbes in work environments was presented. A list of the most widely used samplers and their applications was provided. The sampling of airborne microbes differed from ordinary particulate sampling only in the determination of the viability of microbes. Much of the technology of sampling airborne microbes was developed by medical researchers who were concerned with both the viability and the infectivity of the airborne microbes. Virtually every operation with a suspension of microbes in research or clinical microbiology laboratories was demonstrated to produce an aerosol with respirable particles, and laboratory infections have been reported with every pathogenic agent studied. Factors that should be considered in the selection of a microbial aerosol sampler were discussed. The special conditions required for collection of viral particles were discussed, and sampling as well as assay methods for the sampling of aerosols containing viruses were described. The author concludes that any particulate aerosol sampler may serve as a microbial aerosol sampler in certain applications, but recommends that any sampler selected be calibrated with laboratory generated aerosols closely simulating those to be sought.
Keywords
Air-sampling; Workplace-studies; Microorganisms; Bacteria; Air-contamination; Sampling-methods; Occupational-exposure; Pulmonary-system-disorders; Air-quality-monitoring
Publication Date
19860901
Document Type
Chapter
Editors
Merchant JA; Bochlecke BA; Taylor G
Fiscal Year
1986
Source Name
Occupational respiratory diseases
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division