Sampling for Total Aerosol as Defined by the Inspirability Criterion

Sampling for total aerosol is carried out by hygienists or occupational epidemiologists when it is suspected that airborne particles of all sizes present a potential risk to health. Unfortunately, in the past, total aerosol was not explicitly defined; available sampling instruments displayed a wide range of particle size-selection characteristics. Therefore, total aerosol measurements and the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) with which they were associated have been of limited relevance to health. In recent years, however, recommendations have been made to define total aerosol quantitatively in terms of the fraction of airborne particles inspired by humans during breathing. ¹ , ² This common sense approach is now leading to a new generation of total aerosol samplers – both static (or area) and personal – having performance characteristics based on the Inspirable Particulate Mass (IPM) criterion. The details of the evolution of such instruments are given in publications which have already appeared (see references). This chapter will review the body of relevant work and the current status of sampler development. The bibliography should provide a useful foundation on which to base further study.