Can passive sampling of particles be used to for chemical charaterization and to trace emission sources?

Research project Commonly, workers may expose themselves to different airborne particles. Normally, the health risks associated to particles are related air concentration but recent studies have shown that other ways to measure and look at particles maybe important.

We will apply a passive sampler for measuring particles, with which the particles can become characterized regarding the number, size distribution, and chemical contents when analysed with a Scanning Electron Microscope. The sampler is small, 1.5 cm in diameter, which makes it user-friendly and that is an advantage when collecting many samples. In work environment where exposure varies, repeated measurements are required as a basis for an adequate risk assessment. The microscope analysis of the particles gives valuable information about for example the source of the particles, which can be used for introducing preventive measures.