Effect of electrostatic charge on the aspiration efficiencies of airborne dust samplers: with special reference to asbestos

Journal Article · Wed Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/15298668791385291· OSTI ID:6127741

Johnston, A M; Jones, A D; Vincent, J H

An experimental investigation has been conducted into the effects of electrostatic charge, carried by the dust particles and by the sampler itself, on the sampling of airborne dusts. Experiments covering both personal and static sampling and a range of sampler types were carried out in the laboratory for both fibrous asbestos and isometric silica gel dusts. Experiments also were carried out in the spinning shop of an asbestos textile factory. The results showed that the aspiration efficiency of the sampler always is reduced as the charge on the sampler increases, independently of the type of sampler and of whether it is used as a static or personal sampler. The effect is most marked when sampling takes place in calm air. It is concluded from the results that, for the levels of charge reached by samplers in most practical situations, the effects on aspiration efficiency will be small. Possible exceptions to this might occur, however, in workplace environments where relative humidity is very low, and charge levels of the sampler (or on the worker wearing the sampler) can become high.

• Research Organization: Institute of Occupational Medicine, Scotland, England
• OSTI ID: 6127741
• Journal Information: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States) Vol. 48:7; ISSN AIHAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
AIR SAMPLERS
ASBESTOS
CHALCOGENIDES
DUSTS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC CHARGES
EQUIPMENT
MINERALS
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
OXIDE MINERALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PARTICLE SIZE
PARTICLES
PARTICULATES
POLLUTION
SAMPLERS
SAMPLING
SILICA
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SILICON OXIDES
SIZE