A measuring system with combined size and time resolution capability for the characterization of dust in the working place environment. Development of a prototype instrument

• Published in: Journal of aerosol science 1988, Vol.19 (7), p.1453-1456
• Main Authors: Koch, W., Lödding, H., Dunkhorst, W., Scheffel, H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0021-8502; 1879-1964
• DOI: 10.1016/0021-8502(88)90197-8

Wood dusts, especially those of oak and beach wood, are known to cause nose cancer after a long time exposure at working places. The cancer inducing mechanisms have not yet been clarified. Coarse particles seem to play an important role because they are deposited mainly in the nasal region of the respiratory tract. In the field of work place aerosols, however, the main interest has been directed only to two fractions of the dust: the total dust and the fine dust. More detailed information on the size distribution has not been asked for in this context. Furthermore time resolution cannot be abandoned in case the physiological effects depend on the temporal concentration profile of the hazardous dust. Therefore the Ministry of Health of the State of Northrhine Westfalia funded a project to develop an instrument with particle size and size resolution capabilities. In this paper the results of this project are presented.