Particle Size convention
Every worker deserves a safe environment, free from harmful airborne particles that can endanger their health. At LCS Laboratory Inc., we’re committed to helping industrial hygiene professionals safeguard workplaces with reliable air sampling equipment, precise laboratory analysis, and expert technical support.
Why Respirable Dust Sampling Matters
Respirable dust, made up of fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs, poses serious health risks to workers. Accurately measuring these particles is critical for assessing exposure and implementing necessary protections. Our services, grounded in internationally recognized standards like NIOSH 0600 and MDHS 14/4, empower industrial hygienists to make informed decisions that protect lives.
A respirable particulate fraction consists of inhaled airborne particles that can penetrate beyond the terminal bronchioles into the gas-exchange region of the lungs. According to international conventions, the respirable fraction of dust contains particles smaller than 10 microns, with a mass median diameter of 4 microns.
Any air sampler designed to collect the respirable fraction of dust (respirable dust) contains two essential components: a separator for coarse dust and a pre-weighed filter to collect the respirable fraction. Two standard techniques are currently available:
- North American schools of air sampling rely on the use of miniature cyclones for dust separation. The methods are based on the NIOSH 0600 method, with modifications depending on the model of cyclone used.
- European schools allow the use of cyclones or foam pre-filters to separate large particles. All techniques are described in the UK method MDHS 14/4.
LCS Laboratory offers laboratory testing using both NIOSH 0600 and MDHS 14/4 methods. Below is a brief list of the advantages and limitations of each method:
Dorr-Oliver Nylon Cyclone
This cyclone must be operated at 1.7 L/min. It was the first air sampling cyclone specifically designed for personal sampling and is specified in the NIOSH 0600 method. Samples collected with this cyclone are considered by many as the “gold standard.” The cyclone is recommended for longer sampling in dusty environments.
Aluminum Cyclone
The normal operation flow rate is 2.5 L/min. After being on the market for over 20 years, the aluminum cyclone has become a common sampling device where larger volumes of air are needed. The cyclone is listed in the NIOSH 0600 method and is best suited for silica sampling when the results must be compared with ACGIH guidelines. However, we do not recommend using aluminum cyclones in areas with dust levels above 3 mg/m³ (e.g., welding fumes, cement dust, grain dust). If this is your first project dealing with respirable dust exposure, please check our step-by-step sampling procedure.
BGI GK 2.69
This is the fastest personal cyclone we offer. Its normal operation rate is 4.1 L/min, which makes it best suited for short sampling, such as STEL or ceiling exposure. Not all personal pumps can operate at such a high flow. Please ensure your pump is compatible. You can always contact us to order a high-flow pump with a cyclone for your project. While listed in MDHS 14/4, this cyclone remains mostly unknown to the industrial hygiene community.
Inhalable Sampler (IOM)
Foam Pre-Filters
The collection of respirable dust on inhalable samples with foam pre-filters is less common in North America. This method is standard as described in MDHS 14/4. The recommended flow rate is 2 L/min. In terms of sensitivity, the method is similar to sampling with a nylon cyclone. The biggest advantage of this method is its ability to measure both respirable and inhalable fractions of dust on the same sample.
If you need to collect respirable dust samples, please email our lab. We have all the equipment in stock.
