Wood is a versatile, natural material used in construction, furniture manufacturing, and artistry. Every day, millions of workers worldwide handle wood, from cutting lumber to building homes and crafting furniture. However, with the rise of power tools and mass production, wood dust has become a significant occupational hazard, contributing to one of the most common forms of workplace air pollution.
Why Accurate Wood Dust Measurement Matters
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Currently, there is no standardized method exclusively for testing airborne wood dust. In the USA and Canada, wood dust is measured as Total Dust using the NIOSH 0500 method, while in the UK, the MDHS 14/4 standard is used. However, these methods can produce biased results, as the gravimetric analysis measures not only wood dust but also other impurities like soil, abrasive dust from sandpaper, and metal dust.
LCS Laboratory Inc.’s Unique 2-Stage Analytical Technique
LCS Laboratory Inc. is proud to introduce an innovative 2-stage testing procedure that enhances the accuracy of wood dust analysis. We begin by analyzing the sample for total dust using the NIOSH 0500 method, followed by a secondary analysis of the organic fraction using a “loss on ignition” technique. During this process, wood dust is burnt out at elevated temperatures, and the resulting weight loss is used to determine the wood dust concentration. This approach offers improved selectivity, making it especially effective when mineral impurities are present.
Our method aligns closely with OSHA’s ID 196 technique, commonly used for analyzing Carbon Black, ensuring precision and reliability in our results.
Key Benefits of Our Wood Dust Analysis:
Enhanced Selectivity: Our technique distinguishes wood dust from mineral contaminants, providing more accurate results for workplace safety assessments.
Comprehensive Reporting: Receive detailed analysis of both total dust and wood-specific concentrations.
Fast Turnaround: Our laboratory is equipped to handle your testing needs with speed and accuracy.
Contact Us for a Free Quote
If you need a professional consultation or are ready to submit your samples for analysis, contact LCS Laboratory Inc. today for a free, no-obligation quote. Let us help ensure a safer working environment with precise wood dust measurement.
