Dust particle measurement for fine dust
The SG10-2A can be used to measure dust particles very precisely, taking into account the respective size specification of the “aerodynamic diameter”. With the measuring device SG10-2A, samples of hazardous substances up to 10 l/min according to EN 481 – both stationary and stationary – can be measured. as well as personal use.
Dust particle measurement is an important procedure for reducing hazards at the workplace, especially in terms of occupational health and safety.
Workers must be protected from excessive and prolonged exposure to dust. Regular dust measurement at the workplace is recommended to check the quality of the current safety measures.
The “aerodynamic diameter” – its role as a descriptive variable
The term “aerodynamic diameter” is a size specification to describe the particle size of (suspended) solid particles.
In this functional description of the transport and deposition of dust, the diameter of a sphere with a density of 1g/cm³ is used as a reference object.
Its sinking speed in still air is equated with that of the particle under consideration. A small example follows to illustrate this:
If a particle has an aerodynamic diameter of 10µm, it has the same sinking speed as a sphere with a diameter of 10µm and a density of 1g/cm³. From this it can be deduced that a dust particle with a diameter of 1µm has an approximate sink time of around seven hours.
Differentiation of particulate matter according to particle size
The terms “fine dust” and “total dust” are outdated, but still commonly used definitions for A-dust (fine dust) and E-dust (total dust).
A-dust
The general description for the dust fraction of A-dust defines respirable dust. This means that these dust particles can penetrate into the alveoli (pulmonary alveoli) and cause serious damage to health. An aerodynamic diameter of up to 10µm is assumed.
E-dust
The term for the dust fraction of E-dust describes the inhalable dust, i.e. the solid particles that enter the respiratory tract through the mouth and nose.
DIN EN 481
The regulation DIN EN 481 with the name “Workplace atmosphere. Determination of the particle size distribution for the measurement of airborne particles” contains the definitions and areas of application of various fractions and is required in conjunction with Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRGS) in occupational health and safety.
Two conventions are defined there, which have specific separation characteristics: PM2.5 and PM10. These can be used to carry out comparable measurements. The values 2.5 and 10 describe the diameter of the particles.
Health hazards from dust for humans
If solid particles enter the airways and lungs, they can cause serious damage. The lung tissue becomes irritated and can scar, which can lead to permanent impairment and chronic shortness of breath with long-term exposure.
However, in addition to all the dangers, there is also a positive aspect to consider. In medicine, the aerodynamic diameter and the resulting inhalation potential are utilized. In this context, inhaled medications are being developed that deliver the active ingredient to the affected areas of the lungs and help to provide relief (e.g. in the case of bronchitis).
Sources:
[1]: Source contribution image: own source
[2]: https://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/ausgabe-402006/physikalische-einfluesse-steuern-die-pulmonale-deposition/
[3]: https://www.dguv.de/staub-info/was-ist-staub/a-staub/index.jsp
[4]: https://www.toxikologie.de/fileadmin/user_upload/GT/Arbeitskreise/Regulatorische_Toxikologie/Veranstaltungen/2006/2006_Koch.pdf
[5]: https://macau.uni-kiel.de/servlets/MCRFileNodeServletdissertation_derivate_00004563/121213_Stolte_Aerodynamische.pdf
[6]: https://www.bgrci.de/fileadmin/BGRCI/Veranstaltungen/Sifa_Tagungen_HH_Soltau_und_Timmendorfer_Strand_2018/Neumann_Allgemeiner_Staubgrenzwert.pdf
[7]: https://www.lgl.bayern.de/downloads/gesundheit/arbeitsplatz_umwelt/doc/feinstaub_begriffe.pdf
[8]: https://www.dguv.de/medien/ifa/de/pub/grl/pdf/2009_058.pdf