Measure particulate matter with SG10-2 measuring device
The fine dust can be measured with our personal measuring device SG10-2 can be used to measure fine dust. This allows you to determine whether the dusts in your home are harmless. For example, you can also measure whether there is dangerous fine dust pollution at the workplace.
This allows you to quickly identify a potential risk in the company and take important measures immediately. Fine dust measuring devices, such as our SG10-2 measuring device, offer quick help to carry out hazardous substance measurements accurately.
How to measure the dust fractions A-dust and E-dust with measuring device SG10-2
For measurements in this area, we recommend the use of our measuring devices, for example our measuring device SG10-2. These personal measuring device can be used to measure both the A-dust and E-dust dust fractions with the appropriate sampling head (FSP10 for A-dust or GSP10 for E-dust) at the workplace.
For stationary sampling, the PM4-2 is recommended in combination with the total dust head with adapter for measuring the dust fraction E-dust or with the fine dust head and the associated connection elbow for measuring the dust fraction A-dust.
What is dusts? – General definition
Dust is the generic term for the smallest solid particles that remain suspended in the air for a longer period of time after being stirred up.
The classic classification is into A-dust and E-dust depending on the particle size. DIN EN 481, which describes the “Specification of particle size distribution for the measurement of airborne particles”, serves as the standard.
Limit values
The general dust limit value was lowered on 14.02.2014 and is now 1.25mg/m3 instead of 3mg/m3, based on an average density of 2.5g/cm3. This limit value is specified in TRGS 900 and has a maximum exceedance factor of 8, which means that the limit values may not be exceeded more than four times within a shift (assumed to be 8 hours). The purpose of occupational health and safety measures is to comply with these limit values. In order to be able to take suitable measures, various TRGS work together.
First, a risk assessment is carried out using TRGS 400, which combines the requirements of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. TRGS 402 describes the determination and assessment of inhalation exposure.
Based on these results, suitable protective measures are taken within the framework of TRGS 504 in order to comply with the limit values according to TRGS 900 at the workplace. All steps and documentation must be created and maintained for all measures. Employees must be regularly informed of the measures by the employer.
For further differentiation, a distinction is made between A-dust and E-dust. Further information on this can be found in the following section.
Dust fraction A-dust
Respirable dust (A-dust) refers to the part of the inhalable dust particles that can penetrate into the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs). The (outdated) term fine dust is also widely used.
The inhaled particles are deposited in the lungs and cause scarring of the lung tissue as a result of the body’s defense reaction. This leads to breathing difficulties and, in the case of long-term exposure to dust, to so-called pneumoconiosis. Preventing such effects is the task and aim of the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (in particular TRGS 504).
The size of the respirable particles is up to 10µm. The smaller the diameter, the closer the percentage of the respirable fraction is to 100.
It is not possible to specify the exact size of individual particles, which is why this is described by the aerodynamic particle diameter.
Dust fraction E-dust
The inhalable dust fraction (E-dust) describes the particles in the air that can be inhaled through the mouth and nose. The outdated term “total dust” proved to be too undifferentiated.
DIN EN 481, which describes the particle size of dust particles, also applies to the E-dust fraction.
As can be seen from the figure below, the size of inhalable particles is approx. 35µm. Below this limit, a distinction is made as to how far the particles penetrate into the lungs.
This means that the smaller the aerodynamic diameter, the deeper the particle penetrates into the lungs.
Aerodynamic diameter
The aerodynamic diameter defines an abstract quantity in which a theoretical spherical particle with a density of 1g/ml has the same sinking properties as the particle under investigation. From this, the characteristics of the sample particle can then be determined by analogy. Classic examples of A-dust are coal dust (C) or titanium dioxide (TiO2).
Sources:
[1] Cf. www.chemie.de/lexikon/Staub.html
[2] www.din.de/de/meta/suche/62730!search?query=din+en+481
[3] www.lungenaerzte-im-netz.de/krankheiten/staublunge/ursachen/
[4] www4.lubw.baden-wuerttemberg.de/servlet/is/207634/3_lubw_ott.pdf?command=downloadContent&filename=3_lubw_ott.pdf
[5] Cf. DIN EN 481, p.6