A Simple Proposition for Improving Industrial Hygiene Air Sampling Methods
10.1016/j.shaw.2019.07.001
- Author:
Samuel Y PAIK
1
;
David M ZALK
Author Information
1. ES&H Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94551, USA. paik7@llnl.gov
- Publication Type:Brief Communication
- Keywords:
Analytical reporting limit;
Minimum sample volume;
NIOSH;
Quantitative limit of detection;
Short duration
- MeSH:
Methods;
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (U.S.);
Occupational Exposure;
Occupational Health;
Running
- From:Safety and Health at Work
2019;10(3):389-392
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
When conducting an exposure assessment, the primary goal of the industrial hygienist is to fully characterize the worker's exposure during a work shift to compare it with an occupational exposure limit. This applies regardless of the duration of the work activity as an activity that is relatively short in duration can still present exposure in excess of the occupational exposure limit even when normalized over an 8-hr shift. This goal, however, is often impeded by the specification of a minimum sample volume in the published sampling method, which may prevent the sample from being collected or submitted for analysis. Removing the specification of minimum sample volume (or adjusting it from a requirement to a recommendation), in contrast, allows for a broader assessment of jobs that consist of short-duration and high-exposure activities and also eliminates the unnecessary practice of running sampling pumps in clean air to collect a specified, minimum volume.
