title: Field evaluation of personal sampling methods for multiple bioaerosols.
abstract: Ambient bioaerosols are ubiquitous in the daily environment and can affect health in various ways. However, few studies have been conducted to comprehensively evaluate personal bioaerosol exposure in occupational and indoor environments because of the complex composition of bioaerosols and the lack of standardized sampling/analysis methods. We conducted a study to determine the most efficient collection/analysis method for the personal exposure assessment of multiple bioaerosols. The sampling efficiencies of three filters and four samplers were compared. According to our results, polycarbonate (PC) filters had the highest relative efficiency, particularly for bacteria. Side-by-side sampling was conducted to evaluate the three filter samplers (with PC filters) and the NIOSH Personal Bioaerosol Cyclone Sampler. According to the results, the Button Aerosol Sampler and the IOM Inhalable Dust Sampler had the highest relative efficiencies for fungi and bacteria, followed by the NIOSH sampler. Personal sampling was performed in a pig farm to assess occupational bioaerosol exposure and to evaluate the sampling/analysis methods. The Button and IOM samplers yielded a similar performance for personal bioaerosol sampling at the pig farm. However, the Button sampler is more likely to be clogged at high airborne dust concentrations because of its higher flow rate (4 L/min). Therefore, the IOM sampler is a more appropriate choice for performing personal sampling in environments with high dust levels. In summary, the Button and IOM samplers with PC filters are efficient sampling/analysis methods for the personal exposure assessment of multiple bioaerosols.
authors: School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Chi-Hsun
authors: CH
authors: Wang
authors: Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America.
authors: Bean T
authors: BT
authors: Chen
authors: School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Bor-Cheng
authors: BC
authors: Han
authors: School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Andrew Chi-Yeu
authors: AC
authors: Liu
authors: Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labor, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
authors: Po-Chen
authors: PC
authors: Hung
authors: Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labor, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
authors: Chih-Yong
authors: CY
authors: Chen
authors: School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Hsing Jasmine
authors: HJ
authors: Chao
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols / Q000032:analysis*; D000383:Agriculture; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D005374:Filtration; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational