Development of an optimized sampling regime for the determination of the effects of bioaerosols on health
Abstract
Bioaerosols vary in size between particle types which affects their airborne properties, influencing the type of sampler that can be used when trying to detect them. Despite this, there is no standardised protocol for measuring bioaerosols. Sampling experiments were performed in indoor environments with low concentrations of bioaerosols (office and domestic residences) to evaluate the sampling efficiencies of the Andersen 6-stage viable impactor, Omega AIRTEST viable sampler, AGI-30 liquid impinger and filter samplers. These sampling methods were evaluated both individually and in comparison with each other. The measurement of indoor particulate concentrations using an LN5 laser monitor and surface sampling of indoor dust were also performed. The most appropriate methodologies for use with each sampler are recommended, based on the sampled data from this study. Representative measures ofbioaerosol concentrations were achieved that were directly comparable with the other methods but it was concluded that no single sampling method is suitable for comprehensive bioaerosol sampling. The effect of human activity in an indoor environment was found to have a particularly significant effect on measured bioaerosol concentrations. Preliminary findings from this study show evidence of a dose-response relationship and suggest that there are a larger number of reported health symptoms for environments with higher bioaerosol concentrations. However, further work requires to be done that will allow predictions to be made about the severity of likely health effects according to measured bioaerosol concentrations for a particular environment.Citation
Adlington, V.M. (2006) 'Development of an optimized sampling regime for the determination of the effects of bioaerosols on health'. MPhil thesis. University of Bedfordshire.Publisher
University of BedfordshireType
Thesis or dissertationLanguage
enDescription
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy at the University of BedfordshireCollections
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