Working environment - measuring for chemical and physical components - Dust, aerosols, or fibers

Health hazardous particles are released, e.g., in industry, from engines, buildings, wood-burning stoves, or power plants. Smaller particles (<10 µm) can be deposited in the bronchi, while larger particles (>10 µm) can accumulate in the upper respiratory tract. Therefore, the size distribution of air pollution particles is crucial for the working environment.

The Danish Working Environment Authority has established limit values for total dust, respirable dust, organic dust, quartz dust, oil aerosols, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), Cr(VI), different types of fibres, metals, etc. (Executive Order no. 202 of 21 February 2023).

Danish Technological Institute can assist you with:

• Analyses of total dust, respirable or organic dust, mineral wool fibres, asbestos, oil aerosols, PAHs, metals, etc.
• Identification of dust/fibre types by electron microscopy (dust characterisation) including structure of elements.
• Analyses for hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI).
• Advisory services and strategy connected with sampling.
• Sampling or rental of necessary sampling equipment (e.g., pumps or cyclones/pre-separators) etc.
• Execution in accordance with relevant national or international reference methods (NIOSH, OSHA, ASTM, etc.).

In occupational health settings, samples are often collected by drawing air through a selected medium with a pump that has a defined flow rate. Afterwards, the samples are analysed in the laboratory for the requested parameters. Analyses can be carried out with stationery or portable equipment. Sampling takes around 4 hours (but may take shorter or longer time, depending on the process and level of exposure).