A continuing challenge in occupational hygiene is that of accurately estimating a worker's long-term exposure to the multitude of airborne chemicals found in the workplace and surrounding community. Hence, the development of new methods that will permit more effective sampling of contaminants in the workplace is essential to ensure that accurate exposure assessments are completed. Evacuated canisters have been used for many years to collect ambient air samples for gases and vapors. With the development of a new flow control device, interest in using evacuated canisters for personal breathing zone sampling as an alternative to sorbent samplers has increased. A capillary flow controller was recently designed to provide a very low flow rate, permitting a sample to be collected over an extended period of time with the use of a small portable canister. Initial research focused on the development of the capillary canister and the evaluation of its ability to collect a representative sample. Recent studies indicate that representative samples can be effectively collected at extremely low flow rates ranging from 0.05 to 1.0 ImL/min in small (300 mL) evacuated canisters.
The specific aims of this proposal are to: 1. Test the applicability of the capillary-canister in a variety of air sampling environments, including indoor air and factory environments, 2. Examine the correlation between different exposure assessment scenarios, such as the collection of multiple 8-hour samples versus a single 40-hour sample, 3. Quantify the bias associated with the diminishing flow rate through extensive computer simulations and validate the mathematical model through comparison with measured data. In summary, we hope to demonstrate that this new innovative sampling system collects accurate and representative air samples in a cost effective manner, with verified overall uncertainties that are well within acceptable guidelines. A validated capillary-canister device will equip industrial hygienists with the ability to extend personal sampling times beyond what is currently obtained and to sample a broader range of chemicals simultaneously. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03OH008130-01A1
Application #
6867601
Study Section
Safety and Occupational Health Study Section (SOH)
Program Officer
Newhall, Wilbert James
Project Start
2005-08-01
Project End
2008-07-31
Budget Start
2005-08-01
Budget End
2006-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$78,500
Indirect Cost
Name
Clarkson University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
041590993
City
Potsdam
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
13699