Air sampler utilizing a wet inertial impactor to directly convert aerosols into hydrosols for exposure assessment of welding fumes

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

In the United States, about 457,300 workers are employed in hot metal working occupations such as welding and brazing. These processes generate aerosols that pose significant occupational health risks and often contain metals such as iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), and manganese (Mn). Exposure to these metals can cause respiratory disease, neurological effects, and increased cardiovascular risks. An accurate exposure assessment is essential for this large and growing workforce. Conventional exposure assessment relies on filter-based sampling followed by digestion before metal analysis, which increases preparation time and can introduce variability. This study presents a novel sampler that collects aerosols directly into water and simplifies metal exposure assessment.

Chang Geun Lee, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA 

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. 2127756, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) through the Pilot Research Project Training Program of the University of Cincinnati Education and Research Center (T42 OH008432), and the Pilot Project Research Training Program of the University of Michigan Education and Research Center (T42 OH008455). 

Aerosol and airborne particulate monitoring

Environmental protection and monitoring

Exposure Assessment