Developments in workplace aerosol sampling. A review.

Sampling conventions for inhalable, thoracic and respirable aerosol fractions have now been agreed internationally and published as both European and International standards. Implementation of these sampling conventions will require discussion of the target fractions appropriate for various aerosol hazards, the sampling instruments to recommend for the three target fractions and estimation of the likely impact that any changes in sampling method could have on apparent exposures. This paper reviews the performance of both available and developing aerosol sampling technologies and discusses some of the wider issues involved in moving to improved sampling methods.