Nuisance Dust and PM-10 / TSP

Nuisance and Respirable dust is a gravimetric technique that calculates the total or respirable fraction of dust in air samples.  Several methodologies are utilized including NIOSH 0500 (Total Dust) and NIOSH 0600 (Respirable Dust) as well as the 40CFR Part 50 App. J - Particulate Matter (PM₁₀) and the 40CFR Part 50 App. B – Suspended Particulate Matter (TSP).

The NIOSH methods use pre-weighted 5.0m Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) filters. Air sample volumes for personnel monitoring are acquired using 1.5 to 2.5 liters per minute during the persons work cycle.  Area monitoring is best performed at 10 lpm for a total volume of greater than 1,500 liters.

The PM₁₀ and TSP methods use pre-weighted 8" X 10" quartz fiber filters.  Air sample volumes and flow rates vary by sampler manufacturer and environmental condition.