P-207 Why You Should Know How Your Aerosol Sampler Is Performing

Introduction and methods A recent survey of aerosol sampling heads used within the metals industry was done in parallel to a survey of European laboratories concerning the methods used for the determination of nickel in workplace air. Results This survey revealed a wide variety of inhalable, thoracic, and respirable samplers as being commonly used for measuring metals and metalloids exposure in workplaces. Discussion In April 2019, the Nickel Institute, a global association of primary nickel producers, held a meeting with interested parties regarding the development or adaptation of existing sampling trains to measure low levels of metals and metalloids in the workplace. The parties involved agreed on the need for international sampler comparison studies. The main objective of these studies is to compare currently used (and validate any newly developed) personal samplers for measuring particulate-related exposure (and more specifically metals and metalloids) in workplace settings. Sampler efficiency studies for relevant aerosol size fractions of those samplers currently on the market will also be included in this effort. Conclusion In this presentation, an overview of why sampler comparison and efficiency studies are needed will be provided, together with recent outcomes of a laboratory and field study funded by Worksafe BC (Canada).