Quartz - Current Methodologies
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Because adverse health effects are primarily attributable to the respirable
portion of the any quartz exposure, analytical approaches focus on this particle
size range. These analytical methods are particle -size dependent; therefore,
the collected samples and the analytical standards used to create
concentration-response curves must be matched in particle size. Air samples
taken to characterize the respirable fraction (approximately are collected using
cyclones which produces samples with a defined particle size distribution.
Standards are prepared within the lab from Standard Reference Materials (SRMs)
or other closely-matched materials to provide accurate analysis. The SRMs are
matched to the particle size range similar to what is expected for the cyclone
sample or bulk material by sieving. Samples can also be taken for thoracic
(approximately 10 micron cut size) or inhalable (similar to total dust)
fractions; however, currently OSHA only regulates for the respirable quartz
fraction. How do these analytical procedures analyze for and quantitate the
amount of quartz on these samples?
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