Existing samplers for the collection of bioaerosols have been designed with
the aim of maintaining biological stability of the collected material, and
in general do not select particles in accordance with international conven
tions for aerosol sampling. Many have uncharacterised sampling efficiencies
and few are designed as personal samplers. If standard personal dust sampl
ers are used for bioaerosols the viability of collected microorganisms may
be compromised by dehydration. The objective of this study was to evaluate
a novel personal bioaerosol sampler designed to collect the inhalable dust
fraction and further subdivide the sample into thoracic and respirable frac
tions. The new sampler was tested to see whether it enhanced the survival o
f the collected microorganisms, and,vas assessed for ease of use in the fie
ld and in subsequent laboratory analyses, A number of occupation-related fi
eld sites were selected where large concentrations of bioaerosols were to b
e expected. The prototype sampler was found to be simple to use. Analysis c
ould be carried out with similar efficiency either with all three fractions
together for a total count, or separately for size selective data. The sam
pler performed at least as well as the standard IOM filter method but with
the added advantage of size fractionation, The field trials showed that for
sampling periods lasting several hours, microorganism survival within the
sampler was adequate for culture and identification of the organisms presen
t. This new sampler is now commercially available. In addition to bioaeroso
l sampling, the principle of size selective sampling using porous foams can
be applied to other occupational hygiene problems, and also to indoor air
monitoring of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations. Crown Copyright (C) 1999 Publi
shed by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.