TY - GEN
T1 - Surface-to-air suspension behavior of allergen-containing particles in indoor environments
AU - Gomes, C.
AU - Freihaut, J.
AU - Bahnfleth, W.
AU - Thran, B.
AU - Chapman, M.
PY - 2006
Y1 - 2006
N2 - Controlled milling experiments of naturally occurring source materials has led to the establishment of an allergen carrier particle sample bank for common, indoor allergen types from dust mites, roach fras, cat hair and dog fur. Characterization data for allergen specific sample types include: mass fraction and number particle size distributions determined by optical scattering and inertial impactor methods; particle morphology as determined by scanning electron microscope examination; and particle size dependent allergen concentrations determined by immuno-assay enzyme-linked analysis (ELISA). Milling investigations indicate the different parent source materials have very different milling characteristics. Milling conditions must be carefully controlled to give appreciable yields of suspendable particles in the 0.5 - 20 μm size range. Characterized, allergen carrier particles are then utilized in an experimental resuspension apparatus in which controlled vibration and aerodynamic disturbances intensities are applied to known sample dust loadings on specific flooring material types. The experiments lead to particle resuspension rates and factors that are utilized to determine inhalation exposure risks associated with normal, indoor human activity. The resuspension propensities of the allergen carrier particles are compared to quartz "reference" particles and Bacillus Thuringiensis spores of the same size range. Particle resuspension propensities of the allergen particles are mainly dependent on aerodynamic disturbance intensities, with particle and floor types showing second order effects. For the particles investigated, spore particles had the greatest resuspension propensity. The allergen carrier particle samples are also used in exposure challenge chamber studies, to determine quantitative effectiveness of passive and active air filtration systems, and to assess the effectiveness of allergen denaturing techniques for particle embedded allergens.
AB - Controlled milling experiments of naturally occurring source materials has led to the establishment of an allergen carrier particle sample bank for common, indoor allergen types from dust mites, roach fras, cat hair and dog fur. Characterization data for allergen specific sample types include: mass fraction and number particle size distributions determined by optical scattering and inertial impactor methods; particle morphology as determined by scanning electron microscope examination; and particle size dependent allergen concentrations determined by immuno-assay enzyme-linked analysis (ELISA). Milling investigations indicate the different parent source materials have very different milling characteristics. Milling conditions must be carefully controlled to give appreciable yields of suspendable particles in the 0.5 - 20 μm size range. Characterized, allergen carrier particles are then utilized in an experimental resuspension apparatus in which controlled vibration and aerodynamic disturbances intensities are applied to known sample dust loadings on specific flooring material types. The experiments lead to particle resuspension rates and factors that are utilized to determine inhalation exposure risks associated with normal, indoor human activity. The resuspension propensities of the allergen carrier particles are compared to quartz "reference" particles and Bacillus Thuringiensis spores of the same size range. Particle resuspension propensities of the allergen particles are mainly dependent on aerodynamic disturbance intensities, with particle and floor types showing second order effects. For the particles investigated, spore particles had the greatest resuspension propensity. The allergen carrier particle samples are also used in exposure challenge chamber studies, to determine quantitative effectiveness of passive and active air filtration systems, and to assess the effectiveness of allergen denaturing techniques for particle embedded allergens.
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M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:34247208543
SN - 092320475X
SN - 9780923204754
T3 - Proceedings of the A and WMA Indoor Environmental Quality: Problems, Research and Solutions Conference 2006
SP - 582
EP - 609
BT - Proceedings of the A and WMA Indoor Environmental Quality
T2 - A and WMA Indoor Environmental Quality: Problems, Research and Solutions Conference 2006
Y2 - 17 July 2006 through 19 July 2006
ER -