DustScanAQ, has developed a wide range of dust analysis techniques for particulate matter assessment. This is also known as ‘dust characterisation’. Valuable information can be obtained through the analysis of environmental dust samples; either those collected with specific dust sampling equipment (such as collected on a sticky pad, or a filter), or those collected from a dusty surface such as a warehouse floor or a windowsill.
In addition to our exclusive computer-based analyses (see DustScan Analysis) we routinely carry out other tests, both in-house or at accredited research laboratories and often expand the range of analyses undertaken.
These analyses include:
- Gravimetric analyses (filter weighing), typically of dust removed from DustDisc sticky pads (or from Frisbee samples in accordance with the SEI-Y Frisbee sampling protocol) where dust mass settlement rate information is required. Filter cassettes from fine particulate samplers (health-risk dust/AQO) and from personal monitors where airborne concentrations of particulate matter are required to assess concentration in relation to Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) are also weighed.
- Optical microscopy of dust on sticky pads, glass slides and of loose dust samples in house. Microscopes are linked to digital cameras, to capture detailed photomicrographs of dust samples with up to 60 x magnification. Individual dust particles are identified and specific investigations made for organic wastes, cellulose fibres and certain minerals, that may be relevant in forensic investigations or the characterisation of dust sources.