Complex Aerosol Characterization

Exposure to aerosols, whose particle phase is in the inhalable size range of 5 micrometer diameter or less, is one of the most difficult for humans to protect against, since we all breathe. For nearly 25 years, the ECMS Group has been involved with the laboratory generation, and field and laboratory characterization of complex aerosol species. Studies have involved the generation for inhalationtoxicology studies and field sampling and characterizations of military obscurants (smoke screens) basedon phosphorus and petroleum based liquids, anti-tank weapon launch motor exhaust, airborne diesel exhaust in military motor pool areas, and avicides (poisons to control large numbers of pest birds). In addition, we have characterized the vapor headspace of drugs, explosive materials, and underground storage tanks at DOE's Hanford Site. Metal working fluidaerosol exposures continue to be a significant issue in the automobile and transportation parts sector, and as part of a cooperative research agreement between the Department of Energy and Milacron, one of the largest manufacturers of metalworking fluids, we performed a number of field studies with regard to the composition of related aerosols in the manufacturing environment.