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Term
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Definition
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PM2 .5
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Sampling of atmospheric dust where the aerodynamic d50 diameter is 2.5 micrometres or smaller. Sources of PM2.5 particles include all types of combustion such as in motor vehicles, power plants, bushfires etc.
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PM10
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Sampling of atmospheric dust where the aerodynamic d50 diameter is 10 micrometres or smaller. Common sources of PM10 particles are displaced soil due to wind, crushing or grinding operations etc.
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Inhalable Dust
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Inhalable dust refers to particles that can be breathed into the nose or mouth. Inhalable has a 50% cut point at 100 microns in diameter (the width of human hair)
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Respirable Dust
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Respirable dust contains dust particles so small they are invisible to the naked eye and can reach deep into the lungs. Respirable dust has a 50% cut point at 4 microns in diameter.
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Particulate matter
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Particulate matter or particle pollution is microscopic solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. Particulate matter can include dust, dirt, soot, smoke and liquid droplets. If inhaled, it can be hazardous and can cause serious health problems.
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Continuous Monitoring
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Round-the-clock monitoring, collecting and analysing of data in real-time by using a fixed continuous dust monitoring device such as the AirMetER-DX 2-Fraction Optical Particle Counter
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Size Measurements
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µm (Micrometre)
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µm is the symbol of the measurement of micrometres or microns. This is the unit of measurement used to describe the size of an individual particle i.e. 1µm = 1 millionth of a meter. For example, human hair is typically around 60µm in diameter.
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Nm (Nanometre)
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This is short for nanometres, for particulate sizes which are smaller than 1µm.
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Ug/m³ (Micrograms per Cubic Meter of Air)
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Measurement of particulate matter present in a given amount of cubic air.
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TSP (Total Suspended Particulates)
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TSP is the total small solid matter released, documented or observed in the atmosphere.
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Australian Regulatory Standards for Dust Monitoring in the Workplace
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AS 2985 -2009
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Workplace atmospheres – method for sampling and gravimetric determination of respirable dust. Businesses will need to comply with this standard while sampling the level of respirable dust in the atmosphere at a mine site.
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AS 3640 - 2009
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Workplace atmospheres – method for sampling and gravimetric determination of inhalable dust. Businesses will need to comply with this standard while sampling the level of inhalable dust in the atmosphere at a mine site.
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Particulate Detection Technology
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Optical Particle Counter
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Optical particle counters are capable of monitoring particles in the air by using a high energy light source. Particles are measured and counted when the light source is blocked out.
The AirMetER-DX is an economical, laser-based optical particle counter for the simultaneous monitoring and recording of PM2.5 and PM10 dust fractions.
The Aeroqual PM10 / PM2.5 Portable Particulate Monitor sensor head uses a laser and optical sensor to measure light scattered from particles passing through the laser beam to gather particulate pollution data quickly and cost effectively.
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Photometer
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Light scattering photometers monitor the light wavelength changes before and after interacting with particulates. Changes in wavelength indicate the presence of particulate concentrations. The light output is converted into an electrical signal to give a reading.
The DustTrak™ DRX Aerosol Monitors is a battery-operated, data-logging, light-scattering laser photometer that provide real-time mass concentration readings for aerosol contaminants such as dust, smoke, fumes and mist.
The EVM Environmental Monitors uses a 90° light-scattering laser Photometer to measure particulates in real-time
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Exposure Standards in Australia
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Time-Weighted Average (TWA)
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A representation of the atmospheric concentration averaged over an 8-hour workday and 40-hour work week.
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Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL)
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A short-term atmospheric concentration averaged over a 15-minute period
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Peak Limitation
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A peak concentration that should not be exceeded at any time.
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