Microscopical Examination of Indoor Dusts

Extract

Several case studies are shown as examples of the results of analyses using various microscopical instruments to characterize the particles in building dusts. Characterizing the particles and identifying possible sources of particles in dusts are often important parts of solving indoor indoor air quality (IAQ) and environmental problems. Samples of the dust particles can be collected by filtering the air with cassette air filters or by gathering the dust that has accumulated on surfaces. Depending on the size and types of particles in the dust either polarized light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron microscopy with x-ray analysis (SEM/EDS), analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM) or Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIR) may be used solely or in combination. PLM can characterize most of the common dust particle in residential and commercial buildings. SEM/EDS is helpful in identifying metal particles and when used in the backscatter electron mode, a large number of particles can be surveyed and those containing heavy metals such as lead and cadmium can be identified quickly.