# A Novel Approach of Quantifying Real-Time Aerosol Concentrations from Gravimetric Filter Collection

> **NIH ALLCDC K01** · COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $108,000

## Abstract

Occupational exposure to particulate matter (PM) is a known risk factor for numerous adverse health effects
including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, and decreased lung function. Knowledge
of the timing of exposure risks is critical for effective risk mitigation. However, the benefits of time-resolved
exposure data must be weighed against the regulatory requirements for assessing compliance - namely the
collection of a time-integrated filter sample. An ideal exposure measurement technology would provide real-time
exposure data in conjunction with a time-integrated sample that satisfies requirements for regulatory compliance
monitoring. The technology should be lightweight, compact, and low-cost. Current real-time aerosol equipment
does not meet these needs. Therefore, to reduce workers’ exposure to pollutants, improved methods of time-
resolved particulate matter quantification are needed.
The objective of the proposed work is to develop a low-cost method for assessing time-resolved aerosol
exposure using differential pressure sensors. The proposed device will use filter pressure drop coupled with
knowledge of time-integrated mass gain of that filter. Filter mass gain provides a sample-specific measure to
calibration the data, allowing pressure drop to be used as an estimation of time-resolved aerosol concentration.
I hypothesize that time-resolved measure of filter pressure drop can be used as a low-cost method of determining
real-time aerosol concentrations while still complying with regulatory requirements for assessing worker
exposure.
This proposed work is relevant to multiple NORA sectors including Agriculture/Forestry, Construction,
Manufacturing, and Mining. All four sectors have extensive workplace exposure to particulate matter. The
proposed work will complement the NIOSH strategic goal of reducing the occurrence of occupational respiratory
diseases
Specific Aim 1: Develop a low-cost method for quantifying time-resolved aerosol concentrations based on filter
pressure drop simultaneously with a time-integrated gravimetric measurement
Specific Aim 2: Develop a semi-empirical model that relates changes in filter pressure drop to filter media
characteristics, aerosol properties, and environmental conditions
Specific Aim 3: Evaluate both the model and the concentration via pressure device through field experiments

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10179285
- **Project number:** 5K01OH011598-03
- **Recipient organization:** COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Christian L'Orange
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** ALLCDC
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $108,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-01 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10179285

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10179285, A Novel Approach of Quantifying Real-Time Aerosol Concentrations from Gravimetric Filter Collection (5K01OH011598-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10179285. Licensed CC0.

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