ISO 28439-2011 PDF

Full title and description

Workplace atmospheres — Characterization of ultrafine aerosols/nanoaerosols — Determination of the size distribution and number concentration using differential electrical mobility analysing systems. This International Standard gives guidance on using mobility-based particle sizing systems (differential electrical mobility analysing systems, DMAS/DMAs) to determine number concentration and size distribution of ultrafine and nanoaerosols in workplace atmospheres, including measurement practice, calibration, maintenance and reporting of results.

Abstract

ISO 28439:2011 provides guidelines for determining number concentration and size distribution of ultrafine aerosols and nanoaerosols using mobility particle sizers (differential mobility analysers). It covers principles of operation, sampling issues in workplace environments, calibration and maintenance of equipment, estimation of measurement uncertainty and reporting. The standard highlights limitations and potential problems relevant when setting limit values and performing compliance measurements.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed).
• Publication date: Edition 1 — 2011-04 (2011).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.040.30 — Workplace atmospheres / occupational hygiene air quality.
• Edition / version: Edition 1, 2011.
• Number of pages: 15 (ISO document main text; national adoptions may show extended front matter).

Key bibliographic facts as published by ISO and national adoption listings.

Scope

This standard gives guidance for the measurement of ultrafine aerosols and nanoaerosols in workplace atmospheres using differential electrical mobility analysing systems (DMAS/DMAs). It addresses the particle fraction of aerosols only and focuses on exposure metrics important for ultrafine/nanoaerosol assessment (number concentration and surface area). The scope includes operational principles, workplace sampling considerations, calibration and verification, equipment maintenance, assessment of measurement uncertainty and recommended formats for reporting results; it also describes limitations and potential problems to consider when measurements are used for compliance or limit-setting.

Key topics and requirements

• Principles and operation of differential electrical mobility analysing systems (DMAS/DMAs).
• Guidance on workplace sampling strategies for ultrafine and nanoaerosols.
• Instrument calibration procedures and verification checks.
• Routine equipment maintenance and performance checks.
• Estimation and reporting of measurement uncertainty.
• Recommended reporting formats and required metadata for results.
• Discussion of limitations, interferences and considerations when using results for exposure limits or compliance decisions.

These topics summarize the method and quality requirements described in the standard.

Typical use and users

Primary users are occupational hygienists, industrial hygiene laboratories, aerosol scientists, instrument manufacturers and service/calibration laboratories, regulators and researchers assessing workplace exposures to ultrafine/nanoaerosols. Typical uses include exposure assessment, workplace monitoring campaigns, instrument performance verification, method development and support for occupational health risk evaluations. National adoption documents and explanatory notes accompany the ISO text for many users.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced alongside ISO 28439 include: ISO 7708 — Particle size fraction definitions for health‑related sampling (particle fraction conventions used in occupational/ambient sampling); ISO 21501 series — calibration and verification for particle counters (single particle light scattering methods, relevant for number‑based measurements and instrument calibration); ISO 14644 series — cleanroom/clean‑space particle measurement practices (where number concentration methods and calibration overlap); and the EN/ national adoptions of ISO 28439 (EN ISO 28439 / national versions). These documents provide complementary definitions, instrument calibration and sampling context for aerosol measurements.

Keywords

ultrafine aerosols, nanoaerosols, differential mobility analyser, DMAS, mobility particle sizer, number concentration, size distribution, workplace atmospheres, occupational exposure, calibration, measurement uncertainty, sampling strategy.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 28439:2011 is an International Standard that provides guidance on measuring number concentration and size distribution of ultrafine and nanoaerosols in workplace atmospheres using differential electrical mobility analysing systems (DMAS/DMAs).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers principles of DMAS operation, sampling considerations in workplace environments, calibration and verification of instruments, maintenance, evaluation of measurement uncertainty, reporting of results and the limitations relevant to exposure assessment and compliance measurements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Occupational hygienists, aerosol researchers, testing and calibration laboratories, instrument manufacturers, and regulators who need standardized procedures for assessing ultrafine/nanoaerosol concentrations and size distributions in workplaces.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 28439 was published in 2011 (Edition 1, 2011) and is published/confirmed as an International Standard. Users should check the ISO catalogue or national standards body for any revisions, amendments or national adoptions since 2011.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 28439 is a standalone method guidance within the occupational/workplace-atmospheres domain (ISO/TC 146/SC 2), but it is normally used together with related standards on particle size fractions and particle counter calibration (for example ISO 7708 and ISO 21501 series) and with regional/national adoptions (EN ISO 28439, etc.).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Ultrafine aerosols; nanoaerosols; differential mobility analyser; DMAS; mobility particle sizer; number concentration; size distribution; workplace atmospheres; occupational exposure; calibration; measurement uncertainty.