Particulate science
Airborne Particle Monitoring
Size-resolved airborne particle monitoring for UK workplaces — quantifying every particulate fraction from sub-micron combustion aerosols to coarse dust, with source-attribution analysis.
Beyond PM2.5
Airborne particle monitoring tells you where the dust is coming from, not just how much there is
PM2.5 and PM10 mass concentrations are useful headline numbers but they obscure the most important question: what kind of particles are present, and where are they coming from? Sub-micron particles below 1 µm — combustion aerosols, ultrafine traffic emissions, vapours that have condensed onto seed nuclei — behave very differently from coarse 5–10 µm particles such as resuspended floor dust, textile fibre and mould spores.
Size-resolved airborne particle monitoring captures every fraction simultaneously. A multi-channel optical particle counter reports particle counts per litre across six or more size bins, sampled at 1-minute resolution. Plotting the size distribution over the working day reveals each source's signature: a 7am peak in the 0.3 µm channel is traffic ingress through the AHU; a 10am spike in the 5–10 µm channels is cleaning activity; a steady afternoon rise in 1–2.5 µm coincides with photocopier use.
This is the level of evidence required to design a targeted remediation. Filter upgrades fix some sources. Cleaning regime changes fix others. HEPA augmentation fixes a third. The wrong intervention costs money and leaves the complaints in place.
Methodology
A size-resolved particle deployment
- 1
Stage 01
Scoping & source map
Walk-through identifying probable sources: AHU intakes, printers, kitchens, cleaning closets, refurbishment areas, busy corridors.
- 2
Stage 02
Multi-channel deployment
Optical particle counters with 6+ size bins (0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10 µm) deployed at breathing-zone height across affected and control zones for 5–10 working days.
- 3
Stage 03
Gravimetric verification
Filter cassette sampling on a representative day to confirm mass concentration and provide material for microscopy or elemental analysis where source ID is required.
- 4
Stage 04
Reporting
Charted size distributions, source attribution narrative, benchmarking against WHO and WELL, and a ranked, costed remediation plan.
Size matters
Particle size, source and deposition
| Size band | Typical source | Deposition site |
|---|---|---|
| < 0.3 µm | Combustion, traffic UFP, cooking | Alveoli, bloodstream |
| 0.3–1.0 µm | Smoke, condensed vapours, bacteria | Alveoli |
| 1.0–2.5 µm | Toner, candle, fine outdoor PM | Lower airways |
| 2.5–5.0 µm | Fungal spores, large bacteria | Upper airways |
| 5.0–10 µm | Resuspended dust, fibres, pollen | Nose, throat |
What we find
Common workplace particle scenarios
Roadside city offices: dominated by sub-micron traffic particles infiltrating through the AHU. Filter upgrade to F7+/MERV 13 is the primary fix.
Recently refurbished suburban offices: elevated 1–5 µm fraction from MDF dust, sanding residues, new textile fibre release. Deep clean plus enhanced wet-cleaning regime resolves most cases within four weeks.
Damp or water-damaged buildings: elevated 2–5 µm fraction with fungal spore signature on microscopy. Resolution requires source remediation, not air cleaning alone.
Print and copy rooms: episodic 1–2.5 µm spikes during heavy use, with VOC co-elevation. Dedicated local extract or relocation of equipment is usually required.
FAQ
Airborne particle monitoring — common questions
Need to know what kind of particles?
Commission size-resolved airborne particle monitoring with source attribution. Call 01322 555566.
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