Field Testing of the LWW Dust Sampler and Association of Observed Household Factors with Dust Loadings

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Abstract
The LWW dust sampler was designed by Lioy-Weisel-Wainman to collect approximately 90 percent of dust deposited on smooth surfaces. Evaluation of the use of the LWW sampler was carried out under field conditions with 50- and 100-cm2 templates in Jersey City, New Jersey. Since decision making by field technicians is necessary to determine which template to use, a checklist of home conditions was developed and field tested to identify home factors that can be used to enhance the accuracy of decision making. The checklist was used in a randomly selected group of homes from which dust samples were collected. Side-by-side samples were collected with the LWW sampler. The dust masses collected were significantly correlated. The mean percent difference in dust collected in side-by-side samples was 35 percent with the smaller template and 39 percent with the larger template. The 50-cm2 template was not sufficient to gather 5 mg of dust from clean surfaces in 36 percent of cases, although more than 2 mg of dust was collected in 96 percent of cases. Comparison between dust masses and home checklist items found that the degree of clutter on kitchen tables was the best indicator of windowsill dust masses. Dust levels in homes with kitchen clutter were higher than in homes identified as uncluttered (0.34 and 0.14 mg/cm2, respectively; p = 0.02). The LWW dust sampler was found to be effective for collecting household dust. When large dust masses are required for pollutant analyses, collection from surface areas larger than 100 cm2 will be needed. Decisions as to template size can be made based on a few systematic household observations.