ASTM D5438-05

This practice may be used to collect dust from carpeted or bare floor surfaces for gravimetric or chemical analysis. The collected sample is substantially unmodified by the sampling procedure.

This practice provides for a reproducible dust removal rate from level loop and plush carpets, as well as bare floors. It has the ability to achieve relatively constant removal efficiency at different loadings of surface dust.

This practice also provides for the efficient capture of semivolatile organic chemicals associated with the dust. The test system can be fitted with special canisters downstream of the cyclone for the capture of specific semivolatile organic chemicals that may volatilize from the dust particles during collection.

This practice does not describe procedures for evaluation of the safety of floor surfaces or the potential human exposure to carpet dust. It is the user’responsibility to evaluate the data collected by this practice and make such determinations in the light of other available information.

FIG. 1 Floor Dust Sampler Using a Commercial Vacuum Cleaner as the Suction Source

1.1 This practice covers a procedure for the collection of a sample of dust from carpets and bare floors that can be analyzed for lead, pesticides, or other chemical compounds and elements.

1.2 This practice is applicable to a variety of carpeted and bare floor surfaces. It has been tested for level loop and plush pile carpets and bare wood floors, specifically.

1.3 This practice is not intended for the collection and evaluation of dust for the presence of asbestos fibers.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.