Personal Environmental Monitor

For Measurement of
PM10 and PM2.5 in Indoor Air*

Lightweight Will not hamper worker Small and unobtrusive Can be connected to a personal sampling pump and worn in the breathing zone Referenced in EPA IP-10A For particles in indoor air
	Personal Environmental Monitor (PEM) 761-203B Sample Time: Varies Sampling Rate: 2, 4, or 10 L/min Sample Pump: XR Series Sample Media: 37-mm filters

Personal Environmental Monitor Product Data Bulletin (PDF)

EPA IP-10A Method Update: Determination of Fine Particulate Matter in Indoor Air using Size-Selective Impaction

PEM FAQs

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The Personal Environmental Monitor (PEM) is a small, lightweight, personal sampling device consisting of a single-stage impactor and an afterfilter. Aerosol particles are sampled through the single-stage impactor to remove particles above the 50% cut-point of either 2.5 or 10 µm in aerodynamic diameter. These large particles are collected on a greased ring and are discarded after sampling. Particles smaller than the 50% cut-point pass through the impactor and are collected on a 37-mm after filter. To determine personal exposure, the filter may be analyzed gravimetrically for particle mass and chemically for specific chemical compounds. A personal air sampling pump provides the necessary airflow through the PEM. Use the PEM for air pollution studies, indoor air quality assessments, and personal sampling for industrial hygiene applications (not an EPA reference method for ambient air).

The PEM consists of three major parts: cap, impaction ring assembly, and base. The cap contains the round nozzles where the air will enter the sampler. The impaction ring assembly serves as an impaction surface and as a clamping ring for the after filter. The base supports the final filter.

The PEM operates on the principal of inertial separation of airborne particles using an impactor. Particle-laden air is accelerated into the sampler through the round nozzles located in a circle around the outer edge of the cover. The exiting airstreams impinge upon an impaction ring. Due to inertia, the larger particles cross the airstreams, impact, and are retained on the ring. The smaller particles are carried along the airstreams flowing around the ring, and are collected on the after filter. Oil must be applied to the impaction ring to keep particles from bouncing off this surface. Any type of oil can be used including olive oil, machine oil, vegetable oil, and silicone grease.

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Ordering Information        

Personal Environmental Monitors for PM 2.5 and PM 10 Sampling
Cut-point	Flow Rate		Cat. No.
2.5 µm	2 L/min		761-203
2.5 µm	4 L/min		761-203A
2.5 µm	10 L/min		761-203B
10 µm	2 L/min		761-200
10 µm	4 L/min		761-200A
10 µm	10 L/min		761-200B
Accessories			Cat. No.
Calibration Cap			761-202
After-filter, 37 mm (2 µm pore PTFE‡† filter with PMP support,package of 50)			225-1709

*	The PEM was developed for indoor air sampling. While it is not an EPA-certified instrument for ambient PM10 and PM2.5 sampling for the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), outdoor use can be effective if there is no excessive wind velocity or rain present at the time of sampling.
‡	Back pressure on Teflon filters can vary within the same lot.
†	The maximum operating temperature for Teflon filters with PMP support ring is 464 F (240 C).

 

Personal Environmental Monitor Product Data Bulletin (PDF)

EPA IP-10A Method Update: Determination of Fine Particulate Matter in Indoor Air using Size-Selective Impaction

PEM FAQs

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This page was last modified March 1, 2007