Abstract

Prevention of occupational lung disease requires proper monitoring of dust levels. Up until recently, sampling methods were based on the concept of "total dust", which refers to the total quantity of dust present in the air without regard to particle size. International consensus, however, now favours monitoring based on "respirable dust", which refers to the quantity of dust particles sufficiently small to penetrate deep within the respiratory system. New sampling equipment is now available which can sample respirable dust.

To adequately fulfil its role as reference laboratory for the province of Québec, the IRSST must master these new sampling and analytical methods. The pulp and paper sector, preoccupied by the problem of dust exposure, has offered to collaborate with the IRSST in the validation of this methodology. With the participation of hygienists from this sector, parallel samples of wood and paper dust will be taken using both methods (total and respirable dust). Comparison of the results will help determine the feasibility of using respirable dust levels in the evaluation of workstations in the pulp and paper sector.