Re: Fixative for Air Sample Filters

["Lindsay Tremethick" <lindsay@gh.vic.gov.au>]

>      RADSAFE Friends:
>      
>      I have been toying with the idea of using some type of a spray (such 
>      as hairspray) to spray on filter papers in an attempt to "fix" the 
>      collected airborne contamination and prevent/minimize loss .........etc

Some years back, as a student, I had the opportunity to work for 
Western Mining Corporation at the Roxby Downs Copper / Uraniumn mine. 
During that time I was required to survey tha activity/size of 
aerosoles around the plant. I used the Anderson Impactor with glass 
fibre filters on the collection plates and the final filter stage and 
had reasonable results (comparable with previous studies performed). 
I don't believe there were hugh losses as it appeared that most 
particles were caught up within the fibres. My biggest problem 
was getting 4inch filters into 1inch diameter counters, a matter of 
VERY carefully cutting the filter on a VERY clean surface and 
transferring to the counter. 
Cheers
All the standard disclaimers!!
Lindsay Tremethick
Radiation Oncology
Geelong Hospital
Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Lindsay@gh.vic.gov.au