Direct-on-filter analysis of crystalline silica using photoacoustic Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy Original Research Article

Photoacoustic Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (PA-FT-IR) has been used to perform direct-on-filter (DOF) analysis of crystalline silica using laboratory-generated filter samples. With these samples, the silica particles were embedded in the stable three-dimensional matrix of the filter. In this preliminary study, it was demonstrated that the photoacoustic (PA) signals generated from direct-on-filter measurements were significantly higher than the corresponding signals for equivalent amounts of silica particles placed directly in the photoacoustic detector cup. Studies with Min-U-Sil-5 loaded onto 9 mm filter stubs indicated a limit of detection of less than 10 μg. Additionally, Teflon filters were demonstrated to be more suitable for these measurements than other types. The photoacoustic FT-IR approach seems to be feasible for further development to use with full-sized personal sampling filters.