Field Evaluation of Diesel Particulate Matter Using Portable Elemental Carbon Monitors

Regulations on worker exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM) are becoming increasingly stringent in the mining industry. Due to the complexity and unpredictability of this aerosol, there is a need for new tools to help mines develop an effective strategy to reduce DPM concentrations. To address these needs, NIOSH has developed a portable elemental carbon monitoring device for use in underground mines. These instruments are compact and capable of measuring elemental carbon concentrations in real time. The information that they provide is useful when planning new DPM curtailment strategies or when measuring the effectiveness of existing DPM controls. The following paper discusses a variety of ways that these instruments have been used to help lower DPM concentrations and exposure to DPM in active mines.