Indoor Air Mycotoxin Sampling at Human Respiratory Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying mould species in the built environment do not specifically quantify or identify associated hazardous mycotoxins, which can pose health risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for collecting and quantifying mycotoxins in indoor air by filtering air at a representative height, using a foam filter and vacuum pump to mimic human respiratory rates, and analyzing the collected sample using techniques like ELISA, HPLC, and Mass Spectrometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mould spore samples are collected using a vacuum and tested by DNA profiling, then mould species identification is achieved, but specific quantification of hazardous mycotoxins is not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and isolates mycotoxins from air samples using foam filters specifically designed to capture mycotoxin particles. The foam filter material is selected and configured to selectively retain mycotoxins while allowing other air components to pass through, enabling separate quantification of mycotoxins independent of mould spore identification
Solution Approach 2:
The foam filter acts as an intermediary medium between the air sample and the analysis system. It captures and concentrates mycotoxins from the air stream, providing a concentrated sample that can be subsequently analyzed using techniques like ELISA, HPLC, or mass spectrometry to quantify mycotoxin levels
2Ease of operation
If air is sampled at standard heights, then sampling is simplified, but the sample may not be representative of air actually exposed to persons in the indoor environment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses an adjustable stand system that allows the sampling apparatus to be positioned at varying heights corresponding to different human activity zones (sitting, standing, working heights). This dynamic positioning capability ensures the sampler can be configured to match the actual exposure conditions of occupants in different indoor environments
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling system targets specific local zones within the indoor environment where persons are actually exposed to air. By positioning the sampler at heights corresponding to human respiratory zones and using directional inlets, the system captures air from the specific locations where exposure occurs, rather than sampling from generic locations
3Productivity
If vacuum pump draws air through foam filter at high rate, then sampling speed increases, but the sample rate may not reflect actual human respiratory exposure rates
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump operates at controlled flow rates that can be adjusted to match human respiratory rates (typically 0.5-2.0 liters per minute for normal breathing). This parameter control ensures the sampling conditions accurately represent actual human exposure scenarios while still completing sampling within reasonable time frames
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling process can be conducted in periodic cycles that aggregate over time to represent average exposure levels. Multiple sampling cycles at respiratory-equivalent rates provide a comprehensive picture of time-weighted average mycotoxin exposure, balancing sampling efficiency with exposure accuracy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the direct sampling and quantification of airborne mycotoxins, providing results reflective of human exposure levels, thus addressing the health risk associated with mould presence.
Implementation Method 1
a foam filter and vacuum pump to mimic human respiratory rates
Implementation Method 2
the filter is formed of a foam material adapted to scrub mycotoxins from the air
Implementation Method 3
sampling the conditioned air by filtering the conditioned air at a height within the airspace further representative of air exposed to a person within the indoor environment
Data Source
AI summary
A method of collection of a mycotoxin sample from an air space of an indoor environment, the method may include conditioning air, such as with an air agitator, within an air space to provide conditioned air representative of air exposed to a person within the indoor environment and sampling the air such as by filtering the conditioned air at a height within the airspace further representative of air exposed to a person within the indoor environment so as to obtain the mycotoxin sample from the conditioned air at the height. The sampling may be undertaken at a rate representative of a human respiratory rate. The mycotoxin sample may be collected by the filter and then extracted, or otherwise obtained, from the filter for identification mycotoxins that may be present in the air space. An apparatus and a system for the method are also disclosed.