The collection of airborne samples for analysis of fibers is called what?

• A. Air monitoring
• B. Bulk sampling
• C. Surface sampling
• D. Aerial sampling

Answer: (A)

In occupational hygiene and environmental testing, collecting airborne samples to analyze fibers is known as air monitoring. It involves pulling air through a collection medium, like a filter, so fibers in the air can be captured and later analyzed to determine their concentration. This is what lets us quantify exposure and compare it to safety standards.

This is different from bulk sampling, which collects a solid piece of material to study its composition; surface sampling, which looks at residues on surfaces; and aerial sampling, which is not the standard term used for measuring fibers in the air. Air monitoring is the routine approach for assessing airborne fiber presence and exposure risk, such as monitoring for asbestos fibers in workplace air.