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The human as a source of contamination

Study

Emission of particles and airborne germs from humans and/or their personal garments

There have been several studies on the subject of "Human as particle source" and the Dastex Body-Box has proven to be an extremely helpful method to get well-founded results.

The fact that humans are also a very large source of germs has been known for a long time – but this statement refers first and foremost to the germs that have settled directly on humans. How many airborne germs are emitted on average by a person was also examined more closely with the Body-Box. A new measuring device, which uses fluorescence to visualise viable contaminants, was used for this purpose. The values determined in the course of the investigations are certainly a novelty and must now also be classified in comparison to other measuring methods.

As with the surveys on particle emission by humans, it was possible to prove that the degree of movement, the respective garment system and, if necessary, cleanroom suitable undergarments are decisive influencing factors which have a corresponding effect on the number of airborne microbiological contaminants in one direction or the other.

Measurement studies

People in different garment systems depending on the degree of movement

Release of particles (per m³) per minute

Garmentsstandingwalkingstandingwalkingstandingwalking
  particles ≥ 0,5 µmparticles ≥ 0,5 µmparticles ≥ 1 µmparticles ≥ 1 µmparticles ≥ 5 µmparticles ≥ 5 µm
Cotton jogging suit 873,304 34,955,780 657,312 25,114,780 17,077 448,638
Lab coat 331,742 6,304,946 130,901 2,506,495 9,795 101,172
Overall 28,827 106,328 10,396 32,135 331 851

Release of germs (per m³) per minute

Garmentsstandingwalkingstandingwalkingstandingwalking
  particle ≥ 1 µmparticle ≥ 1 µmparticle ≥ 5 µmparticle ≥ 5 µmparticle ≥ 10 µmparticle ≥ 10 µm
Cotton jogging suit 1,379 17,893 758 9,368 557 7,367
Lab coat 623 12,496 373 6,474 86 4,847
Overall 18 263 2 36 2 10

Ref.: Carsten Moschner, Dr. Sarah Gaza – ReinRaumTechnik 1/2017

Our publications to this topic

Human source of contamination – ReinRaumTechnik 1/2010

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Signs of ageing of sterile cleanroom garments – ReinRaumTechnik 1/2017

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