This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Reprints and Permissions Copyright Information Books from ASM Press MicrobeWorld Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Kenny, M. T. Articles by Sabel, F. L. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Kenny, M. T. Articles by Sabel, F. L. Agricola Articles by Kenny, M. T. Articles by Sabel, F. L.

 Previous Article  |  Next Article 

Appl Environ Microbiol. 1968 August; 16(8): 1146-1150
Copyright © 1968 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Particle Size Distribution of Serratia marcescens Aerosols Created During Common Laboratory Procedures and Simulated Laboratory Accidents

Biohazards Department, Pitman-Moore Division, The Dow Chemical Company, Zionsville, Indiana 46077

ABSTRACT

Andersen air samplers were used to determine the particle size distribution of Serratia marcescens aerosols created during several common laboratory procedures and simulated laboratory accidents. Over 1,600 viable particles per cubic foot of air sampled were aerosolized during blending operations. More than 98% of these particles were less than 5 µ in size. In contrast, 80% of the viable particles aerosolized by handling lyophilized cultures were larger than 5 µ. Harvesting infected eggs, sonic treatment, centrifugation, mixing cultures, and dropping infectious material produced aerosols composed primarily of particles in the 1.0- to 7.5-µ size range.

¹ Present address: Department of Infectious Diseases, Dow Human Health Research and Development, Zionsville, Ind.