Determination of the electrical charge distribution on polystyrene aerosol particles and the effect of particle charge on deposition in the human nasopharynx

摘要

A method is described for measuring the charge distribution on monodisperse poly*-styrene aerosol particles, using a parallel-plate charge spectrometer. Data are presented on the magnitude of the natural charges on aerosol particles produced by atomization of a suspension of the particles in alcohol, and on the residual charges after attempted equi¬libration by mixing with a bipolar atmosphere produced by krypton-85 sources. The measured values of charge, after charge reduction, are compared with those predicted assuming a Boltzmann distribution of charge. The reduction in charge had no significant effects upon deposition of the particles in the nasopharyngeal region of the human respiratory tract.