Passive Sampling Workshop

Are you interested in passive sampling? Have the need to use data from passive sampling devices in decision-making? Want to learn more about how to translate exposure information to key stakeholder communities? Well, we have some great news for you.

The Superfund Research Program at Oregon State University/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will be hosting a series of online workshops on Passive Sampling Devices on October 26-28, 2021. The 3 interactive workshops will cover the selection of passive sampling technologies most appropriate for specified goals, the calculations that underlie the conversion of sampling data to useable concentration values, and the process of reporting environmental or personal exposure data to stakeholder communities.


Workshop 1: Decision-Tree for Selecting a Passive Sampling Device (PSD) to Employ
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 – 11:00am to 2:00pm

Participants will learn the basics of passive samplers and the limits of their application in different environmental matrixes. We will share examples of how PSDs and PSD data has been used by consultants, government agencies, scientists, etc. We will walk through a decision tree matrix for selecting the best PSD option for your needs, consider the environmental conditions that impact PSD selection, and then work through some real-world case studies to solidify workshop content.


Workshop 2: Passive Sampling Calculations
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 – 10:00am to 1:00pm

Participants will learn step-by-step how to convert PSD data into usable concentration information. We will cover the challenges and key factors that are important to take into account when doing these conversions. Participants will be led through several examples and will work through the process of calculating environmental or personal chemical exposure from PSD data.


Workshop 3: Reporting Study Results to Participants
Thursday, October 28, 2021 – 10:00am to 1:00pm

After attending this workshop, participants will be able to recognize when a report back is warranted from their study results, how it will benefit study participants, and when a focus group evaluation is needed to improve their report back quality. We will share best practices for reporting back information and explore the concept of Environmental Health Literacy and how it is relevant for report backs.


In order to effectively frame the workshops and meet the needs of attendees, we will be soliciting feedback from participants ahead of the workshop. We will be sending out a survey in September to people who register for the workshop series. Registration is required but is free of charge.

We hope to see you there.