This study investigated the emission characteristics of airborne particles and bacteria from six types of household vacuum cleaners in the closed chamber. A test cleaner without HEPA filter was examined focusing on the first one minute of initial operation, observing significant generation of airborne particles, and especially for particle size of 0.5 to 2.5 μm, the generation rate increased up to 68.5 × 103 particles/min. Concentrations of airborne particles and bacteria depends on the production year, the motor power, and the dust filter efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. The observed results should be taken into consideration in the design of the vacuum cleaner as well as how they are operated in indoor environment.

• 이성우(서울과학기술대학교 환경공학과) | Seong-Woo Lee
• 허영무(서울과학기술대학교 환경공학과) | Young-Mu Heo
• 한상용(서울과학기술대학교 환경공학과) | Sang-Yong Han
• 김대근(서울과학기술대학교 환경공학과) | Daekeun Kim Corresponding author