A method for the collection of solid or liquid particles suspended in air (aerosol). The method involves abstracting a quantity of air through a curved, porous plate with evenly spaced holes which are designed to give an accurate sample of the particle content over defined size ranges. This method differs from similar methods in that it (1) provides a minimal bias in the results from the effects of ambient air velocity or direction, (2) provides a more even distribution of particles over a collection medium, and (3) enables exclusion of particles exceeding defined upper size limits.