BE INFORMED ABOUT AIR QUALITY

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are numerous, varied, and ubiquitous, including both human-made and naturally occurring chemical compounds. Sources of VOCs include paints, cleaning products, solvents, refrigerants, gas and fuel, and so forth. Some VOCs are dangerous to human health and harmful to the environment, and some are regulated by law.

Monitoring the air on-site with immediate results makes it possible to detect the presence of small concentrations of VOCs before they become a larger problem.

The NovaTest P300 can rapidly sample and analyze ambient air in any location, making it a useful device for air quality testing. The P300 is capable of detecting a wide range of compounds with high sensitivity in a single test, and the system automatically generates an instant report with calculated results. These features can be used to efficiently identify air quality problems so that they can be fixed as quickly as possible.

The NovaTest A1000 provides the continuous online monitoring solutions needed for an air monitoring station. The A1000 can sample and analyze ambient air autonomously and alert users when target compounds exceed a certain threshold. Continuous, real-time analysis provides immediate feedback, making it possible to examine changing conditions over time and identify pollution sources or events.

BTEX

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes are toxic and are classified as human carcinogens. These VOCs can be measured fairly easily as a group. Monitoring BTEX levels is a simple way to track the overall level of VOCs in an area, which is important for human and environmental health.

OZONE PRECURSORS

VOCs can contribute to the formation of tropospheric ozone. During recent years, the concentration levels of tropospheric ozone have been continually increasing and occasionally even exceeding legally regulated limits. Such increased levels of ground level ozone are harmful to human health and to the environment. Some VOCs, such as hydrocarbons, also contribute to the formation of haze and photochemical smog. Consequently, VOCs are considered very serious air pollutants. The EPA has published a PAMS target list with a total of 56 VOCs to be monitored.

SULFUR ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

The presence of odor-causing compounds, such as sulfur organic compounds, is often a major reason for complaints about air pollution. Odors can be emitted from a variety of sources including petrochemical refineries, paper factories, fertilizer production, landfills, sewage treatment plants, and so forth. Even low concentrations of these compounds are able to produce odors detectable by the human nose, so it is important to be able to monitor such compounds at very low concentrations.

CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, FREONS, AND ORGANIC SOLVENTS

Chlorinated hydrocarbons, freons, and organic solvents are used in a variety of industries such as chemical plants, petrochemical refineries, paint and coatings manufacturing, plastics factories, and other industrial plants. These compounds release toxic VOCs that are harmful to human health and dangerous to the environment. Many such VOCs are classified as human carcinogens. It is very important that these emissions are monitored and controlled.