Industry: Environmental
Instrument: AUTOCan 12 Whole Air Autosampler/Concentrator
Introduction to Air Toxics Analyses
The interest in the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air has been a concern for indoor and ambient air in virtually every urban city. The targets of new amendments are smog producing and ozone depleting chemicals. The majority of components that meet these two classifications are VOCs. VOCs in air are attributed to automobiles, chemical production, disposal of consumer and industry waste, stack emissions, and other manufacturing processes.
The analysis of VOCs in air involves sampling of air, analytical testing, and the interpretation of results. The focus of this primer is to provide a foundation of techniques used in air analyses. Two disclaimers should be put on the contents of this document. Any instrument manufacturer listed does not constitute an endorsement of their products. It is simply to be used as a reference point. Before a customer makes any decisions on a gas blending system, VOC-free air generator, etc. they should fully investigate all vendors. This is also true of the analytical technique recommendations. The analyst must fully investigate all possibilities listed before deciding on the best method for their analyses. All endorsements and recommendations come from the best and most widely used techniques for the mass market, but they may not always be the best method for the analyst. Also, the interpretations of EPA Methods will vary from state to state and the enclosed synopses may not be valid for all analyses and laboratories.
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