Air Sampling

Air sampling is conducted to determine the type and concentration of specific air contaminants in the environment.  To meet regulatory standards, air sampling is typically conducted by placing an air pump with a filter or sorbent on a person for a working shift.  The consultant calibrates the flow of air through the filter so that a concentration can be determined for the chemical, metal, or biological of interest.

OSHA has Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) for nearly 500 chemicals.  The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has developed Threshold Limit Values of over 600 chemicals.  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has approximately 667 chemicals in its listing of Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs).  OSHA PELs are the only occupational exposure limits that are law.  TLVs and RELs are guidelines.  However, TLVs and RELs are usually more stringent since these guidelines can be changed quicker when new evidence determines that exposure limits should be reduced as compared to the legislative requirements for PELs.

Biologicals (Mold, Bacteria) – Organisms are sampled using several methods.  DIrectCIH will determine types and concentrations of these organisms, and will make recommendations concerned with creating a healthy, safe environment.  The CIHs can prepare protocols for remediation of biologicals, and will conduct clearance sampling after remediation has been concluded.

Metals (Beryllium, Hexavalent Chromium, Nickel, Cadmium, Manganese, Zinc, Mercury, Etc.) – Concentrations of metals in air are determined using DirectCIH equipment.  DirectCIH determines concentrations during shifts.  If regulatory or action levels are exceeded, DirectCIH will help in determining how exposure can be reduced to acceptable levels.

Chemicals – DirectCIH uses air pumps to sample individuals in the workplace to determine if occupational exposure limits are being met for various chemicals.  If exposure limits are exceeded, DirectCIH will recommend, and help implement as necessary, methods to reduce exposure.

Silica – DirectCIH samples individuals in the workplace to determine if occupational exposure limits are being met.  Dust, metals, silica, nanoparticles, and other aerosols are quantified on-site using laser photometry for mass determinations and particle counts by particle diameter.

Asbestos – DirectCIH conducts inspections to determine the quantities of asbestos in buildings.  DirectCIH also conducts air sampling to determine if regulatory health and safety standards are being met for workers during remediation activities and can conduct clearance sampling after remediation is concluded.