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The Ins and Outs of Asbestos Air Sampling and Air Quality Testing


Asbestos Air Sampling
Transmission electron microscopy is preferably used for enhanced accuracy when carrying out air sampling of asbestos under an O&M program. While Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) is often employed for screening and for personal analysis of air sample, the caveat with the latter is its relative inability to efficiently differentiate asbestos from other particulate fibers which can be detected in air samples. Further, PCM analysis is established to be inaccurate in detecting thin asbestos fibers. It also doesn’t count short asbestos fibers which can be present in high concentrations when asbestos containing materials are disrupted. Thus, the comprehensive and reliable report derived using Transmission Electron Microscopy makes it more preferred for owners adopting supplemental air monitoring in their scheduled asbestos management program.

Air Quality Testing
The quality of indoor or outdoor air can make a huge difference in the health of individuals. The term Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is used to define how high or low the quality of air is within buildings and structures inhabited by individuals. It is essential in ensuring that people breathe in safe air and stay clear of unwanted illnesses or respiratory problems. This is important since we spend most of our time in enclosed spaces; offices, schools and homes. Breathing in contaminated air will endanger our health, causing untold illnesses and high financial burden. Some pollutants are gases, and other agents might be living organisms such as pests and mold. Chemicals can also detriment indoor air quality.

While some effects might be recorded soon after first time exposure to a pollutant, other symptoms may only elicit upon repeated exposure. In many cases, air-related problems may be symptomized by irritation of the eyes, throat, nose, dizziness, fatigue and headaches. However, immediate symptoms are likely to be short-lived and will wane out or can be treated easily. In some cases, individuals will be relieved by simply leaving the polluted area. Symptoms of Asthma may also be experienced or aggravated soon after exposure to contaminated air.  The tendency of individuals to show immediate reactions on exposure to pollutants is influenced by a number of factors, including preexisting medical conditions and age. Individual sensitivity can also play a great role, and this varies greatly from one person to another. For instance, some individuals may show instant sensitivity when repeatedly exposed to air containing high levels of biological or chemical pollutants.
Common environments where individuals are exposed to polluted air include homes, offices and schools. While some pollutants trigger headaches, sore eyes, burning sensation in the nose and fatigue, others can compound respiratory diseases and allergies, cancer, heart disease and a host of chronic conditions.

In some cases, and upon exposure to exceedingly high concentration of pollutants like carbon monoxide, death can occur. We have a wide range of options for your Air Quality testing needs. These include home and office assessment for pollutants like lead, asbestos, mold, radon, allergens and volatile organic compounds.

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