Dust & Gas Analysis
Dust particles are constantly present in the ambient air, especially in metropolitan cities, and may consist of soil particles, vehicular matter (like exhaust or tire particles), or even insect follicles. Dust particles can be produced indoors by lead-based paint, vacuuming, smoking, or other activities. On the other hand, dirt, pollen, smoke, exhaust, sand, and many other things may bring in dust from the outdoor environment. Dust analysis is conducted to monitor the inhabitant’s exposure to potential airborne hazards.
Gas analysis is conducted to save the electronic equipment from corrosive gases. We identify and quantify airborne contaminants and gases present in the indoor environment to determine the level of protection needed in any enclosed spaces. We provide solutions to improve and maintain indoor air quality by testing and analyzing air samples which include dust particles and gaseous molecules.
We use professional and high-grade monitors to conduct the Indoor Air Quality Testing and test the indoor air on comfort and contaminants parameters as follows:
- Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5 & PM1)
- Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs)
- Temperature
- Relative Humidity
- Mold Spores
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Carbon Monoxide
- Formaldehyde (HCHO)
- Corrosive Gases
- ❖ Oxides of Sulphur (SOx)
❖ Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)
❖ Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)
❖ Methanethiol (CH3SH)
❖ Chlorine (Cl2)
❖ Hydrogen Chloride (HCL)
❖ Ammonia (NH3)
❖ Ozone (O3)
We are very well concerned about the indoor air quality and working hard to be a helping hand in checking the air quality and providing suitable solutions to address the issues. Be it for a residential space, office space, or an industrial unit, our indoor air quality expert helps in creating a healthier, comfortable and productive indoor environment for inhabitants living or working there.
Contact us to get in touch with one of our professionals.
Definitions:
Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5 & PM1)
PM contains microscopic solid or liquid particles that are so small and are emitted from industries, construction activities, power plants, aerosols, and automobiles. Exposure to high levels of PM causes respiratory & cardiovascular diseases, eye & skin allergies, premature mortality and other unexplained illnesses. These particles of particulate matter are separated into three main groupings as
- Coarse particles (PM10) - inhalable particles, with diameters that are 10 micrometers and smaller.
- Fine particles (PM2. 5) - inhalable particles, with diameters that are 2.5 micrometers and smaller.
- Ultrafine particles (PM 1) - inhalable particles, with diameters that are 1 micrometer and smaller.
Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs)
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals/gases that are emitted into the air from products or processes we use to build and maintain our homes. Sources of VOCs can be paints, carpets, vinyl flooring, air fresheners, etc. Breathing VOCs leads to eyes & throat irritation, headaches, and nausea and can damage central nervous system.
Temperature
Changes in temperature indoors result in massive discomfort for inhabitants living there. In order to achieve good indoor air quality, it is important to maintain thermal comfort.
Relative Humidity
The relative humidity is the concentration of water vapour present in the air and it directly affects the health of humans and the presence of biological pollutants such as mold spores. Like temperature, it has an important impact on the survival rate of viruses.
Mold Spores
Mold grows as a result of high indoor humidity and is known to be common in residential and commercial buildings. Inhaling or touching mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
CO2 is the most commonly present gas in the air which is released from the respiration process or combustion end products. High levels of CO2 may stimulate the respiratory center to cause dizziness, headache and other problems.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is an odourless & dangerous gas that is produced when fuels are burned such as gasoline, natural gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal. Exposure to high concentrations of CO reduces the amount of oxygen and can be transported into the bloodstream affecting critical organs like the heart and brain.
Formaldehyde (HCHO)
Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring chemical that is a colourless and flammable gas with a distinct odour detectable at very low concentrations. Products such as glues, permanent press fabrics, paints & coatings, carpets, furniture etc releases formaldehyde. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause skin irritation, difficulty in breathing, & wheezing.
Corrosive Gases
Corrosive gases refers to the gases that deteriorates the material and its critical properties due to chemical or electrochemical reactions. Corrosives are usually strong acids or bases and it exists in almost every workspace or home.
- Oxides of Sulphur (SOx) : - Oxides of Sulphur are one of the toxic gases present in the indoor air and can have chronic and acute effects on humans. It is a non-flammable gas with a penetrating odour that irritates the eyes and nose-lung air passages. They are emitted from fossil fuel combustion, manufacture of sulphuric acid, incineration of refuse and coal burning. The oxides of sulphur reacts with moisture and oxygen forming sulphuric acid which is highly corrosive and can result in deterioration of machines.
- Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) :- Oxides of Nitrogen primarily get into the air from the burning of fuel and they can form from emissions from cars, trucks, buses, power plants, and off-road equipment. The oxides of nitrogen reacts with air chemicals and is harmful for machines. Prolonged exposure to high levels may cause damage to the lungs and vision.
- Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S) :- Hydrogen Sulphide is a colorless, flammable & toxic gas that is known to have a strong pungent smell of rotten eggs. Hydrogen sulphide naturally occurs from sewers, manure pits, well water, oil and gas wells. Prolonged exposure to this toxic gas may result in painful dermatitis, eye irritation, headache, and even frostbite. It causes severe corrosion of equipments or machinery.
- Methanethiol (CH3SH) :- Methanethiol is a colorless, highly flammable & toxic gas with a very sharp pungent odor. It is released from animal feces, decaying organic matter in marshes, and decaying products of wood in pulp mills. In the presence of moisture, it can be highly corrosive to metals. High Exposure to methanethiol gas can damage the liver & kidneys and can cause eyes and skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, headache, etc.
- Chlorine (Cl2) :- Chlorine gas appears to be yellow-green in color and is non flammable but can react explosively with other chemicals such as ammonia. It has pungent smell and can be found in industry or household products. High exposure to chlorine gas may result in difficulty in breathing, eye and skin irritation in humans. Chlorine is highly corrosive in nature because it form hydrochloric acids.
- Hydrogen Chloride (HCL) :- Hydrogen Chloride is a colorless, pungent, poisonous gas fumes in moist air and yields hydrochloric acid when dissolved in water. It is highly corrosive in nature and can significantly create a problem for operators of refining and chemical processing industries.
- Ammonia (NH3) :- Ammonia is a colorless & pungent gas which is composed of hydrogen and nitrogen. Ammonia is a highly corrosive gas that occurs when contaminants in the ammonia come in contact with the steel.
- Ozone (O3) :- Ozone is a highly reactive and unstable gas capable of damaging living cells. Ozone forms in the atmosphere through complex reactions between chemicals directly emitted from vehicles, industrial plants, household products, etc. Inhalation of ozone can cause shortness of breath and damage respiratory tract. Exposure to ozone can damage both the functional and aesthetic qualities of materials and equipments. It can result in significant economic losses such as increased cost of maintenance and replacement of these materials.