The Advantages of Passive Sampling to Measure Compounds in Air

Air Methods & Monitoring
Oral Presentation

Prepared by L. Marotta, M. Snow
PerkinElmer, 710 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton, CT, 06484, United States


Contact Information: lee.marotta@perkinelmer.com; 914-954-1779


ABSTRACT

The measurement of compounds in air using passive (diffusive) monitoring is widely recognized especially for long term information on air quality. The promulgation of EPA method 325 by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) validates this sampling technique. This method is currently used in the investigation of compounds in air at the fenceline of selected industrial locations.

During development, EPA Method 325 (passive sampling) has been field tested including interlaboratory studies (ILS) for reproducibility over a period of ten (10) years. These experiences will be discussed in the presentation. In addition, the Health and Safety Laboratory in Great Britain has been collecting accurate, reliable results using this sampling technique for decades scientifically validating and developing this sampling approach.

Passive monitoring is an accurate, reliable and easy way to collect air samples over both short and long-term periods, allowing efficient, cost effective characterization of air quality.

This presentation will discuss:

• What is passive and active sampling
• When should they be used
• How passive sampling tubes are deployed
• How quantitative results are provided
• Method implementation of passive and active sampling techniques