Air Sampling Methods
Active air sampling involves drawing an air sample through a type of adsorbent media such as
a sorbent tube, thermal tube, filter or impinger using an air pump.
Passive air sampling relies on the unassisted molecular diffusion of gaseous agents (analytes)
through a diffusive surface onto an adsorbent. This method provides a reliable, cost-effective
air quality analysis, because sampling doesn’t involve air pumping but is rather controlled by
diffusion. Passive air sampling provides detailed levels of pollutants over a period of time,
from days to months, by measuring average pollutant concentrations.
Whole air sampling involves the collection of an entire air sample by drawing air into a
containment vessel, stainless steel container, or glass canister. This simple collection method
allows testing for compounds of interest directly from the vessel.
Classification of Air Contaminants
Air contaminants are typically classified as chemical, radiological, or biological contaminants.
Chemical contaminants occur as gases, vapors and particulates. Common chemical
contaminants in the air are nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde,
lead, asbestos, ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and dust or particles (particulate
matter). Chemical contaminants are measured by active or passive air sampling.
Radiation monitoring is used to detect non-natural, radiation signals above naturally
occurring, background radiation levels.
Biological air contaminants include bacteria, spores, fungi, yeast, microbial toxins, and viruses
released from facilities. Other biological contaminants include irritants and allergens, such as
pollen and molds. Biological contaminants are monitored using settle or contact plates and
Reuter centrifugal samplers that use dedicated agar strips.
Air Sampling Methods
Active air sampling involves drawing an air sample through a type of adsorbent media such as
a sorbent tube, thermal tube, filter or impinger using an air pump.
Passive air sampling relies on the unassisted molecular diffusion of gaseous agents (analytes)
through a diffusive surface onto an adsorbent. This method provides a reliable, cost-effective
air quality analysis, because sampling doesn’t involve air pumping but is rather controlled by
diffusion. Passive air sampling provides detailed levels of pollutants over a period of time,
from days to months, by measuring average pollutant concentrations.
Whole air sampling involves the collection of an entire air sample by drawing air into a
containment vessel, stainless steel container, or glass canister. This simple collection method
allows testing for compounds of interest directly from the vessel.
Classification of Air Contaminants
Air contaminants are typically classified as chemical, radiological, or biological contaminants.
Chemical contaminants occur as gases, vapors and particulates. Common chemical
contaminants in the air are nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde,
lead, asbestos, ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and dust or particles (particulate
matter). Chemical contaminants are measured by active or passive air sampling.
Radiation monitoring is used to detect non-natural, radiation signals above naturally
occurring, background radiation levels.
Biological air contaminants include bacteria, spores, fungi, yeast, microbial toxins, and viruses
released from facilities. Other biological contaminants include irritants and allergens, such as
pollen and molds. Biological contaminants are monitored using settle or contact plates and
Reuter centrifugal samplers that use dedicated agar strips.