The Method of Air Sampling & Analysis

Sampling and analyzing air is an important process for a number of reasons. It can help determine pollutants in natural areas, for example. It can also help determine any toxins that may be in the air inside buildings.

Sample Collection

Air samples should be taken from multiple areas in order to give a broader picture of air quality in a given area. This could mean from multiple spots on a trail, for instance. When sampling a private residence, samples should be taken from the basement, the first floor and the surrounding yard.

Considerations

When sampling indoor air for its quality, it's important to take out anything that may put off a volatile chemical before sampling. All air samples should be taken in airtight containers to prevent outside contamination.

Testing

Air samples should be tested in laboratories that have been approved for laboratory testing. When testing for specific pollutants, the laboratory should be equipped with these for comparison as well as the breakdown components of the pollutants, which are the chemical compounds that make them up.

References

• New York State Department of Health: Indoor Air Sampling and Analysis Guidelines
• Environmental Protection Agency: Sampling and Analysis Plan for Asbestos