Air Monitoring

Key Pollutants and Their Impacts

• Asbestos Fines: Asbestos fibres can cause serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Air sampling for asbestos involves drawing a known volume of air through a mixed-cellulose ester filter using a calibrated pump. The filter is then analysed using phase contrast microscopy (PCM) to count asbestos fibres.

• Silica Dust: Respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. Air sampling for silica dust typically involves using a cyclone sampler to collect respirable dust on a filter, which is then analysed using x-ray diffraction (XRD) or infrared spectroscopy (IR).

• Dust (Particulate Matter): Tiny particles in the air, also known as “dust” (PM2.5 & PM10), can be inhaled into the lungs and cause serious health issues such as respiratory problems, inflammation, and asthma. Dust sampling involves using a filter cassette to collect airborne particles, which are then weighed to determine the concentration of particulate matter.

• Mould: Mould spores can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. Air sampling for mould typically involves using spore traps or impactors to collect airborne spores on a sticky surface, which are then analysed microscopically to identify and quantify mould species.

• Lead in Air: Lead exposure can cause neurological damage, especially in children. Air sampling for lead involves using a filter to collect airborne lead particles, which are then analysed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Comprehensive Air Monitoring Services

Caldera Environmental offers a wide range of air monitoring services to address various airborne pollutants and ensure a healthy indoor environment. Our services include:

• Asbestos Air Monitoring: We conduct asbestos air monitoring to detect and measure airborne asbestos fibres, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. This is particularly important during demolition, renovation, or remediation activities involving asbestos-containing materials.

• Dust Monitoring: Our team monitors dust levels in various environments, including construction sites, industrial facilities, and residential areas. We use advanced equipment to measure PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations and provide recommendations for dust control measures.

• Ambient Hydrocarbon Monitoring: We monitor ambient hydrocarbon levels to detect the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hydrocarbons in the air. This is essential for sites with potential hydrocarbon contamination, such as petrol stations and industrial facilities.

• Odour Impact Assessments: Our team performs odour impact assessments to evaluate the potential impact of odorous emissions on nearby communities. We use advanced modelling techniques to predict odour dispersion and recommend mitigation measures.