Laboratory Services: Air Sampling of Volatile Organic Compounds

air sampling pumps

LCS Laboratory provides comprehensive solutions for air sampling and analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), offering air sampling pumps, passive dosimeters, sampling tubes, and laboratory testing for hundreds of compounds. VOCs are generally defined as organic compounds with boiling points ranging from 0°C to about 250°C. However, this definition is often broadened to include various measurable organic and some inorganic compounds (e.g., CS₂, CCl₄) found in air.

Methods for VOC Sampling

Active Sampling Active sampling is the most precise and reliable method for collecting VOCs. It involves using an air sampling pump to draw air through an adsorbent tube, ensuring accurate results and robust quality control. This method is ideal for air quality investigations required for regulatory compliance, as it offers control over sensitivity and ensures high-quality results.

Passive Sampling Passive sampling, also known as diffusive sampling, relies on the controlled diffusion of vapours from ambient air onto an adsorbent pad in a Diffusive Sampler. These devices, often resembling visitor badges, offer several advantages:

Lightweight and portable design
Cost-effective sampling compared to active methods
Ability to deploy large-scale surveys with hundreds of samplers
Flexibility to collect long-term samples (day, week, or month)

However, passive sampling has limitations, including:

Reduced accuracy compared to active sampling
Sensitivity to air velocity and temperature
Lower overall sensitivity
Limited quality control

For a detailed list of available active and passive tests for individual VOCs, refer to our fee schedule.

Why Is VOC Testing Important?

Exposure to VOCs can have significant health and environmental impacts, ranging from respiratory irritation to long-term chronic effects. Accurate VOC monitoring ensures compliance with Canadian regulations, protects worker health, and provides vital data for industrial hygiene assessments. Whether you need to monitor workplace exposure or ensure environmental safety, choosing the right sampling method and laboratory partner is crucial.

Benefits of Using LCS Laboratory

LCS Laboratory is your trusted partner for VOC testing, offering:

Nationwide Service: Serving clients across Canada with reliable and fast turnaround times.
Favourable Pricing: Competitive rates unaffected by currency fluctuations.
Regulatory Compliance: Sampling methods tailored to meet Canadian regulations.
Comprehensive Support: Access to air quality equipment, training, and technical assistance upon request.

If you require assistance with testing individual solvents or total VOCs, our experts are ready to collaborate on your project.