Cannabis gets its scent from compounds in the plants called terpenes. Terpenes are fragrant oils found in many types of plants. The chemical compounds they secrete give fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs their signature scents. There are over 100 identified terpenes, many of which are unique to the cannabis plant. Although cannabis is often generally associated with a certain musky aroma, each strain of cannabis has its own profile of volatile terpenes.
When the concentration of terpenes in the air reaches a certain point, usually at ppm level, they may cause significant health risks to workers.
At LCS Laboratory Inc, we understand the importance of air quality in cannabis processing facilities, and our goal is to help our clients maintain a safe and healthy work environment. We have 25 years of experience in air sampling and air quality analysis. Our team follows ISO 17025 standards for laboratory analysis of air samples. We are dedicated to ensuring accurate and reliable results for our clients.
Even the terpene profile varies from strain to strain, several individual terpenes can be recognized as permanent markers attributed to cannabis processing facilities: Caryophyllene, Eucalyptol, Geraniol, Humulene, Limonene, Linalool, Myrcene, and Pinenes.
Our test for Cannabis Terpenes is specifically developed to evaluate airborne concentrations of these signature terpenes commonly found in the cannabis industry. Our test method is based on NIOSH 1552 procedure. Terpene vapors are collected on standard charcoal tubes at a flow rate of 0.1-0.2 L/min. Alternatively, you can use diffusive samplers to collect samples. Our typical detection limit is 5ug of a terpene per sample, which corresponds to an overall sensitivity of 0.1ppm for a 10 L sample or 0.03ppm for a 30 L sample.
Our laboratory report includes concentrations of individual terpenes and the sum concentration of other terpenes that were detected but not identified during analysis. This provides a comprehensive overview of the terpene concentrations in your facility’s air.
Our other services for the cannabis industry include:
Evaluation of Exposure to Airborne Mold: Mold can grow in damp environments, including cannabis processing facilities, and can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.- Airborne THC Analysis: THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. Airborne THC levels can indicate the presence of cannabis particles in the air.
- Chemical Solvent Analysis: Solvents such as IPA, acetone, and butane are commonly used in the cannabis extraction process, and their airborne presence can pose health risks to workers.
We take pride in our commitment to providing accurate and reliable results in a timely manner. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you maintain a safe and healthy work environment in the cannabis industry.
