Photoionization Detectors (PID) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Photoionization Detectors (PID) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Photoionization Detectors
Used for measuring solvent, fuel and VOC vapors in the workplace environment
Used for measuring solvent, fuel and VOC vapors in the workplace environment
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are organic compounds characterized by tendency to evaporate easily at room temperature
Familiar VOCs include:
Solvent
Paint thinner
Nail polish remover
Gasoline
Diesel
Heating oil
Kerosene
Jet fuel
Benzene
Butadiene
Hexane
Toluene
Xylene
Many others
Solvent, fuel and other VOC vapors common in many workplace environments
Most have surprisingly low occupational exposure limits
Long before you reach a concentration sufficient to register on a combustible gas indicator, you will have easily exceeded the toxic exposure limits for most VOC contaminants
PID equipped instruments generally the best choice for measurement of VOCs at exposure limit concentrations
VOC Toxicity
VOCs present multiple potential threats in the workplace environment
Heavier than air, flammable and toxic
Increased awareness of toxicity is leading to lowered exposure limits
This leads in turn to increased need for direct measurement of VOCs at exposure limit concentrations
Toxic Exposure Limits
Occupational exposure limits (OELs) designed to protect workers against the health effects of exposure to hazardous substances
OEL is maximum concentration of airborne contaminant to which unprotected worker may be exposed
Unprotected workers may not be exposed to concentration that exceeds the limit
