Global
Community Monitor utilizes a wide variety of monitoring techniques
which can be easily adapted to each community in order to get the most
accurate data.
The
following sampling techniques have been successfully used by
communities to document pollution in their area. Our tool kit only
includes equipment that is accessible to the community, detects
chemicals and heavy metals at low thresholds, is easy to use and
portable. All techniques have been assessed for proper Quality Assurance
and Quality Control (QA/QC).
Equipment: The Bucket What it tests for: The Bucket can test for more than 70 gases-Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) and 20 sulfur compounds. How it works: The
Bucket takes an air sample using a “grab” sampling technique. The
Bucket gathers a few liters of air into a specially lined bag with a
pump system. The bag is then sent off to a certified laboratory for
analysis.
Equipment: Wipes What it tests for: Particulate Matter (PM-TSP only), Heavy Metals, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH’s). How it works: Wipe
a 10cm x 10cm surface with a lab sent cloth. The cloth is placed in a
jar and sent to a certified laboratory. PAH’s require refrigeration
during shipping.
Equipment: Particle Monitor What it tests for: Particulate Matter (TSP, PM 10, PM 2.5), Heavy Metals, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH’s), Diesel How it works: Using a pump and filter system, the monitor “breathes” in air over a set time frame-up to 72 hours.
Equipment: Real Time Air Monitor What it tests for: VOC’s How it works:
Using a UV spectrum, the monitor reads the fingerprint of the chemical
in the air and compares it to its own chemical library within a matter
of seconds. The monitor is connected to a lap top computer-giving
immediate readings of chemicals in the air.
