TO-15: How to Read and Interpret Your Report
When scanning your results, look at the Result column first. If there is a “ND” in the column next to a compound, it was not detected in the sample. If there is a numerical value, then the compound was detected. If you look to the left of the qualifier, the concentration of the compound in parts per billion volume (ppbv) is given, if you look to the right, the concentration in weight of the substance per volume of air is expressed in micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3).
Common Indoor Contaminants:
| Chemical | Common Indoor Uses | Typical Concentrations | OSHA PELs |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ethanol |
beverages, cleaners, disinfectants perfumes, paints, and lacquers |
25 to 400 ppb |
1,000,000 ppb |
|
Isopropanol |
cleaners, disinfectants, quick drying inks,alcohol swabs, and perfumes |
50 – 200 ppb |
400,000 ppb |
|
Acetone |
cleaners, inks, nail polish remover |
2 to 20 ppb |
1,000,000 ppb |
|
2-Butanone (MEK) |
cleaners, disinfectants |
2 to 20 ppb |
200,000 ppb |
|
Ethyl Acetate |
cleaners, disinfectants |
2 to 20 ppb |
400,000 ppb |
|
Freons, various |
Refrigerants, propellants, foam blowing agents |
1 to 10 ppb |
1,000,000 ppb |
|
Toluene |
Paints, inks, solvents, gasoline |
2 to 10 ppb |
200,000 ppb |
|
Xylenes |
Paints, inks, solvents, gasoline |
2 to 10 ppb |
100,000 ppb |
Freons are common refrigerants and often seen in air samples. Elevated levels of Freons can indicate leaks from refrigerators and air conditioners. Aerosol sprays and foam products also contribute Freons and/or propanes and butanes to indoor air.
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes are components of gasoline. Toluene and xylenes can be found in solvent based products such as oil based paints.
If a Library search is indicated, normal and substituted hydrocarbons in the octane to dodecane (C8 to C12) range can indicate the presence of diesel oil, fuel oil, or mineral spirits. Unknown hydrocarbons often indicate weathered petroleum compounds from old spills. Aldehydes, many of which have objectionable odors at low levels, can be a result of incomplete natural gas or LP gas combustion, used in building and furnishing materials, or the presence of decaying organic matter. Limonene and Pinene are found in citrus and pine-based cleaners.
If you wish to compare your data with NIOSH or OSHA exposure limits, please consult the following links and search for the individual compound of interest; https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/ https://www.osha.gov/chemicaldata/
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