Chemical Exposure Monitoring

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In Ontario, the Ministry of Labor has exposure standards for about 600 chemical substances. There are three types of exposure standards which are the time-weighted average exposure value (TWAEV), the short-term exposure value (STEV), and the ceiling exposure value (CEV). The TWAEV is the standard for an all-day exposure, the STEV for a 15-minute exposure, and the CEV for maximum instantaneous exposure. Exposures are measured in units of milligrams of substance per cubic meter of air (mg/m3), parts per million (ppm), or fibers per cubic centimeter of air (f/cm3) depending on the airborne contaminant measured.

Some chemical substances have very low exposure standards like beryllium and some have quite high exposure standards like carbon dioxide. In most cases, chemicals with the lowest exposure standard tend to pose the most risk when airborne.

GTA Environmental has conducted 100’s of monitoring surveys for industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities. The two basic types of survey data include personal exposure samples and area samples. Personal exposure monitoring involves placing air sampling equipment on people while they do their work. Area monitoring involves collecting air samples in the immediate vicinity of the workers. Sample duration can range from all-day to instantaneous depending on the survey purpose.

There are many types of substances that can be sampled for in the air. Typical substances and their associated processes are as follows:

• Carbon monoxide – Propane powered forklifts
• Metal fumes – Welding operations
• Total nuisance dust – Warehouse operations
• Fibreglass – Composite material production
• Solvents – Cleaning operations
• Acids – Laboratory testing
• Pesticides – Lawn and garden care
• Asbestos – Asbestos remediation
• Formaldehyde – UFFI decomposition
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Whatever your air monitoring needs, GTA Environmental provides a cost effective approach to your survey requirements. We use certified labs for sample analysis and calibrated equipment for sample collection. We also provide a comprehensive report that includes the results, conclusions, and recommendations for management and the JHSC.

Call our office today to discuss your particular needs (877) 260-0987.

Serving Clients In Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Scarborough And More.