Indoor guide values are an important measuring factor for assessing indoor air. The indoor climate is of crucial importance for people’s well-being and health. Indoor air tests with specially designed GSA measuring devices are therefore a suitable solution if pollutants are suspected in indoor spaces.
Pollutants
Information system for hazardous substances (IGS-public)
The Information System for Hazardous Substances (IGS-public), an online portal of the Landesamt für Natur, Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz Nordrhein-Westfalen (LANUV), provides consumers with free information on substance characteristics and legislation on chemical and biological substances. The database with around 250,000 entries on substances contains important information on health protection and the handling of hazardous substances.
Kale – bioindicator for pollutants
Kale is considered a superfood and is a bioindicator for air pollutants and contaminated soils. Active biomonitoring, with biologically standardized measurement methods, can be used to determine and assess the effects of air pollution and other stresses on the environment and humans.
Avoid pollutants from building materials in new buildings
Pollutants from building materials can cause considerable damage to the environment. Rainwater from parts of the building can enter the surface water from the new building. A recent study commissioned by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) found high levels of pollutants in two new development areas. However, these can be avoided during new construction. It was also investigated how the release of pollutants into the environment can be reduced.
Blauer Engel – more environmentally friendly products and services
“Blauer Engel” is a well-known eco-label that is now visible on around 20,000 products from around 1,600 companies. It is the environmental label of the German government. The “Blauer Engel” is based solely on environmental criteria. It is intended to guarantee high standards of environmental and health protection.
Pollutants in schools
Pollutants in schools put a strain on teachers and especially children. They often spend many hours in the same rooms, which can make them ill. Children are particularly at risk if they are exposed to them in classrooms, workrooms, laboratories or other areas.
Inhalation of hazardous substances – Sampling with SG10-2 and PM4-2
The inhalation of hazardous substances at the workplace and in other areas can lead to damage to health and even serious cancer in the event of prolonged exposure. Clear occupational health and safety regulations are in place to protect health and prevent possible illnesses caused by inhaling hazardous substances.
Old night storage heaters – often contaminated with asbestos – PCB – chromate
Depending on the year of construction and model type, night storage heaters can still be heavily contaminated with asbestos and other harmful pollutants such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and chromate (chromium VI). In order to measure possible asbestos contamination indoors, GSA measuring devices offers suitable measuring devices such as the SG12 for asbestos measurement.
Advantages and disadvantages of lithium-ion batteries – Life cycle assessment
Lithium-ion batteries are essential and very popular as rechargeable storage devices in household appliances, PCs, laptops, tablets, cell phones, battery storage for photovoltaic systems and for climate-friendly electromobility. The trend towards the use of these high-performance rechargeable batteries continues unabated.
Very high numbers of e-car registrations are expected in Germany in the future. The German government plans to have ten million registered electric vehicles by 2030. Many consumers already own numerous (household) appliances with powerful and energy-efficient lithium-ion batteries. This poses particular challenges for consumers and disposal companies, as well as for correct disposal for resource-saving recycling.
AMF fibre measurements with SG12 for mineral wool insulation
With the specially developed for fibre measurements according to VDI 3492 SG12 can also be used to sample roof insulation for potential sources of danger. Roof insulation is often made of glass wool or rock wool, which are classified as AMF (artificial mineral fibers). According to TRGS 905, these fibers can be carcinogenic.