GSA room air measuring devices detect solvents

GSA SG350ex, SGS5200 and SG5100ex room air measuring devices for sampling solvents

GSA indoor air measuring devices reliably detect the presence and harmful quantities of solvents in the home. If, for example, an unpleasant odor develops in the course of new furniture or other furnishings, or if symptoms only occur in one room, there may be solvent pollution.


The GSA measuring device SG350ex is particularly suitable when it comes to escaping gases. These room air measuring devices therefore provide more information about the gases present in the room under investigation.

The SG5200 and SG5100ex measuring devices can also be used to measure gases that may be harmful to health.

For this purpose, a volume flow is defined and checked using a flow meter. The measuring devices are then left in the room to be tested for a defined measuring cycle (e.g. two hours). The sample carrier is then evaluated.

We will be happy to work with you to find out which measurement strategy delivers the most reliable results in your case. Simply make an appointment for a consultation.


What is meant by “solvent”?

The term “solventcovers various substances and mixtures of substances that dissolve other substances without reacting with them. They are most frequently present as liquids.

The basic rule “like dissolves in like” applies. This theorem refers to the polarity (dipole moment) of the substances, so that polar substances dissolve in polar solvents.

Organic solvents are particularly common in this context. This can be, for example Formaldehyde (CH2O) which is frequently used in furniture processing.


Solvents can be used in a wide variety of areas. They can be found in surface sealants, adhesives or furniture paints. Almost everyone is familiar with the specific smell of new furniture or after a renovation. Especially with adhesives for floor coverings, coordination with the floor covering is important. Both products individually do not release pollutants, but in the (wrong) combination, harmful substances are released. For this reason, sufficient attention should be paid to the application and processing instructions.


What are the health risks of solvents?

The release of solvents into the ambient air can lead to absorption via the lungs. Common symptoms that can occur as a result of solvent exposure are headaches, dizziness, breathing difficulties or even allergic reactions.

As a rule, the symptoms disappear with vigorous and repeated ventilation.
Probably the greatest danger is posed by unconscious absorption, as the pollutants are often not noticeable to the senses and, as a result, prolonged exposure takes place before the exposure is recognized as such.

In most cases, this can be remedied by intensive ventilation. Smaller pieces of furniture or the individual parts before assembly should be allowed to outgas outdoors for a few days and only then brought into the home.
If the odor persists and is not noticeably reduced by repeated ventilation, it may make sense to measure the room air.


Sources:
[1]: Source Contributed image: © grigvovan /123RF.com
[2]: https://www.chemie.de/lexikon/L%C3%B6sungsmittel.html
[3]: https://www.umweltanalytik.com/lexikon/ing13.htm
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[5]: https://www.test.de/Wohngifte-Der-Nase-nach-1240789-2240789/
[6]: https://www.verbraucherzentrale.de/wissen/vertraege-reklamation/kundenrechte/wenn-das-sofa-zum-himmel-stinkt-ausgasungen-aus-moebeln-und-teppichboeden-10349
[7]: https://www.ksta.de/wenn-moebel-wochenlang-nach-chemie-riechen-13917802
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[9]: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/gesundheit/umwelteinfluesse-auf-den-menschen/chemische-stoffe/formaldehyd