Using air testing equipment

Having clean air is an important goal for manufacturing companies. With all the health complications that have been linked to asbestos, mold, and emissions, it is more important than ever for manufacturing firms to use air testing equipment. Air testing equipment will show manufacturing plants the pollutants they are emitting. The environmental protection agency (EPA) has placed new restrictions on manufacturing companies and the pollutants they emit.

Different pollutants have different effects on the air quality. Some pollutants will harm humans while others will damage plants. Air testing equipment can help manufacturing companies determine if they are emitting too much of a certain type of pollutant which could cause long-term health effects.

Manufacturing companies will need to have a professional company come in and install the air testing equipment. The equipment must be continually tested for defects. The EPA will monitor your plants pollution trends and they will fine you if you are emitting too much. Your plant must meet the Federal Regulations pertaining to air pollutants. By having air testing equipment installed in your factory, you can reduce your risk of going over the Federal Regulations. If you do go over; your plant will be assessed a hefty fine. The Federal Regulations are known as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards or NAAQS. Each state provides air testing services that will provide information about the air quality in each county. You can check this information by going to your states EPA web site.

The National Ambient Air Quality Standards were established by the EPA to protect the earth. The air quality throughout the entire country has been reduced due to the pollutants that have been emitted into the air from factories and plants. In the early 1900's, manufacturing plants did not know they were hurting the earth so they did not have air testing equipment to regulate the pollutants they were emitting. The National Ambient Air Quality Standards were designed to protect human health and to protect the earth. Children and elderly individuals are prone to respiratory illnesses due to the emission of pollutants.

In order to be a certified factory, you must meet the 6 air quality standards as outlined by the EPA:

1. Ozone


2. Particulate Matter


3. Carbon Monoxide


4. Sulfur dioxide


5. Nitrogen oxides


6. Lead

Manufacturing plants must not only meet these requirements but they also need to meet the air quality standards for their geographical location. The most common type of air pollutant emitted by factories is called a particle pollution. Particle pollutions are very fine dust, soot, smoke, and droplets that have been formed from chemicals. Fuels like coal, wood, and oil all can cause chemical reactions and "acid rain" to occur, causing severe health complications for many people. These particle pollutants can be embedded in the lungs and cause respiratory illnesses and even death.

Individuals that inhale particle pollutants normally suffer from shortness of breath, asthma, wheezing, coughing, and bronchitis. If evidence is found that links the respiratory problems to the manufacturing plant, the plant is looking at a big lawsuit and some large penalties.

It is common to see a "haze" in the valleys where the manufacturing plants are. This can make it difficult to see far distances and the haze can carry with the wind hundreds of miles away from the manufacturing plant. These toxic chemicals can not only leave the air quality dirty, but it can leave clothing and buildings dirty. If you have ever cleaned a fireplace, you have seen particle pollutants in action. To prevent particle pollutants from building up and causing problems, manufacturing plants are only allowed to emit certain levels of particle pollutants. The air testing equipment within your manufacturing plant will be able to test the air quality and let you know if your plant has emitted too many particle pollutants.

If you are concerned about your air testing equipment, contact the EPA or look on their web site to find information about their testing procedures.