Indicators of Air Quality in New Zealand
There are many contaminants in the air that we breathe. As we drive our car, walk through the streets, and exercise in the park, we are constantly breathing in contaminants. Some are important to life, but others can harm our health and the environment.
When air quality indicators are measured and reported by local and regional councils they provide the following key information:
ELS is IANZ accredited to perform a wide range of air quality tests at both indoor and outdoor sample points. For outdoor samples we work with local and regional councils to monitor the following parameters.
We work with air quality professionals, and local building owners to measure the air quality within buildings. The tests we perform on these samples include:
PM 10 particles are less than 10 microns in diameter and are easily inhaled into the lungs. The main sources vary significantly between regions. For example in Auckland the main source is motor vehicles, while in Christchurch the main source is home heating fires. Other sources include industry, sea spray, and agricultural activities.
Gas measurement
Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 )
Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) is a colourless gas, which forms sulphuric acid when combined with water. Sources include the combustion of fossil fuels containing sulphur, eg. coal and diesel, and industrial processes such as fertiliser manufacturing, aluminium smelting and steel making. Sulphur dioxide also results from natural sources such as geothermal activity.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 )
Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) is a reddish-brown gas. It is not usually released directly into the air but forms when nitrogen oxide (NO) and other nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with other chemicals. Nitrogen oxide is released from combustion, especially of petrol in cars. It also comes from the production of nitric acid, welding, and explosives. Natural sources of nitrogen oxides include volcanoes and bacteria.
Metals
ELS is IANZ accredited to perform metals analysis on filters used in air monitoring. The filters are the same as those used in the particulate test, and one filter can be used for both tests.
Sick Building Syndrome
Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a situation in which occupants of a building experience acute health effects that seem to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints may be localised in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building.
ELS samplers have a set of purpose built equipment to check for SBS. The analyses we perform provide building owners with a comprehensive air-quality report that can identify problems within the building. Professional treatment companies can then take these reports and provide solutions to any problems that are found. Available tests include:
Other air monitoring tests
ELS offers a wide range of specialised air quality tests which utilise the analytical capability of our laboratory facility. The tests include any water-soluble compound that can be eluted from a filter used to collect air samples. The tests include but are not necessarily limited to the following: