Particulate matter
PM10, PM2.5, inhalable and respirable fractions, dust composition and task-specific exposure characterisation.
World time
Labs & Testing / Exposure science
Air Quality Laboratory
From workplace exposure to indoor comfort and ambient-air characterisation—measure what people actually breathe.
Purpose and scope
Evidence designed for the decision.
Air results are only as useful as the sampling strategy behind them. COHSEW connects task, location, duration, flow rate, media, analytical method and exposure scenario so that personal, area, indoor and ambient measurements can support a defensible decision.
Scope noteAvailability, recognised methods and accreditation status must be confirmed for the exact laboratory, location, test and sample type before use.
Specialist capabilities
A connected technical programme.
Panels are selected after the question, sample matrix, applicable limits, required sensitivity and reporting purpose are understood.
Vapours and gases
VOCs, aldehydes, solvents, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and targeted inorganic gases.
Indoor air quality
Ventilation indicators, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, particulates, formaldehyde and risk-led biological assessment.
Occupational exposure
Personal and static monitoring planned around work patterns, similar exposure groups and relevant exposure limits.
Samples and evidence
Defined matrices.
Controlled handling.
Correct container, identity, preservation, temperature, transport and holding time are agreed before collection.
01Indoor workplaces02Industrial processes03Construction and remediation04Ambient and boundary air05Emission sources06Critical indoor environments
The laboratory pathway
Understand sources, receptors and work patterns
Select personal, static or time-integrated sampling
Apply field blanks, calibration and chain of custody
Interpret results against the correct exposure framework
Authoritative framework
Primary guidance for quality and practice.
COHSEW summarises these sources; it does not reproduce standards or replace current national rules and competent professional judgement.
01US Environmental Protection Agency
Compendium Method TO-15 for VOCs in air
Open official source ↗02US Environmental Protection AgencyAir Sensor Toolbox
Open official source ↗03US Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationOccupational chemical database and sampling information
Open official source ↗Need a programme for Air Quality Laboratory?