Vaportest Badges are Solmedia’s range of air monitoring badges, that test for either Formaldehyde, Xylene, Ethylene Oxide and THG, MIBK and MEK. The badges are designed to be easy to attach, lightweight and can be worn on your lab coat during your shift. They are made from a plastic housing that contains a permeable, absorbent membrane which collects a sample of contaminants through the scientific principle of diffusion.
To really understand the gases and vapours that you are exposed to within the lab, we offer an analysis service that you can send your badges to and they will be analysed by a certified lab. All tests are UKAS certified and completed within 15 days of mailing. The test will provide a full report of test results sent via email, which will allow you to put in place the correct processes, and wear the right equipment to protect you are your team within your laboratory.
Why are Air Monitoring badges important?
Airborne hazards from gases, vapours, dust and fibres can be blind to the naked eye or not very obvious however, can cause life-threatening illnesses that can affect the lungs, kidneys and liver. Formaldehyde is a known respiratory irritant and a potential carcinogen. Exposure to Xylene, which is also used regularly in histology for tissue processing and clearing, can also have adverse health effects. According to HSE statistics 12,000 lung disease deaths each year are estimated to be linked to past exposures at work. (Health and safety at work Summary statistics for Great Britain 2022).
Sampling personal or area air quality for the specific contaminant and exposure levels is important to determine the appropriate respirator and cartridge for your work environment. By consistently measuring the concentration of airborne contaminants, you can take the correct steps to reduce exposure and thereby help prevent chronic respiratory diseases.
Air monitoring badges also adhere to occupational safety and health regulations. Wearing a badge is a proactive measure to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines regarding exposure to hazardous substances.
What makes a good air monitoring badge?
- Accurate and Sensitive – Badges should provide accurate and sensitive measurements of the set airborne contaminants. It should be capable of detecting low concentrations within the permissible exposure limits.
- Specific – Badges should monitor specific chemicals or classes of contaminants relevant to the workplace. This ensures that the measurements are directly related to the potential health risks associated
- Ease of Use – A good air monitoring badge should be easy to use, allowing the person wearing to wear and deploy it without extensive training.
- Duration – The sampling duration should align with the expected exposure within the lab.
- Versatile – A good air monitoring badge should be versatile enough to monitor a range of contaminants commonly found in the lab.
- Compliant – The air monitoring badge should comply with relevant standards and guidelines and ensure it meets the performance criteria set.
- Integration with Analytical Methods – Air monitoring badges should be compatible with established analytical methods for monitoring specific contaminants.
- Clear Reporting – The sampling results should be straightforward, allowing users to interpret and act on the data effectively.