Chapter 1: Introduction - 3M EVM Series User Manual

1 Introduction
Particulate path
Introduction
Chapter 1:
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
conducted a study over the last 25 years (1975-
2000) and determined that 107 measurable air
pollutants, specifically carcinogens, exist in
working environments. Combined with the
advent of closed windows, modern office
buildings and various cleaning solvents, the
outcome has been energy efficient buildings and
homes which contain levels of carcinogens. At
high levels, this is known as "Sick Building
syndrome" and can cause acute effects such as
headaches, eye/nose/throat irritation, dry cough
or itchy skin, fatigue, and trouble concentrating just to name a few. Area
monitoring or spot checking for high levels of pollutants, such as particulates ,
VOC's, and toxics, should be a common practice to ensure good indoor air
quality exists in your environment. If poor air quality is determined,
engineering controls such as proper air ventilation and the removal of toxic
gases, would be put into place in order to provide an adequate working/living
environment.
The EVM is equipped to measure several different airborne containments or air
pollutant applications including:
Particulate matter sampling (dust monitoring)

Gas sampling

Temperature sampling

Relative Humidity and Dew Point sampling

To get you started quickly with the EVM, the first chapter is dedicated to
introducing basic particulate matter and toxic gas information. The
subsequent chapters will guide you through setting up the EVM, running
studies, and assessing your results with easy to follow steps and illustrations.
CAUTION:
dangerous to human health. To help ensure worker safety through the proper
use of your unit, it is important that you not only read but also understand the
contents of this manual. Please familiarize yourself with the unit before using it in
a potentially hazardous situation.
The EVM is intended to measure gases that are potentially
CHAPTER
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