APPLICATION OF PASSIVE SAMPLERS TO THE MONITORING OF LOW CONCENTRATION ORGANIC VAPORS IN INDOOR AND AMBIENT AIR - A REVIEW

This paper presents a review of the recent application of passive samplers for the sampling of low concentration organic vapours in indoor and ambient air. Theoretical equations describing the operation of various types of passive samplers are summarized. The problems associated with the application of passive samplers for the sampling of organic vapours in indoor and ambient air, and the factors affecting the performance of passive samplers are discussed. It is suggested the effective cross-sectional area be employed in calculating the diffusion uptake rate according to DA/L instead of the total cross-sectional area. It is further suggested that suitable passive samplers with a higher uptake rate should be designed (e.g. by reducing the diffusion length), and a new and simple validation procedure should be developed for their application in indoor and ambient air environments.