Technical information
The science, in plain English.
Background reading on the chemistry, methods, and standards behind our most-requested analyses. Use it as a primer when planning a study, briefing a client, or interpreting a report.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Investigations
Determining what's in the air people breathe at home and at work — and where it came from.
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Formaldehyde in Indoor Air
Sources, sampling, and the standards that govern what's acceptable in homes, schools, and workplaces.
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Environmental Tobacco / Cannabis Smoke
Multi-marker monitoring for second-hand smoke transfer in multi-unit dwellings and hospitality settings.
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VOCs from New Vehicles & Renovation
The chemistry behind 'new car smell' and post-renovation off-gassing.
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Microbial VOCs (MVOCs) — Mould & Fungi
Indirect detection of hidden mould activity through secondary metabolite signatures.
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Occupational Exposure Limits
How OELs are set and what to do when measurements approach the limit.
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ACGIH Appendix E — Mixture TLVs
Calculating combined exposure when several substances act on the same target organ.
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LEED IEQ Testing
What the LEED rating system requires and how to plan post-construction testing without delaying occupancy.
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Investigating Odour Complaints
When the cause is unknown and 'something just smells wrong', here's how the chemistry pins it down.
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Fire Debris & Arson Investigation
Identifying ignitable liquid residues from charred substrate samples.
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Petrochemical & Spill Characterization
Quantifying petroleum impacts using Canada-Wide Standard carbon ranges.
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Clandestine Drug Lab Detection
Surface-wipe and air analysis for residues from clandestine methamphetamine production.
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Workplace Air Quality & Industrial Hygiene
Compliance and complaint-driven monitoring under provincial and federal occupational regs.
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Bio-monitoring via Exhaled Breath
Non-invasive exposure assessment using collection bags and TD tubes.
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Healthcare Facility Air Quality
Operating rooms, oncology, sterilization — testing for staff exposure and patient safety.
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Vapour Intrusion
Characterizing migration of subsurface contamination into indoor air.
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Plastic Emissions & Additive Migration
Headspace GC-MS for plastic precursors, additives, and degradation by-products.
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Illicit Drug Analysis
Identification and quantification of controlled substances in seized samples and surface residues.
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