How cutting-edge spectroscopy will define future regulation of air toxics

In a recent interview, Aurelie Marcotte, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Entanglement Technologies, discussed an innovative new spectroscopic method for monitoring air toxics: thermal desoprtion, broadband cavity ring-down spectroscopy (TD-BCRS). This method is progressing our understanding of air toxics (and what potential regulation might be needed), as well as playing a role in the growth of community air monitoring. To watch the interview, click here.

Combining techniques for more advanced monitoring

TD-BCRS marries cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) with chromatography and pre-concentration methods. This combination enables precise detection of both small molecules and larger compounds, such as benzene, at ultra-low concentrations—down to the parts-per-trillion range. This high level of sensitivity is crucial for both short-term incidents, like industrial accidents, and long-term community health assessments.

Marcotte emphasised the analyser’s versatility, which allows it to be deployed in stationary, unattended setups for prolonged monitoring or mounted in vehicles for rapid response to environmental emergencies. This dual functionality is a significant asset in scenarios such as refinery fires, hurricanes, or power outages, where traditional monitors might be compromised.

Our growing understanding of air toxics

Marcotte highlighted the increasing awareness of air toxics, such as ethylene oxide and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and their impacts on public health. Chronic exposure, even at low levels, can have severe long-term health effects, making precise and reliable monitoring essential. 

Regulatory agencies worldwide are beginning to implement stricter standards to manage these compounds, driven by advancements in detection capabilities. Entanglement Technologies’ innovations not only meet these stringent requirements but also empower communities to take control of their air quality data. By collaborating with regulatory bodies, residents can better understand environmental risks and advocate for meaningful change.

Community monitoring: empowering local action

One of the most interesting aspects of TC-BCRS is its ability to play a role in community air monitoring. As more communities seek direct involvement in assessing their air quality, TC-BCRS analysers provide reliable and actionable data. By measuring VOCs near industrial fence lines and within residential areas, these technologies enable communities to quantify long-term exposure risks and push for informed policy changes.

In the US, programs funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other organizations are fueling growth in community-based monitoring initiatives. Marcotte envisions similar advancements internationally, as agencies increasingly recognize the importance of grassroots participation in environmental health efforts.

Beyond air quality, TD-BCRS can be used in water monitoring. As water scarcity intensifies, the reuse of industrial wastewater introduces new challenges, including the presence of hazardous VOCs in water sources intended for treatment and public distribution. Marcotte noted that traditional monitors often fall short in detecting these volatile chemicals, leaving a gap in safeguarding potable water supplies.

Entanglement Technologies' TD-BCRS solution, the AROMA, steps into this gap by offering the ability to speciate and quantify specific volatile compounds in water, or monitor air toxics . This capability not only ensures compliance with safety standards but also supports informed decision-making in water reuse applications.

Whether deployed for long-term air and water monitoring or mobilized for emergency response, TD-BCRS is set to expand our knowledge and capabilities to tackle both water and air pollution.