CO and H2S are fairly straightforward and are sensitive in a health-relevant range, but the sensors are subject to interference, so a "hit" on a CO sensor may be caused by another substance in the air.  I have noticed, for example, that isopropyl alcohol makes the CO sensor on my meter go crazy.

I have been in situations where there was clearly something amiss, where someone had waved a four-gasmultimeter, observed no change in the readings from ambient, and pronounced the air "safe," as if the device was a Star Trek Tricorder.  (If anyone knows where I can get one of those, please let me know.)

                                                                          Don

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Hello Everyone,

I recently became the first CHO at my institution and joined the ACS DCHAS.  The LISTSERV has already provided me with valuable information.  Ourinstitution is small and Chemistry is a "service" area to the rest of the College (including a small Biology Program).  Last week we had a report from a staff member of a "strong and ugly odor" coming from a chemistry lab.  The staff member called Public Safety and they called me. It turns out that the lab tech had just prepared reagents containing cyclohexane.  After the incident was determined to be "minor", the Public Safety Chief told me that his office used to have a Portable Gas Detector, but that said detector was lost. Can any of you recommend such a device? Brand? Detectors?

Thanks in advance for any assistance,

Mario

Mario G. Garcia-Rios, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Biology and Chemistry
Chemical Hygiene Officer
Mount Ida College
777 Dedham Street
Newton, MA 02459
(617) 928-4061