What is more accurate, an air monitor, a detector tube or a sampling badge?
A. Each of these has its limitations. A detector tube provides an instantaneous reading but relies on the user to pump the correct volume of air through it and to identify where the material color change lies on the graduated scale (which doesn’t provide a mark for each part per million). A digital monitor also provides an instantaneous reading to a precise part per million or percentage but they rely on the user to calibrate the sensors on a regular basis using the correct calibration gas and regulator. Sampling badges can produce accurate results but their accuracy depends on the laboratory that is used for analysis and the results can take a week or two to obtain. Usually if you have time to wait for the results and the lab used is accredited, sampling badges can be the most accurate.
