Inorganic Chemical Testing Lab Houston TX
& Reactive Gases Laboratory

AIHA IHLAP-accredited (LAP-101470) industrial hygiene testing laboratory at 10200 East Freeway, Houston TX 77029 — in-house reactive gas monitoring for H₂S, SO₂, Cl₂, NH₃, NO₂, O₃, CO, HCN, ClO₂, and phosgene. AIHA IHLAP-accredited methods (LAP-101470): NIOSH 6004 (SO₂), NIOSH 6011 (Cl₂), NIOSH 6015 (NH₃), OSHA Method 214 (O₃). Specialty in-house (non-accredited) methods: NIOSH 6013 (H₂S), NIOSH 6014 (NO₂), NIOSH 6604 (CO), NIOSH 6010 (HCN), OSHA ID-202 (ClO₂), OSHA 61 (phosgene). AIHA IHLAP LAP-101470 and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited — continuous AIHA accreditation since 2000. Samples received before 2:00 PM CST logged same day.

Last Updated: April 2026 Reviewed by: AGT Labs Analytical Chemistry Team — IHLAP-accredited analysts
AIHA IHLAP · LAP-101470 ISO/IEC 17025:2017 4 Accredited + 6 Specialty Methods Rush 1-Day TAT In-House IC · UV-Vis · GC-TCD Since 2000

Lab Documentation — Not a Direct-Reading Detector

AGT Labs is the AIHA-accredited analytical complement to your real-time gas detectors (Industrial Scientific, RAE, Honeywell BW, MSA, Drager). Direct-reading meters protect workers in real time and satisfy OSHA 1910.146 confined-space pre-entry testing. Our tube and impinger sampling produces the legally defensible 8-hour TWA and STEL exposure record on accredited letterhead for the gases on our IHLAP scope (SO₂, Cl₂, NH₃, O₃) — and in-house specialty data for the others. Most facilities need both.

AIHA IHLAPLAP-101470
ISO/IEC 17025:2017Accredited Testing Lab
Accredited MethodsSO₂ · Cl₂ · NH₃ · O₃
InstrumentsIC · UV-Vis · GC-TCD
IH Lab LocationHouston TX 77029
Continuous AIHASince 2000
Why Inorganic Chemical Testing Is Critical

Reactive gases cause irreversible injury within seconds — most have no visible color, and several have IDLHs within striking range of their OSHA PELs

Narrow Margins Between PEL & IDLH

For chlorine, the OSHA PEL (ceiling 1 ppm) is only 10× below the IDLH (10 ppm). For H₂S, the ACGIH TLV of 1 ppm is 50× below the IDLH of 50 ppm — but the aging OSHA ceiling of 20 ppm is only 2.5× below IDLH. Inorganic chemical testing against both limits is the only way to understand actual risk margin.

Delayed-Onset Toxicity Is a Hidden Danger

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) can cause pulmonary edema with a latency of 4–48 hours after exposure — workers feel fine initially. Phosgene similarly causes delayed lung injury hours after a seemingly minor exposure. Inorganic chemical testing during suspect events creates the documentation record needed for medical response.

OSHA PELs Are Dangerously Outdated

Most OSHA reactive gas PELs were set in 1971. ACGIH TLVs for SO₂ (0.25 ppm vs OSHA 5 ppm — 20× difference), NO₂ (0.2 ppm vs OSHA 5 ppm ceiling — 25× difference), and H₂S (1 ppm vs OSHA 20 ppm ceiling — 20× difference) reflect decades of additional toxicological evidence.

OSHA Requires Documented Monitoring Programs

Facilities handling listed toxic gases above certain quantities are subject to OSHA PSM (29 CFR 1910.119), EPA RMP, and OSHA General Duty Clause obligations. For facilities with process safety requirements, documented inorganic chemical testing is part of the Process Hazard Analysis and incident investigation record.

What We Test

10 Inorganic Chemicals & Reactive Gases — IDLH & Accreditation Reference

Every gas listed below is analyzed by AGT Labs in-house. Four gases (SO₂, Cl₂, NH₃, O₃) are within the AIHA IHLAP-accredited scope (LAP-101470). Six gases (H₂S, NO₂, CO, HCN, ClO₂, phosgene) are performed in-house as specialty analyses but are not within our AIHA IHLAP-accredited scope. IDLH values shown are NIOSH-established limits.

H₂S
Hydrogen Sulfide
NIOSH 6013 · IC
Specialty
IDLH: 50 ppm
SO₂
Sulfur Dioxide
NIOSH 6004 · IC
Accredited
IDLH: 100 ppm
Cl₂
Chlorine
NIOSH 6011 · IC
Accredited
IDLH: 10 ppm
NH₃
Ammonia
NIOSH 6015 · IC
Accredited
IDLH: 300 ppm
NO₂
Nitrogen Dioxide
NIOSH 6014 · IC
Specialty
IDLH: 20 ppm
CO
Carbon Monoxide
NIOSH 6604 · GC-TCD
Specialty
IDLH: 1200 ppm
O₃
Ozone
OSHA Method 214 · IC
Accredited
IDLH: 5 ppm
HCN
Hydrogen Cyanide
NIOSH 6010 · IC
Specialty
IDLH: 50 ppm
ClO₂
Chlorine Dioxide
OSHA ID-202 · UV-Vis
Specialty
IDLH: 5 ppm
COCl₂
Phosgene
OSHA 61 · Colorimetric
Specialty
IDLH: 2 ppm
Ion chromatography IC analysis for reactive inorganic gas monitoring NIOSH 6004 6011 6015 OSHA Method 214 SO2 Cl2 NH3 O3 Houston TX laboratory
What Makes Inorganic Chemical Testing Different

Each Gas Requires a Chemically Specific Collection Medium

Unlike solvent testing — where a single charcoal tube captures many compounds — inorganic chemical testing demands gas-specific sorbent chemistry. Using the wrong medium produces zero recovery and completely invalid results. AGT Labs advises on correct media selection for every project based on your target analytes and clearly labels each result as accredited or specialty in-house.

All ten gases are analyzed by in-house instrumentation at our Houston TX industrial hygiene testing lab — no send-outs, no delays from third-party labs, and full chain of custody from receipt to final report.

  • SO₂ — sodium carbonate filter, sulfate IC detection (NIOSH 6004) · AIHA-accredited
  • Cl₂ — Na₂CO₃ / sulfamic acid sorbent tube, chloride IC detection (NIOSH 6011) · AIHA-accredited
  • NH₃ — sulfuric acid sorbent tube, ammonium IC detection (NIOSH 6015) · AIHA-accredited
  • O₃ — nitrite-impregnated filter / impinger, nitrate IC detection (OSHA Method 214) · AIHA-accredited
  • H₂S — silver nitrate sorbent tube, sulfide IC (NIOSH 6013) · specialty in-house
  • NO₂ — sodium iodide sorbent tube, nitrite IC (NIOSH 6014) · specialty in-house
  • CO — molecular sieve tube, GC-TCD analysis (NIOSH 6604) · specialty in-house
  • HCN — KOH sorbent tube, cyanide IC (NIOSH 6010) · specialty in-house
  • ClO₂ — impinger / OSHA ID-202 UV-Vis · specialty in-house
  • Phosgene — OSHA 61 colorimetric / IC · specialty in-house
  • Federal & DoD project support — AIHA IHLAP + ISO/IEC 17025 quality system
Exposure Limits Reference

OSHA PELs, ACGIH TLVs & NIOSH RELs — Gas by Gas

Critical note: the ACGIH TLV is 2–25× more protective than the OSHA PEL for most reactive gases. OSHA PELs were set in 1971 — AGT Labs reports inorganic chemical testing results against all three limits in every report and clearly labels each gas as AIHA-accredited or specialty in-house.

H₂S

Hydrogen Sulfide

NIOSH 6013 · Silver nitrate tube · IC

OSHA PEL (ceiling)
20 ppm+ 50 ppm 10-min peak · Z-Table
ACGIH TLV
1 ppm TWA5 ppm STEL · 20× more protective
NIOSH REL
1 ppm TWA5 ppm STEL
IDLH
50 ppm
Specialty in-house · NOT in AIHA scope Olfactory paralysis >150 ppm — loses its own warning

Sources: petroleum refining, wastewater, confined spaces (manholes, digesters). Workers can be overcome instantly above 150 ppm when the gas paralyzes the olfactory nerve.

SO₂

Sulfur Dioxide

NIOSH 6004 · Na₂CO₃ filter · IC

OSHA PEL
5 ppm8-hr TWA · Z-Table
ACGIH TLV
0.25 ppm TWA0.5 ppm STEL · 20× more protective
NIOSH REL
2 ppm TWA5 ppm STEL
IDLH
100 ppm
AIHA IHLAP-accredited (LAP-101470) Bronchoconstriction · reactive airway disease

Generated by combustion of sulfur-containing fuels, petroleum coking, smelting, and sulfuric acid manufacturing. Major asthmogen even at sub-PEL concentrations.

Cl₂

Chlorine

NIOSH 6011 · Na₂CO₃/sulfamic tube · IC

OSHA PEL (ceiling)
1 ppmZ-Table
ACGIH TLV (ceiling)
0.5 ppm2× more protective
NIOSH REL (ceiling)
0.5 ppm1 ppm 10-min max
IDLH
10 ppm
AIHA IHLAP-accredited (LAP-101470) IDLH only 10× above OSHA PEL ceiling

Water treatment, pulp/paper bleaching, food sanitation, chemical manufacturing. Cl₂ causes severe pulmonary edema rapidly at IDLH. Very narrow safety margin.

NH₃

Ammonia

NIOSH 6015 · H₂SO₄ tube · IC

OSHA PEL
50 ppm8-hr TWA · Z-Table
ACGIH TLV
25 ppm TWA35 ppm STEL · 2× more protective
NIOSH REL
25 ppm TWA35 ppm STEL
IDLH
300 ppm
AIHA IHLAP-accredited (LAP-101470) Refrigeration systems · explosive upper airway injury at high conc.
NO₂

Nitrogen Dioxide

NIOSH 6014 · NaI tube · IC

OSHA PEL (ceiling)
5 ppmZ-Table
ACGIH TLV (ceiling)
0.2 ppm25× more protective
NIOSH REL (ceiling)
1 ppm
IDLH
20 ppm
Specialty in-house · NOT in AIHA scope Delayed pulmonary edema 4–48 hrs after exposure

Generated by diesel engines, welding in confined spaces, silos, and blasting. Largest OSHA/ACGIH limit gap (25×) of all common industrial gases.

CO

Carbon Monoxide

NIOSH 6604 · Mol. sieve tube · GC-TCD

OSHA PEL
50 ppm8-hr TWA · Z-Table
ACGIH TLV
25 ppm TWA2× more protective
NIOSH REL
35 ppm TWA200 ppm ceiling
IDLH
1200 ppm
Specialty in-house · NOT in AIHA scope Chemical asphyxiant · #1 cause of fatal occupational poisoning

Odorless, colorless. Binds hemoglobin 240× more strongly than O₂. Sources: combustion engines, forklift operations indoors, boilers, furnaces, generators.

O₃

Ozone

OSHA Method 214 · Nitrite filter · IC

OSHA PEL
0.1 ppm8-hr TWA · Z-Table
ACGIH TLV
0.05–0.08 ppmVaries by work rate · ceiling for heavy work
NIOSH REL
0.1 ppmTWA
IDLH
5 ppm
AIHA IHLAP-accredited (LAP-101470) Pulmonary oxidant · worsens asthma · IARC Group 1 (ambient)

ACGIH TLV is work-rate dependent — heavy physical labor lowers the TLV to 0.05 ppm due to increased respiratory volume. Generated by UV systems, arc welding, plasma cutting, copiers, electrostatic precipitators. NIOSH 6005 (indigo carmine UV-Vis) is also performed in-house as a specialty alternative.

HCN

Hydrogen Cyanide

NIOSH 6010 · KOH tube · IC

OSHA PEL (ceiling)
10 ppmZ-Table
ACGIH TLV (ceiling)
4.7 ppmSkin designation
NIOSH REL (ceiling)
4.7 ppm10-minute
IDLH
50 ppm
Specialty in-house · NOT in AIHA scope Cellular asphyxiant · inhibits cytochrome c oxidase

Generated by combustion of nitrogen-containing materials, electroplating with cyanide salts, chemical synthesis, fumigation, and fire/explosion events. Also a skin absorption hazard.

ClO₂

Chlorine Dioxide

OSHA ID-202 · Impinger · UV-Vis

OSHA PEL
0.1 ppm8-hr TWA · Z-Table
ACGIH TLV
0.1 ppm TWA0.3 ppm STEL
NIOSH REL
0.1 ppm TWA0.3 ppm STEL
IDLH
5 ppm
Specialty in-house · NOT in AIHA scope Strong oxidant · pulp/paper bleaching · water treatment
COCl₂

Phosgene

OSHA 61 / NIOSH 7903 · Colorimetric / IC

OSHA PEL (ceiling)
0.1 ppmZ-Table
ACGIH TLV (ceiling)
0.1 ppm
NIOSH REL (ceiling)
0.1 ppm
IDLH
2 ppm
Specialty in-house · NOT in AIHA scope Delayed pulmonary edema · used as chemical warfare agent in WWI

Generated by thermal degradation of chlorinated solvents (TCE, DCM) in hot work or near flames. Also used in chemical synthesis of isocyanates and polycarbonates. IDLH only 20× above PEL.

Analytical Methods — Accredited vs Specialty

Method Selection — Media, Collection & Accreditation Status

Each reactive gas requires a gas-specific collection medium. The wrong medium produces zero recovery. AGT Labs splits methods into two categories: AIHA IHLAP-accredited (LAP-101470) and specialty in-house (performed in our Houston lab but not within the AIHA accreditation scope). Choose based on whether you need accredited compliance documentation or in-house specialty data.

AIHA IHLAP-Accredited Methods (LAP-101470)

Methods within AGT Labs' AIHA Industrial Hygiene Laboratory Accreditation Program scope. Results carry full accredited compliance documentation for OSHA citation defense and worker exposure reporting.

NIOSH 6004 · AIHA-accredited

SO₂ — Sulfur Dioxide

Collected on a sodium carbonate-impregnated filter. SO₂ reacts with the alkaline coating to form sulfate, which is dissolved and quantified by ion chromatography. Personal pump flow rate 100–200 mL/min. Hold time 14 days at room temperature when sealed. Direct comparison to OSHA PEL 5 ppm and ACGIH TLV 0.25 ppm.

Analysis:Ion Chromatography (sulfate)
Flow rate:100–200 mL/min
Hold time:14 days ambient / sealed
NIOSH 6011 · AIHA-accredited

Cl₂ — Chlorine

Cl₂ is collected on a sodium carbonate / sulfamic acid-impregnated sorbent tube. The chlorine reacts to form chloride anion, which is measured by IC. Pump flow rate 200 mL/min. NIOSH 6011 is on AGT Labs' AIHA IHLAP-accredited scope. Important: NIOSH 6011 covers Cl₂ — for ClO₂ (chlorine dioxide), see the specialty section below.

Analysis:Ion Chromatography (chloride)
Flow rate:200 mL/min
Hold time:14 days refrigerated
NIOSH 6015 · AIHA-accredited

NH₃ — Ammonia

Ammonia is collected on a sulfuric acid-treated sorbent tube — NH₃ reacts to form ammonium sulfate, then IC ammonium analysis. Personal breathing-zone pump flow rate 100–200 mL/min. Hold time 14 days refrigerated. Direct comparison to OSHA PEL 50 ppm, ACGIH TLV 25 ppm, and IDLH 300 ppm.

Analysis:Ion Chromatography (ammonium)
Flow rate:100–200 mL/min
Hold time:14 days refrigerated
OSHA Method 214 · AIHA-accredited

O₃ — Ozone

Ozone is captured on a nitrite-impregnated filter / impinger train; analysis is by ion chromatography for the nitrate ion produced when O₃ oxidizes nitrite. Pump flow rate 250 mL/min – 1 L/min. OSHA Method 214 is AGT Labs' AIHA IHLAP-accredited primary method for ozone. NIOSH 6005 (indigo carmine UV-Vis) is also performed in-house as a specialty alternative — see specialty section.

Analysis:Ion Chromatography (nitrate)
Flow rate:250 mL/min – 1 L/min
Hold time:Refrigerated · analyze promptly

Specialty In-House Methods — NOT Within AIHA IHLAP Scope

These analyses are performed in-house at our Houston laboratory as specialty methods but are not within our AIHA IHLAP-accredited scope. Where compliance reporting requires accredited results, please use the methods in the Accredited section above. Results from specialty methods are reported on AGT Labs letterhead with clear non-accredited flagging.

NIOSH 6013 · Specialty

H₂S — Hydrogen Sulfide

H₂S is collected on a silver nitrate-impregnated sorbent tube — the gas converts AgNO₃ to Ag₂S precipitate, which is dissolved and quantified by IC with sulfide-specific detection. Pump flow rate 100–200 mL/min. Specialty in-house — for facilities requiring AIHA-accredited compliance documentation for H₂S exposures, results from this method should be reported as in-house specialty data.

Analysis:Ion Chromatography (sulfide)
Flow rate:100–200 mL/min
Hold time:14 days refrigerated
NIOSH 6014 · Specialty

NO₂ — Nitrogen Dioxide

NO₂ is trapped on a sodium iodide-impregnated tube — NO₂ oxidizes iodide to form nitrite anion, measured by IC. Personal breathing-zone pump flow rate 100–200 mL/min. Hold time 14 days refrigerated. Specialty in-house method.

Analysis:Ion Chromatography (nitrite)
Flow rate:100–200 mL/min
Hold time:14 days refrigerated
NIOSH 6604 · Specialty

CO — Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is collected on 13X molecular sieve sorbent tube at 50 mL/min pump flow. The tube is thermally desorbed and CO is analyzed by gas chromatography with thermal conductivity detection (GC-TCD) — not IC. Specialty in-house method. Real-time CO monitoring with electrochemical direct-reading instruments is available to supplement personal sampling.

Analysis:GC-TCD (not IC)
Flow rate:50 mL/min
Media:13X molecular sieve tube
NIOSH 6010 · Specialty

HCN — Hydrogen Cyanide

Hydrogen cyanide is collected on a potassium hydroxide (KOH)-impregnated sorbent tube — HCN is captured as cyanide anion, then quantified by IC with cyanide-specific detection. Specialty in-house method. Advance notification required — specialist media preparation and handling protocols apply.

Analysis:Ion Chromatography (cyanide)
Special:Advance notification required
Hold time:14 days refrigerated
OSHA ID-202 · Specialty

ClO₂ — Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorine dioxide is collected via midget impinger with absorbing solution and analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. ClO₂ is highly reactive and unstable — samples must be analyzed within 24 hours and cannot be shipped. On-site or dedicated batch shipment only. Specialty in-house method. Note: NIOSH 6011 is for Cl₂, not ClO₂ — different analyte requires different method.

Analysis:UV-Vis spectrophotometry
Hold:24 hours · batch shipment required
Media:Impinger with absorbing solution
OSHA 61 / NIOSH 7903 · Specialty

Phosgene (COCl₂)

Phosgene uses a dedicated impinger with absorbing solution or colorimetric dosimeter tube under OSHA Method 61 (or NIOSH 7903 as alternative). Specialty in-house method — phosgene samples must be shipped immediately on ice with priority courier and require advance notification before sampling. Important: NIOSH 6009 is the mercury vapor method — it is NOT used for phosgene.

Analysis:Colorimetric / IC
Special:Cold-chain · overnight delivery · call first
Hold:24 hours refrigerated
Method Sensitivity

Detection Limits & Headroom vs. Regulatory Criteria

Reporting limits at typical sample volumes — and the headroom each gives you below the most relevant exposure limit. Every gas in our panel reaches at least an order of magnitude below the criterion that drives compliance. Accreditation status is shown alongside each result.

GasMethodScopeTypical VolumeReporting Limit (ppm)Reference CriterionHeadroom
SO₂NIOSH 6004AIHA-accredited12 L (8-hr @ 25 mL/min)≈ 0.01 ppmACGIH TLV 0.25 ppm~25× below TLV
Cl₂NIOSH 6011AIHA-accredited2 L (15-min ceiling)≈ 0.05 ppmOSHA ceiling 1 ppm~20× below ceiling
NH₃NIOSH 6015AIHA-accredited24 L (8-hr @ 50 mL/min)≈ 0.5 ppmACGIH TLV 25 ppm~50× below TLV
O₃OSHA 214AIHA-accredited240 L (4-hr @ 1 L/min)≈ 0.005 ppmACGIH TLV 0.05 ppm~10× below TLV
H₂SNIOSH 6013Specialty12 L (8-hr @ 25 mL/min)≈ 0.005 ppmACGIH TLV 1 ppm~200× below TLV
NO₂NIOSH 6014Specialty2 L (15-min ceiling)≈ 0.05 ppmACGIH ceiling 0.2 ppm~4× below ceiling
CONIOSH 6604Specialty24 L (8-hr @ 50 mL/min)≈ 1 ppmACGIH TLV 25 ppm~25× below TLV
HCNNIOSH 6010Specialty24 L≈ 0.05 ppmACGIH ceiling 4.7 ppm~94× below ceiling
ClO₂OSHA ID-202Specialty30 L (impinger)≈ 0.01 ppmACGIH TLV 0.1 ppm~10× below TLV
COCl₂ (Phosgene)OSHA 61Specialty15 L (4-hr @ 60 mL/min)≈ 0.005 ppmACGIH ceiling 0.1 ppm~20× below ceiling

Why Sample Volume Matters for Ceiling-Limit Gases

Cl₂, NO₂, HCN, and ClO₂ all have ceiling limits rather than 8-hour TWAs — meaning a single 15-minute peak above the ceiling is itself a regulatory exceedance. Short collection volumes mean reporting limits are inherently higher than for TWA-style sampling. For these gases, a non-detect at 0.05 ppm is the floor of what the laboratory can certify — direct-reading instruments with electrochemical sensors complement the lab record by providing real-time peak detection.

For NO₂ specifically, the ACGIH ceiling of 0.2 ppm is only 4× above the laboratory reporting limit. Facilities monitoring close to the ACGIH limit should extend collection volume where feasible (lower flow over longer duration on the same media) to push the effective MDL lower.

Confined Space Entry — Critical Note on H₂S, CO, and O₂ Deficiency Monitoring

Passive diffusion badges and time-integrated sorbent tubes are NOT acceptable as the sole monitoring method for confined space entry under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146. Permit-required confined spaces must be tested with calibrated direct-reading instruments (multi-gas meters) that provide real-time readings before entry and continuous monitoring during occupancy. AGT Labs provides complementary personal tube sampling to document the 8-hour TWA exposure record for H₂S and CO (specialty in-house) — this is the laboratory documentation that supports incident investigation, workers' compensation, and OSHA inspection response. It does not replace pre-entry atmospheric testing. If H₂S exceeds 150 ppm, the olfactory nerve is paralyzed and the gas loses its own warning odor — continuous real-time monitoring becomes the only warning system.

Exposure Sources

Where Inorganic Chemical Exposures Occur

Reactive gas exposures are process-specific and frequently task-specific — peak concentrations during maintenance, start-up, and upset conditions are often 10–50× higher than routine operation levels. Task-based short-term sampling is critical for understanding the full exposure profile, not just the 8-hour TWA.

AGT Labs designs inorganic chemical testing programs around the highest-risk tasks — not just routine shift monitoring — to capture the exposures that matter most for worker health and OSHA compliance. Facilities monitoring acid gases such as HCl, HF, and H2SO4 should also review our acid mist testing capabilities, which cover NIOSH 7903 and 7908 ion chromatography methods for these analytes.

Personal reactive gas air monitoring confined space petroleum refinery wastewater treatment NIOSH methods AGT Labs Houston
Industrial Exposure Sources

Where Reactive Gas Exposures Occur by Industry

Petroleum Refining & Petrochemical

H₂S, SO₂, and CO personal monitoring for hydroprocessing, fluid catalytic cracking, sulfur recovery, and coking operations. SO₂ is AIHA IHLAP-accredited; H₂S and CO are performed in-house as specialty methods. AGT Labs serves multiple Houston-area refineries with routine and emergency inorganic chemical testing programs.

H₂SSO₂CONO₂

Water & Wastewater Treatment

Chlorine gas (Cl₂) is used for primary disinfection of drinking water and wastewater — analyzed via NIOSH 6011 (AIHA-accredited). H₂S is generated by anaerobic digestion in sewer systems, digesters, and wet wells — creating acute confined space hazards in manholes and lift stations (specialty in-house). Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is used as an alternative disinfectant in advanced water treatment facilities.

Cl₂H₂SClO₂NH₃

Pulp, Paper & Bleaching

Sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide are generated in Kraft pulping (black liquor combustion, recovery boilers). Chlorine and chlorine dioxide are used in pulp bleaching sequences. ClO₂ has largely replaced elemental Cl₂ in modern bleach plants, but both gases are present during transitions and equipment maintenance activities.

SO₂H₂SCl₂ClO₂

Chemical Manufacturing

Chemical synthesis and reaction operations generate a wide range of toxic gases depending on feedstock and reactions — Cl₂, SO₂, HCN, phosgene, and NH₃ are all produced in various chemical manufacturing processes. Phosgene is used in isocyanate and polycarbonate synthesis. HCN is generated in electroplating with cyanide chemistry and in combustion of nitrogen-containing materials.

Cl₂HCNCOCl₂NH₃SO₂

Welding, Cutting & Combustion

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is generated by all high-temperature combustion processes — arc welding (especially MIG/MAG in confined spaces), plasma cutting, and diesel engine exhaust. Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion in forklift operations, welding, and indoor generator use. Ozone is produced by UV arc radiation in welding and plasma cutting processes — highest in stainless steel TIG welding.

NO₂COO₃

Food Processing & Refrigeration

Industrial ammonia (NH₃) refrigeration systems are the dominant hazard in food cold chain facilities — ice cream plants, meat processing, seafood storage, and produce distribution centers. NIOSH 6015 for NH₃ is AIHA IHLAP-accredited. Large NH₃ charge volumes and aging pipe systems create significant leak potential. OSHA PSM thresholds (10,000 lb NH₃) trigger formal process safety management programs with documented monitoring requirements. Refineries and chemical plants monitoring for hydrogen sulfide and SO2 frequently require concurrent VOC and BTEX testing to capture hydrocarbon vapor exposures occurring alongside reactive gas releases.

NH₃

Federal & DoD Facilities

BRAC remediation, military fuel storage operations, ammunition plant decommissioning, navy shipyard work, and federal building decommissioning require accredited reactive gas data. Our AIHA IHLAP accreditation (LAP-101470) and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 quality system support federal projects with our accredited methods (SO₂, Cl₂, NH₃, O₃) and specialty in-house methods (H₂S, NO₂, CO, HCN, ClO₂, phosgene) under TSCA, CERCLA, and DoD environmental data quality requirements.

H₂SNH₃COSO₂
Report Contents

What You Receive — Reactive Gas Monitoring Report

Every AGT Labs inorganic gas report is issued on AIHA IHLAP-accredited letterhead and includes everything an IH professional or OSHA inspector needs to evaluate the compliance status of your facility. Accredited and specialty results are clearly labeled.

Report ComponentDetailsStandard
Measured ConcentrationResults in both ppm and mg/m³ for each target gas. TWA and STEL where applicable. Field blank concentration subtracted.All samples
Accreditation Scope FlagEach result is labeled either "AIHA IHLAP-accredited (LAP-101470)" — for SO₂, Cl₂, NH₃, O₃ — or "Specialty in-house, NOT in AIHA scope" for H₂S, NO₂, CO, HCN, ClO₂, phosgene.All samples
Regulatory ComparisonDirect comparison table: measured result vs. OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV, NIOSH REL, and IDLH. Percent of limit calculated for each standard.All samples
OSHA / ACGIH Disparity FlagWhen the OSHA PEL is significantly less protective than the ACGIH TLV, the report explicitly flags this and notes that OSHA PEL compliance does not confirm worker health protection.Where applicable
Method QA/QC DataMethod blank results, spike recovery, duplicate precision, pump calibration flows (pre and post), and sampling volume documentation.All samples
Sampling NarrativeSummary of sampled tasks, process conditions, collection media, pump flow rates, and sample duration. Converts raw field notes to structured documentation.All samples
Control RecommendationsWhere results exceed or approach limits, the report includes preliminary engineering control and administrative control recommendations specific to the gas and process involved.On exceedances
Lab Logistics

Turnaround Times & Reactive Gas Sampling Media

Turnaround — Reactive Gas Methods
1-Day Rush1 business day+100%
2-Day Rush2 business days+75%
3-Day Rush3 business days+50%
4-Day Rush4 business days+25%
Standard7+ business daysNo Surcharge
Samples logged same day if received before 2:00 PM CST. Hold time varies by gas — ClO₂, O₃, and phosgene samples must be analyzed within 24 hours. All other reactive gas samples: 14 days refrigerated. For emergency response sampling, call us directly at (713) 453-6090 before shipping to confirm rush availability and hold time for your specific gas target.

Sampling Kits — Gas-Specific Media

  • Sodium carbonate filters (NIOSH 6004) — sulfur dioxide (SO₂) · accredited
  • Na₂CO₃ / sulfamic acid tubes (NIOSH 6011) — chlorine (Cl₂) · accredited
  • Sulfuric acid tubes (NIOSH 6015) — ammonia (NH₃) · accredited
  • Nitrite-impregnated filters / impingers (OSHA Method 214) — ozone (O₃) · accredited
  • Silver nitrate tubes (NIOSH 6013) — hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) · specialty
  • Sodium iodide tubes (NIOSH 6014) — nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) · specialty
  • 13X molecular sieve tubes (NIOSH 6604) — carbon monoxide (CO) · specialty
  • KOH tubes (NIOSH 6010) — hydrogen cyanide (HCN) · specialty
  • Impingers + absorbing solutions — ClO₂ (OSHA ID-202) and phosgene (OSHA 61) — call first
  • Calibrated personal pumps (loaner) + COC documentation
Download IH COC Form
Submission Workflow

From Field Sampling to Certified Reactive Gas Report

1

Identify Target Gases

Send AGT Labs your SDS sheets and process description. We confirm the correct method (accredited or specialty) and sampling media for each gas and prepare your kit — wrong media produces zero recovery.

2

Deploy Gas-Specific Media

Clip sorbent tube or impinger to worker lapel or area stand. Record exact start/stop time, pump flow rate (pre/post calibration), temperature, humidity, and tasks performed on COC.

3

Seal & Ship Per Hold Times

Seal all tubes immediately. Refrigerate where required. Ship ClO₂, O₃, and phosgene within 24 hours. All other reactive gas samples: 14-day hold time refrigerated. Include field blank tubes for QA/QC.

4

IC / UV-Vis / GC Analysis

In-house extraction, dissolution, or desorption followed by ion chromatography, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, or GC-TCD depending on the target gas. All analysis performed at our Houston TX lab.

5

Accredited or Specialty Report

Results vs. OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV, NIOSH REL, and IDLH. Each result clearly labeled "AIHA-accredited" or "Specialty in-house". QA/QC data included. Control recommendations on exceedances. Lab accreditation number on all reports.

Client Support

Inorganic Chemical Testing — FAQ

What NIOSH method is used for hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)?
NIOSH 6013 is the standard method for H₂S monitoring. H₂S is collected on a silver nitrate-impregnated sorbent tube at 100–200 mL/min. NIOSH 6013 is performed in-house at AGT Labs as a specialty analysis but is not within our AIHA IHLAP-accredited scope; results are reported as in-house specialty data. The OSHA PEL is a ceiling of 20 ppm with a 50 ppm 10-minute peak. The ACGIH TLV is 1 ppm TWA / 5 ppm STEL — 20 times more protective than the OSHA ceiling. The IDLH is 50 ppm. Critical: above 150 ppm, H₂S paralyzes the olfactory nerve — workers lose the ability to smell the gas. Any facility with H₂S must use real-time direct-reading instruments in addition to personal tube sampling.
What is the OSHA PEL for chlorine gas?
OSHA's PEL for chlorine is a ceiling of 1 ppm. The ACGIH TLV ceiling is 0.5 ppm — twice as protective. The IDLH is only 10 ppm — just 10 times above the OSHA PEL ceiling, making it one of the most dangerous exposure margins of any common industrial gas. AGT Labs uses NIOSH 6011 for Cl₂ monitoring — Na₂CO₃ / sulfamic acid sorbent tube, IC chloride analysis. NIOSH 6011 for Cl₂ is on AGT Labs' AIHA IHLAP-accredited scope (LAP-101470). Cl₂ causes severe pulmonary edema rapidly at IDLH concentrations.
What is the OSHA PEL for SO₂ and why is the ACGIH TLV so different?
OSHA's PEL for sulfur dioxide is 5 ppm TWA. The ACGIH TLV is 0.25 ppm TWA / 0.5 ppm STEL — 20 times more protective. This gap represents 50 years of additional epidemiological research showing that SO₂ causes bronchoconstriction and reactive airway disease (occupational asthma) at concentrations well below the 1971 OSHA PEL. Workers with asthma or reactive airways may develop symptoms at concentrations as low as 0.5 ppm. Engineering controls should target the ACGIH TLV — not the OSHA PEL. AGT Labs uses NIOSH 6004 (AIHA IHLAP-accredited) for SO₂ monitoring.
What is the OSHA PEL for nitrogen dioxide and why does NO₂ cause delayed injury?
OSHA's PEL for NO₂ is a ceiling of 5 ppm. The ACGIH TLV ceiling is 0.2 ppm — 25× more protective — the largest OSHA/ACGIH limit disparity of any common industrial gas. NO₂ is insidious because it causes pulmonary edema with a latency of 4 to 48 hours — workers exposed to a significant NO₂ concentration may feel relatively well immediately after, then develop life-threatening pulmonary edema hours later without warning. Any worker who has been in a NO₂-generating environment (diesel exhaust, welding, silo gas) and develops respiratory symptoms must seek medical evaluation immediately. AGT Labs uses NIOSH 6014 for NO₂ monitoring as a specialty in-house method — it is not within our AIHA IHLAP-accredited scope.
What is the IDLH for hydrogen sulfide and what does olfactory paralysis mean?
The NIOSH IDLH for H₂S is 50 ppm. At concentrations above 150 ppm, H₂S causes rapid olfactory nerve paralysis — workers can no longer detect the characteristic rotten egg odor that normally warns of gas presence. This means that at concentrations 3× the IDLH, the gas's only natural warning sign is gone. Workers who enter H₂S-containing confined spaces relying on smell as a warning system face the risk of instant incapacitation. Above 300 ppm, H₂S causes immediate unconsciousness. Above 500 ppm, a single breath can cause cardiac arrest. This is why OSHA 1910.146 requires direct-reading instruments for confined space atmospheric testing — not passive badges or olfactory assessment.
What sampling media is needed for ozone (O₃) monitoring?
AGT Labs uses OSHA Method 214 for ozone monitoring as our AIHA IHLAP-accredited primary method. O₃ is collected on a nitrite-impregnated filter / impinger train; analysis is by ion chromatography for the nitrate ion produced by O₃ oxidation of nitrite. NIOSH 6005 (indigo carmine UV-Vis) is also performed in-house as a specialty alternative but is not within our AIHA IHLAP-accredited scope. Critical handling requirement: O₃ samples are highly photolabile — they must be protected from direct light during and after collection, transported in opaque containers, and analyzed within 24 hours of collection. The OSHA PEL is 0.1 ppm TWA. The ACGIH TLV is work-rate dependent — ranging from 0.05 ppm for heavy work to 0.08 ppm for moderate work.
What is the OSHA PEL for carbon monoxide and why is CO so dangerous?
OSHA's PEL for CO is 50 ppm TWA. The ACGIH TLV is 25 ppm. CO is odorless, colorless, and tasteless — workers receive no sensory warning. It binds hemoglobin approximately 240 times more strongly than oxygen, progressively displacing O₂ from the blood and causing chemical asphyxiation. CO is the most common cause of fatal occupational poisoning in the United States — particularly from indoor propane forklift use and gasoline/diesel generator operation in enclosed spaces. AGT Labs uses NIOSH 6604 (13X molecular sieve tube, GC-TCD analysis) for CO personal sampling as a specialty in-house method — it is not within our AIHA IHLAP-accredited scope. Real-time electrochemical CO monitoring should always be combined with tube sampling in any suspected CO environment.
What industries most commonly need inorganic chemical testing?
The highest-priority sectors for reactive gas monitoring are: petroleum refining (H₂S, SO₂, CO), water/wastewater treatment (Cl₂, H₂S, ClO₂), pulp and paper (SO₂, H₂S, Cl₂, ClO₂), food processing and cold chain (NH₃ refrigeration), chemical manufacturing (Cl₂, HCN, phosgene, SO₂), welding and combustion (NO₂, CO, O₃), and confined space operations across all industries (H₂S, CO, O₂ deficiency). AGT Labs serves all of these sectors from its Houston TX laboratory.
Is AGT Labs accredited for inorganic chemical and reactive gas testing?
Yes — for a defined list of analytes. AGT Labs holds AIHA IHLAP accreditation under certificate LAP-101470 and operates under ISO/IEC 17025:2017. The IHLAP-accredited scope for reactive gases covers NIOSH 6004 (SO₂), NIOSH 6011 (Cl₂), NIOSH 6015 (NH₃), and OSHA Method 214 (O₃). Other gases — H₂S (NIOSH 6013), NO₂ (NIOSH 6014), CO (NIOSH 6604), HCN (NIOSH 6010), ClO₂ (OSHA ID-202), and phosgene/COCl₂ (OSHA 61 / NIOSH 7903) — are performed in-house as specialty analyses but are not within our AIHA IHLAP-accredited scope. All analysis is performed in-house at the Houston TX laboratory. AGT Labs has held continuous AIHA accreditation since 2000.
How does AGT Labs lab testing complement direct-reading gas detectors?
AGT Labs is an AIHA IHLAP-accredited analytical laboratory — not a direct-reading instrument manufacturer. We complement your existing real-time gas detectors (Industrial Scientific, RAE, Honeywell BW, MSA, Drager) by providing AIHA-accredited 8-hour TWA and STEL exposure documentation for the gases on our IHLAP scope (SO₂, Cl₂, NH₃, O₃) — and in-house specialty documentation for H₂S, NO₂, CO, HCN, ClO₂, and phosgene. Direct-reading meters protect workers in real time and fulfill OSHA 1910.146 confined-space pre-entry testing requirements. Lab tube sampling produces the time-weighted concentration record on accredited or specialty letterhead — the two are complementary, not alternatives. Most facilities need both.
What are the typical detection limits for the gas methods?
AGT Labs detection limits at typical sample volumes (2 L for ceiling-limit gases like Cl₂ and NO₂; 12–24 L for TWA gases like SO₂, NH₃, CO). Accredited methods: SO₂ ≈ 0.01 ppm (25× below ACGIH TLV), Cl₂ ≈ 0.05 ppm (10× below OSHA ceiling), NH₃ ≈ 0.5 ppm (50× below ACGIH TLV), O₃ ≈ 0.005 ppm (10× below ACGIH TLV). Specialty in-house methods: H₂S ≈ 0.005 ppm (200× below ACGIH TLV), NO₂ ≈ 0.05 ppm (4× below ACGIH TLV ceiling), CO ≈ 1 ppm (25× below ACGIH TLV), HCN ≈ 0.05 ppm (94× below ACGIH ceiling), ClO₂ ≈ 0.01 ppm (10× below TLV), Phosgene ≈ 0.005 ppm (20× below ceiling). All limits exceed regulatory criterion sensitivity by an order of magnitude or more.
How long are reactive gas samples stable in shipping?
Hold times vary significantly by gas. Most NIOSH 6000-series sorbent tubes (H₂S, SO₂, Cl₂, NH₃, NO₂, HCN, CO) are stable for 14 days when refrigerated (4°C). Critical exceptions: ozone (OSHA Method 214) must be analyzed within 24 hours and protected from direct light during shipping; chlorine dioxide (OSHA ID-202) is unstable and requires same-day or next-day analysis with priority shipment; phosgene (OSHA 61) requires immediate cold-chain shipment and overnight delivery. Always seal tube ends immediately after collection, label clearly, and ship samples in batches by hold-time category. Call (713) 453-6090 before shipping ClO₂, O₃, or phosgene to confirm rush slot availability.
Does AGT Labs perform reactive gas testing for federal projects and DoD facilities?
Yes. AGT Labs' AIHA IHLAP accreditation (LAP-101470) and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 quality system support federal procurement, BRAC site remediation, military installation environmental work, and Department of Defense contracts that require accredited industrial hygiene testing. Our IHLAP scope covers NIOSH 6004 (SO₂), NIOSH 6011 (Cl₂), NIOSH 6015 (NH₃), and OSHA Method 214 (O₃); other reactive gases are performed in-house as specialty analyses. Combined coverage supports reactive gas testing for federal building decommissioning, military fuel storage, ammunition plant operations, navy shipyard work, and DoD environmental cleanup activities. All IC, UV-Vis, and GC-TCD analysis is performed in-house at the Houston laboratory.
Houston TX IH Laboratory

Reactive Gas Testing Lab Serving Houston's Industrial Corridor

AGT Labs is located at 10200 East Freeway, Suite 101, Houston TX 77029 — within the Houston Ship Channel industrial corridor. All inorganic chemical analysis is performed in-house using IC, UV-Vis, and GC-TCD instrumentation. No send-outs. Samples received before 2:00 PM CST logged same day.

Primary Sector
Petroleum Refining
H₂S, SO₂, and CO monitoring for Houston Ship Channel refineries and petrochemical plants — operators running OSHA PSM programs with documented reactive gas exposure records. SO₂ accredited; H₂S and CO specialty in-house.
Municipal Utilities
Water & Wastewater
Cl₂ (AIHA-accredited via NIOSH 6011) and H₂S monitoring for Houston water treatment plants, Harris County MUD lift stations, and confined space entry programs at underground infrastructure facilities.
Industrial Sectors
Chemical Manufacturing
HCN, phosgene, NH₃ (accredited), and Cl₂ (accredited) monitoring for Houston's chemical corridor — isocyanate, polycarbonate, and ammonia synthesis operations requiring specialty gas monitoring and rapid TAT.
Maintenance & Construction
Combustion & Welding
NO₂, CO, and ozone (O₃ AIHA-accredited via OSHA Method 214) monitoring for Houston industrial maintenance contractors, turnaround operations, and facilities with indoor combustion or welding activities requiring task-based STEL sampling.
25+
Years AIHA
Accredited
10
Gases Tested
In-House
3
Instruments
IC · UV-Vis · GC
77029
Houston TX
10200 E. Freeway

Need an Accredited IH Lab for Inorganic Chemical & Reactive Gas Testing?

AIHA IHLAP (LAP-101470) · ISO/IEC 17025:2017 · 4 AIHA-accredited methods (SO₂, Cl₂, NH₃, O₃) · 6 specialty in-house methods (H₂S, NO₂, CO, HCN, ClO₂, phosgene) · IC · UV-Vis · GC-TCD · 10200 East Freeway, Houston TX 77029