Introduction

Inorganic chemicals and gases such as ammonia, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and hydrogen sulfide are widely used or generated in industrial manufacturing, wastewater treatment, pulp and paper processing, fertilizers, semiconductor production, and combustion systems. These gases can cause acute toxicity, corrosion, respiratory irritation, and life-threatening exposures even at low concentrations.

AGT Labs provides accredited monitoring, sampling media, and laboratory analysis to evaluate airborne concentrations, verify engineering controls, and maintain compliance with OSHA PELs, ACGIH TLVs, and emergency response requirements.

Industrial Sources of Inorganic Chemicals & Reactive Gas Release

Reactive inorganic gases are commonly released during operations such as:

  • Ammonia compression, refrigeration, and fertilizer systems
  • Chlorine gas handling, storage, and disinfection processes
  • SO₂ and NOx generation from boilers and combustion units
  • H₂S release from wastewater treatment and petroleum refining
  • Chemical reactions producing acid gases or corrosive by-products
  • Leaks from pipelines, flanges, valves, and gas cylinders

Understanding these sources helps select correct sampling media and design appropriate monitoring strategies.

Purpose

Industrial operations involving ammonia, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrogen sulfide require reliable air monitoring to prevent acute toxicity and corrosion damage. AGT Labs quantifies toxic and corrosive inorganic chemicals and gases to verify compliance with OSHA and ACGIH exposure limits and ensure emergency preparedness.

Inorganic Gas Monitoring

Testing Overview

Sampling follows NIOSH methods: 6013 (H₂S), 6014 (SO₂), 6016 (NO₂), 6017 (NH₃), and 6019 (Cl₂).

  • Gases captured on chemically treated sorbent tubes or impingers
  • Analyzed by Ion Chromatography (IC) or UV-Vis spectrophotometry
  • Direct-reading instruments may be used for leak detection
IC Gas Analysis Lab

Testing Options

Personal Breathing-Zone Monitoring

Assess worker exposure to toxic gases via integrated or real-time methods.

Area & Confined-Space Sampling

Monitoring for maintenance, shutdowns, and high-risk operations.

Short-Term & TWA Measurements

STEL and time-weighted average exposure assessment.

Ambient & Community Assessment

Evaluate off-site impacts near industrial areas.

Emergency Incident Response

Rapid post-release verification and corrective actions.

Sampling Media & Equipment Supply

  • Chemically treated sorbent tubes specific to target gases
  • Glass impingers with absorption solutions
  • Low-flow sampling pumps (100–500 mL/min)
  • Calibration gases and chain-of-custody documentation

All supplies are delivered pre-conditioned with stability certificates.

Sampling Guidelines

  • Use media matched to gas chemistry
  • Protect samples from heat and light
  • Calibrate instruments using certified gases
  • Document process conditions and duration

Strategies for Monitoring Toxic & Corrosive Gas Exposures

Reliable monitoring includes a combination of integrated sampling, real-time sensors, and task-based assessments. High-risk scenarios include confined space entry, chemical charging, startup/shutdown cycles, and emergency releases.

  • Direct-reading instruments for leaks and spikes
  • Integrated sampling for regulatory compliance
  • Continuous fixed monitoring for critical processes
  • Validation of scrubbers, ventilation systems, and alarms

These strategies in inorganic chemicals ensure comprehensive exposure evaluation and support rapid response during abnormal conditions.

Accreditation & Standards

NIOSH 6013–6019 OSHA ID-101 / ID-103 ISO/IEC 17025 AIHA-LAP Industrial Hygiene

Deliverables & Value-Added Services for Inorganic Gases

  • Concentrations (ppm / mg/m³) for each gas
  • Comparison to OSHA PEL / STEL / Ceiling limits
  • Control recommendations and ventilation analysis
  • Calibration and QA/QC documentation
  • Leak source tracking and incident support
  • Emergency response and CIH consultation

Summary

AGT Labs provides comprehensive monitoring and accredited analysis for reactive inorganic chemicals and gases—helping facilities maintain safe operations and meet regulatory obligations with confidence.

Contact AGT Labs

Reach out to our team for inorganic gases testing support.

Email: info@agtlabs.com Call: +1 (713) 453-6090
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