In this 19th episode, I discuss the question, "Why are we still using inferior field measurements from "Sniffers?""

In this Episode 19, I talk about how "Sniffers"; "PIDs" (Photo Ionization Detector), FIDs (Flame Ionization Detector) and OVAs (Organic Vapor Analyzers) provide unreliable results. As such, I ask the question, "why are we still using these?"

When you get results are starkly different from laboratory results, sometimes more and sometimes less and in both cases, vastly different to the tune of 2-10x different, does the information they provide have any value?

I'd argue that the information not only has no value, worse, relying upon that information, could be a horrible decision.

Some reasons for why these detectors aka "Sniffers" could provide bad information, is the filter could be dirty, the device wasn't recently calibrated or the wind is blowing. Regardless of the reason, they are still used because they are easy to use. But being easy to use, to get an answer, doesn't mean the answer is right. And having the wrong answer could be very costly.

In this episode, I go over some report results that prompted this topic, whereby, in the same report of results, the PID used was sometimes lower by 10x and sometimes higher by 2x. Not even consistently one way or the other. Flip-flopped back and forth. This suggests that the data is completely unreliable from the PID and using it for anything could cause very bad decisions.

So I ask why, "why are these still being used?"

Use a reliable field measurement, like that provided by our Ongoing Sponsor Hanby Environmental's Field Test Kits. They have been providing results for the last 39 years all across The World, providing results that can be relied upon!

"Thank You" Hanby Environmental" for continuing to support this podcast's effort to have a positive impact on The Remediation Industry.

If you have a future topic you'd like to hear on a show or a specific question you'd like to hear addressed, reach out via email at [email protected] and we'll get it.

"Thank You" for tuning in!