Formaldehyde, asbestos, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be found in even the most commonly used building materials, such as adhesives, particle boards, and insulation. The problem is that when these harmful chemicals are emitted into indoor air over time, they can cause skin irritation, aggravate respiratory conditions, or, in extreme cases, increase the risk of cancer. 

To avoid exposure to these potential indoor air pollutants, many in the construction industry rely on Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. This analytical technique uses infrared light to identify organic and inorganic compounds in a sample. In this case, it is used to determine harmful substances present in construction materials. 

FTIR spectrometry's main advantage is that it can detect various compounds, such as plasticizers, organic solvents, or asbestos, without destroying the sample material. There's no need to mix it with chemicals or send it to the lab for analysis. Instead, it only requires a quick wipe and contact with an ATR crystal to begin the testing process.

Today, construction teams and building inspectors bring and use portable FTIR units to test materials on-site. For instance, when renovating indoor spaces, they can screen old insulation for chrysotile asbestos and use the test results to decide if they will replace it with new insulation. Likewise, before installing new flooring, they can use this technique to check for signs of VOCs to avoid costly rework and potential exposure to harmful chemicals. 

Read the full article here to learn more about the advantages of using FTIR spectrometry in materials testing.

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