IAQ Testing Services

When people think of air pollution, they often picture industrial smokestacks or manufacturing facilities. However, one of the most widespread and harmful pollution sources is far more common: busy roads and highways.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than forty-five million Americans live, work, or routinely spend time within roughly three hundred feet of major roads or transportation corridors. This close proximity increases the likelihood of exposure to traffic-related air pollutants.

Vehicles emit a complex mixture of contaminants, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and metals and debris originating from brake and tire wear. These pollutants tend to concentrate most heavily in the first few hundred feet downwind of roadways.

EPA research shows that these exposures pose significant health risks. Traffic-related air pollutants have been linked to reduced lung function, aggravated asthma, cardiovascular disease, and even premature death. Vulnerable populations, such as children, older adults, and individuals with preexisting respiratory or cardiac conditions, face heightened risks.

"Indoor environments can provide some important protection against near-roadway air pollution,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “One key strategy is keeping windows and doors closed, especially during peak traffic hours. Using high-efficiency air filters in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can help trap fine particles and reduce indoor pollution levels. Portable air purifiers with HEPA filters are also effective for smaller spaces or rooms where people spend the most time.”

With laboratory locations across North America, EMSL provides comprehensive air testing services, sampling supplies, and monitoring instruments for evaluating both indoor and outdoor air quality. Testing can help identify exposure hazards and guide effective mitigation strategies. EMSL has also recently sponsored an educational video about near-roadway air pollution, which can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/6wsinTkSEVY

For more information about air testing laboratory services, sampling supplies, or air monitoring instruments, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.