Operating principles of analytical techniques adopted to characterize organic compounds in air

Nowadays, indoor pollution is among the key topics in environmental sciences, due to impact on safety of life and work places. From both the physical (micro-climatic and fluid-dynamic) and chemical points of view, interiors experience situations very different from outdoors, and also within themselves. In particular, toxicants affecting air show distinct concentration profiles and behaviours, due to extension and nature of surfaces, low level of oxidants like ozone, presence of specific sources, ventilation and air exchange intensity. Due to wide range of concentrations, VOCs are measured by applying specific procedures and instruments. A recent category of air monitors is represented by sensors, which join quickness and easy access of response, reduced costs and space occupied, non-invasive character, chance of aggregating in rack.