Alpha Adds TO15 SIM To Ohio VAP Certification

Alpha Analytical expands its TO-15 VOC Ohio VAP certification offering, by adding SIM (Select Ion Monitoring) to our target reporting list. This method lowers the reporting limit for many of the certified analytes by an order of magnitude. 

What is Select Ion Monitoring? 

Method TO-15 allows operation by either continuously scanning a wide range of mass to charge ratios (FULL SCAN mode) or by select ion monitoring mode (SIM) of compounds on the target list.

In SIM mode the detector is programmed to scan a selected number of ions repeatedly which increases the sensitivity and lowers the reporting limits

Either SIM or FULL SCAN modes of operation can be used to measure target compounds. The choice of mode will depend on the number of target compounds, the detection limit you need, the decision of whether or not to determine tentatively identified compounds along, as well as on the analytical system characteristics.

What are the drawbacks? 

• Increases the possibility of interference between analytes present and other matrix interferences. Soil Vapor samples typically have higher concentrations than indoor air and therefore the use of SIM mode and lowering of limits can be negated by dilutions needed for some compounds. 
• Tentatively identified compounds (TICs) cannot be reported with data collected in just SIM mode. 

The Alpha Advantage. 

• Alpha analyzes both Full Scan and SIM data acquisitions concurrently from the same sample run. This allows reporting a complete target list using the Full Scan while also collecting, SIM data to meet the required low-level regulatory screening values.
• By acquiring both data outputs, this allows flexibility in further qualifying reported data if questions arise from interferences. 
• Allows reporting lower detection limits for specific compounds in samples with high target and/or non-target matrix interference. 
• Alpha offers fifty (50) target analytes on our SIM list and when used on complex sites, will provide more specific sample data for risk assessments.  

Applicability

OHIO VAP TO-15 Certification is required to report data for properties eligible to participate in the Ohio Voluntary Action Program (VAP). When analyzing for TO-15, the data are reviewed against screening standards either developed for the specific site or against VAP generic numerical standards in the Appendix to VAP Rule OAC 3745-300-08 under "Rules and Laws" of the DERR web site.

SIM Certified List 

Alpha has received approval for 50 target compounds for reporting by SIM. The list can be seen on the VAP program website for Certified Laboratories along with the extensive list for other matrices, methods and analytes.  The table below lists a few of the VOCs comparing EPA VISL screening levels with VAP generic standards and shows how the SIM detection limits help to meet the VAP standards.

EPA-VISL-RTIAC-5: EPA VISL Default Residential Target Indoor Air Concentrations (TCR = 1E-05; THQ = 1) Criteria per VISL Calculator, Updated November 2019 (November 2019 RSLs).

EPA-VISL-RTIAC-6: EPA VISL Default Residential Target Indoor Air Concentrations (TCR = 1E-06; THQ = 1) Criteria per VISL Calculator, Updated November 2019 (November 2019 RSLs).

OH-R-IAVI: Ohio Residential Land Use Generic Indoor Air Standards due to Vapor Intrusion Criteria per VAP Rules OAC 3745-300-08 effective October 17, 2019.

OH-VAP-IAS-R: Ohio Generic Indoor Air Standards - Residential Land Use Category Criteria per VAP Rules OAC 3745-300-08 effective October 17, 2019.

Alpha Analytical provides a full range of air analytical services. 
For more information please contact the Alpha Air Program Team at airtesting@alphalab.com or Alpha Midwest Account
Manager Ben Dressman at bdressman@alphalab.com or
859-653-4738.