ACTAV can detect the presence and concentration of many airborne toxins in industrial environments. Concentration data would then inform ventilation response to ensure exposure levels in compliance with OSHA regulations. Some of the commonly encountered toxins are discussed below.

Beryllium

Beryllium is exposed to workers typically in the form of fumes, dust or solution. Inhalation and skin contact can result in health effects such as chronic beryllium disease (CBD) or lung cancer. In rare cases of exposure to extremely high concentrations of beryllium, acute beryllium disease (ABD) can occur and may be fatal in 10 percent of cases.

Exposure occurs in many industries including aerospace, electronics, metal recycling, laboratories, machine shops, welding, and smelting/foundries just to name a few. It is very prevalent as it has many useful attributes typically in the form of beryllium oxide (in electronics) or in alloys of copper, aluminum, magnesium, and nickel where it improves strength and thermal stability/conductivity.

Cadmium

Cadmium is exposed to workers typically in the form of dust and fumes. Excessive exposure can lead to a variety of health concerns including cancer. In more immediate high-exposure timeframes, symptoms can be flu-like, and if exposure is chronic then disease in the kidney, bone and lung can occur.

Exposure occurs in many industries including electroplating, metal machining, painting, welding, and battery manufacturing. Additionally, stripping of cadmium coatings in preparation for recoating explicitly generates respirable cadmium-laden dust.

Lead

Lead is a well-documented hazard both in homes and industrial environments. While it has been outlawed in paint and gasoline, which enable widespread exposure, it is still prevalent in occupational environments. Primarily, lead-laden dust produced from manufacturing processes, construction, transportation, remediation, and trade environments. Exposure to lead can lead to a variety of threatening conditions including impaired kidney function, neurological effects, long-term cognitive disfunction, and birth defects when exposed to pregnant women. High concentration exposure can result in significant physical effects such as convulsions, coma, and potentially death.

Thorium

Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive material. It is widely present in everyday environments, but in very insignificant concentrations. However, in certain industries like metal manufacturing for aerospace, welding, and thermal spray coatings thoriated materials are used. Negative health effects are typical when thorium dust is inhaled or contacts your skin. It can cause significant health issues like lung disease, lung cancer, or pancreatic cancer.

Methylene chloride

Methylene chloride is a chemical often a byproduct of chemical processes like plating. The fumes are toxic and require constant ventilation to ensure operators do not experience a variety of symptoms including nausea, confusion, vomiting and other illnesses. Direct skin exposure can result in irritation or chemical burns.