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Author Archives: TERA ENVIRONNEMENT

Your preferred partner for soil gas assessment and site supervision

Posted on 7 July 2025 - 13h19 by

Your preferred partner for soil gas assessment and site supervision

On decontamination or construction/demolition sites, air quality is a major issue for health, safety and the environment. TERA Environnement puts its expertise at the service of your projects to guarantee rigorous, responsive monitoring.
As an active member of the “Polluted Sites and Soils” working groups run by BRGM (Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières) and UPDS (Union des Professionnels de la Dépollution des Sites), TERA Environnement is widely recognized for its expertise in air analysis on polluted sites and soils.

TERA Environnement offers a comprehensive range of services for contaminated sites and soils:

  • Soil gas assessment
  • Occupational exposure assessment
  • Indoor and outdoor ambient air measurements
  • Monitoring fine particles and atmospheric fallout
  • Measurement of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances) and microplastics

Why choose TERA Environnement?

  • A 100% independent laboratory at the exclusive service of its customers
  • Personalized technical support and direct access to our engineers, available by phone
  • Support in designing sampling campaigns (choice of compounds, sampling media, quantification limits, etc.).
  • Proven responsiveness, with quotations sent quickly and results available on short notice
  • A wide range of equipment available: sampling racks, pumps, microsensors, etc.
  • A customer satisfaction rate in excess of 99% (source: 2024 satisfaction survey)

A complete analytical offering : provision of supports and equipment to support your analyses

TERA Environnement offers a wide range of analytical services:

  • Extensive screening of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), from 5 to 50 major compounds, or analysis of targeted compounds according to your specific needs
  • Gaseous mercury analysis with low quantification limit (5 ng/support) under COFRAC accreditation; accreditation 1-5599, scope available on cofrac.fr (performed on SKC passive badge in outdoor ambient air and on hopcalite 500 mg tube in outdoor ambient air or soil gas).

This offer also includes the provision of adapted equipment:

Emergency analysis : TERA Environnement’s DNA

Some worksites may have to be suspended while awaiting analysis results. To limit these delays, TERA Environnement offers an emergency air analysis service, available within 24, 48 or 72 working hours.

This service can be activated even on weekends and public holidays, thanks to our on-call system (conditions and rates available on request).

Some of our customer references in 2025

Rehabilitation of the former Mobil refinery in Frontignan, France

 

 

Duration: 4 years (2022-2026)
Antea Group – Séché

TELT construction site
(Tunnel Euralpin Lyon Turin)

 

 

Duration: 8 years (2023-2031)
Ginger Burgeap

Safety work on the massive slag deposits in the Calanques of Marseille

 

Duration: 4 years (2024-2028)
Antea Group

VOC, sulfur compound and dust measurements

Monitoring objectives:
- Worker exposure
- Air handling unit efficiency
- Impact on the environment and local residents





> Urgent delivery of results within 48 to 72 hours.
Discover the measurement solutions offered by our laboratory
1

Real-time monitoring of PM 10 and PM 2.5

Monitoring objectives:
- Impact on local residents




> Availability of online air quality bulletins:

https://www.telt.eu/fr/les-enjeux/environnement/observatoire-environnement/
Discover the measurement solutions offered by our laboratory
2

Dust and metal measurements

Monitoring objectives:
- Impact on local residents
- Possible adjustment of work implementation



Missions :
- Antea Group: zero assessment, interpretation and site monitoring
- TERA Environnement: equipment rental and air and atmospheric fallout analyses
Discover the measurement solutions offered by our laboratory
3

*Consult our scopes of accreditation: Accréditation Cofrac Essais 1-5598 et 1-5599, list of sites and scopes available on cofrac.fr

Scope of our Crolles laboratory: 1-5598 Fuveau laboratory: 1-5599 Scope of our Fuveau laboratory: 1-5599

TERA Environnement has over 20 years’ experience in air analysis and contamination control.

Consult our analysis, sampling media and equipment rental services

Air analyses
Sampling media
Monitoring stations

Do you have any questions or do you need a quote ? Contact us to find out more about our analysis services.

Quote request

Invisible yesterday, analyzable today : spotlight on microplastics

Posted on 22 May 2025 - 13h17 by

Invisible yesterday, analyzable today : spotlight on microplastics

What are microplastics ?

Microplastics are tiny particles of synthetic polymers, generally defined as less than 5 millimeters in size. They have become a major concern due to their ubiquitous presence in the environment and their potential effects on human health and ecosystems.

There are two types of microplastics :

  • Primary microplastics, which are intentionally manufactured in a reduced size : this is the case of microbeads and flakes in cosmetics or cleaning products, industrial granules, etc.

  • Secondary microplastics, which result from the degradation of larger plastics under the effect of sun, wind, water or mechanical wear. Examples include synthetic textile fibers, fragments of plastic bags, tire dust, etc.

Where do we find microplastics in our environment ?

Secondary microplastics make up the majority of microplastics present in the environment. They are found in :

  • In oceans, soil, food, drinking water and air.
  • They can be transported over long distances by wind or ocean currents.

Below is a scheme illustrating the main sources and pathways of microplastics in the environment.

Discover the main sources and pathways of microplastics in the environment

Why are micoplastics a concern for our health and ecosystems ?

The toxicity of a plastic particle depends largely on its size, shape, composition and ability to bind with other chemicals present in the ecosystem. Larger, more rigid particles can lodge in the intestines of consumers and cause intestinal obstruction, while smaller particles and fibers (nano) can have metabolic effects.

The growing production of plastic over the last century has led to an increase in plastic waste, resulting in global contamination by microplastics. Resistant to degradation, plastics can persist in the environment for decades, posing risks to flora and fauna.

Particles can be ingested, inhaled or – for sufficiently small nanoplastics – absorbed through the skin; their toxicity depends on their size, shape and composition.

Microbial communities (biofilms) can also form on the surface of these particles. These biofilms may contain pathogens and other toxic substances, increasing toxicity and adverse effects on the ecosystem population.

How to measure microplastics in the lab ?

ISO standards play a crucial role in standardizing microplastics analysis methods, but there are currently very few of them.

  • ISO 24187: 2023 : Principles for the analysis of microplastics in the environment including air, including particle size classification and sample preparation.

  • ISO 16094-2 and ISO 16094-3 : Methods for the analysis of microplastics in water, using FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, as well as thermo-analytical techniques such as pyrolysis-GC-MS.

IR spectroscopy

European regulations on the analysis of microplastics in drinking water include specific recommendations for the use of infrared (IR) or Raman optical micro-spectroscopy. These methods are preferred for their reliability in detecting low concentrations of microplastics : “These low levels are more reliably detectable by IR or Raman optical micro-spectroscopy methods than by thermo-analytical methods.” Therefore this method was preferred by the commission for microplastics analysis.

What does TERA Environnement offer for the detection and analysis of microplastics ?

TERA Environnement has been offering infrared microscopy analysis of microplastics in various environmental media since 2024 : air, water, soil.

TERA Environnement’s initial focus was on monitoring construction sites and coastal landfill reclamation work, with the objective of “zero plastic waste at sea”. It began by analyzing microplastics in ambient air using passive sampling via dipsticks.

In order to master all the matrices involved in the study of coastal landfills, microplastic analysis was deployed in surface water, groundwater and seawater.

The analysis of microplastics in soils, a logical follow-up to the site survey, is carried out with the help of a partner laboratory for sample pre-treatment.

Gauge for sampling microplastics
in ambient air

At the same time, TERA Environnement has developed the analysis of microplastics by infrared microscopy on the other aerial environments that the laboratory is used to treating.

The European CSRD directive calls for the evaluation of all microplastic discharges from the industries concerned; TERA Environnement therefore offers analysis of microplastics in atmospheric emissions.

Assessment of workers’ exposure to microplastics is also offered by TERA Environnement.

It’s important to emphasize that this critical purification stage requires highly specialized expertise, which our team has developed and perfected over the years, thanks to the wide range of samples we have analyzed.

IR image of a sample containing
microplastics

TERA Environnement has over 20 years’ experience in air analysis and contamination control.

Consult our analysis, sampling media and equipment rental services

Air analysis
Sampling media
Measurement stations

Do you have any questions or do you need a quote? Contact us to find out more about our analysis services.

Quote request

World Asthma Day – The importance of air pollutants characterization

Posted on 7 May 2025 - 13h24 by

World Asthma Day – The importance of air pollutants characterization

Asthma, a chronic disease that’s important to diagnose

World Asthma Day, set up by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), took place this year on May 6, 2025. It aims to raise awareness of this chronic respiratory disease among the general public and healthcare professionals.
Asthma is a persistent inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes, often linked to allergic factors. It manifests itself through intermittent respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and sometimes sputum. In some cases, these symptoms can evolve into severe attacks. According to the WHO, it is the most common chronic disease in children. Some 339 million people worldwide suffer from asthma.

In France, an estimated 4 million people suffer from asthma, including many children. Among adults, 15-20% of cases are work-related. Occupational asthma is the most common respiratory disease in industrialized countries. It is caused or aggravated by inhalation of irritating substances in workplace, such as isocyanates, metals or wood dust.

In addition, between 2016 and 2019, Santé publique France assessed the impact of exposure to ambient air pollution on several diseases. This study highlighted a link between exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and the development of respiratory pathologies, particularly asthma in adults and children.

TERA Environnement helps you monitor air quality

In this context, air quality monitoring is an essential prevention lever. TERA Environnement contributes to this approach by offering solutions for measuring and analyzing various atmospheric pollutants, such as NO₂ (under COFRAC Essais* accreditation) and PM2.5, in outdoor environments with the provision of passive or active media. In this monitoring context, we also offer the provision of NEMO-connected measuring stations enabling concentrations to be tracked in real time.

Our expertise also extends to air quality in workplace. We support you in your monitoring initiatives by offering targeted analyses, such as metal, dust and wood dust analysis (under COFRAC Essais* accreditation), or isocyanate analysis by ToxiLabo laboratory, part of Groupe TERA. These analyses enable us to assess exposure and limit risks to workers’ health.

*Consult our scopes of Cofrac accreditation Tests 1-5598 and 1-5599, list of sites and scopes available on cofrac.fr

Scope of our Crolles laboratory: 1-5598 & Scope of our Fuveau laboratory: 1-5599

Consult our air analysis and sampling media services

Sampling media
Air analysis

Do you have any questions or do you need a quote? Contact us to find out more about our analysis services.

Quote request

Extending our expertise in crystalline silica analysis

Posted on 24 April 2025 - 18h04 by

Extending our expertise in crystalline silica analysis

Crystalline silica exists mainly in three forms: quartz (the most common), cristobalite and tridymite. It can be released in dust form during various activities (cutting, sanding, demolition, quarrying…) and is essential in many fields, but it is important to note that inhalation of its particles can be hazardous to health.

Crystalline silica is an abundant natural material found in many sources:

  • Sand: Quartz is the most common form of crystalline silica and is widely found in sand.
  • Gravel and clay: These materials also contain quartz.
  • Rocks: Granite and other rock types are important sources of crystalline silica.
  • Building materials: Concrete, brick, mortar, plaster and other building materials contain crystalline silica.

Effects of crystalline silica and regulations

Exposure is mainly by the respiratory route, and can cause irritation, chronic bronchitis and even pulmonary fibrosis (silicosis). Crystalline silica is also classified as a known human carcinogen (CIRC Group 1).

In order to protect workers, the French Labour Code strictly regulates its use (articles R.4412-59 to R.4412-93) and sets binding occupational exposure limit values (VLEP) (article R. 4412-149) for the respirable fraction:

  • Quartz: 0,1 mg/m³
  •  Cristobalite and tridymite: 0,05 mg/m³

The French Labor Code also sets a VLEP for mixtures of silica and other dusts (articles R.4412-154 and R.4412-155).

Our expertise in work environment / professional exposure

To meet the requirements of the French Labor Code, TERA Environnement has been offering analysis of the respirable fraction of crystalline silica on PVC and foam filters in workplace air at its Fuveau laboratory since 2023. In addition, we also carry out analyses of respirable dust on the same media, under COFRAC testing accreditation.

Consult our scope of accreditation Cofrac Essais 1-5599 : Scope of our Fuveau laboratory: 1-5599

With several years’ experience in crystalline silica analysis, we have expanded our services to include analysis of crystalline silica in outdoor ambient air and on surfaces.

New offer: ambient air and surface contamination control

Crystalline silica is highly volatile and can disperse beyond work areas and impact the environment.

To assess the impact of this dispersion, we propose to take samples from :

  • Leckel / partisol: dust and crystalline silica analysis on 47 mm PVC filter.

And the media now available: 

  • Owen gauge: analysis of dust, crystalline silica and metals.
  • DIEM deposition plate: dust and crystalline silica analysis.

Wipes

DIEM brochure

Owen gauge

We are also extending our expertise to the high-tech sector, where control of surface contamination is crucial.

In this context, TERA Environnement now offers crystalline silica measurement on wipes, to check for residues on sensitive surfaces.

As for silica analysis on foams or PVC filters, samples are prepared as follows:

1 - Calcination of sample in muffle furnace
2 - Recovery of calcined sample in solvent
3 - Analysis of crystalline silica by X-ray diffractometry (XRD)

Consult our scopes of accreditation in Workplace Air: Accréditation Cofrac Essais 1-5598 et 1-5599, list of sites and scopes available on cofrac.fr

Scope of our Crolles laboratory: 1-5598 & Scope of our Fuveau laboratory: 1-5599

Consult our Workplace Air Analysis and Sampling Media services

Sampling media
Air analysis

Do you have any questions or do you need a quote? Contact us to find out more about our analysis services.

Quote request

TERA Environnement adapts to new IAQ standards

Posted on 1 April 2025 - 16h20 by

TERA Environnement adapts to new IAQ standards

TERA Environnement completes its support offer for the INTAIRIEUR® label

Our laboratory is expanding its range of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) analyses to meet the requirements of the new INTAIRIEUR® label protocol (published on August 1, 2024), for the measurement of pollutants in service sector buildings.

The INTAIRIEUR® tertiary label applies to offices, early childhood establishments, educational buildings, hotels and healthcare centers that are committed to improving indoor air quality. It helps future occupants to perpetuate an approach initiated by the builder.

Enhance your Indoor Air Quality with TERA Environnement!

A complete package for monitoring VOCs, aldehydes and fine particles (PM1 and PM2.5)

TERA Environnement’s offer includes the supply of sampling media, the performance of analyses – some of which are COFRAC accredited* – and the rental of measuring stations for continuous monitoring.

Nemo_3_detour

Sampling media

Laboratory analysis

Measurement stations

The INTAIRIEUR® label, more than just a reference for TERA Environnement

Our laboratory is sharing its extensive experience in indoor air testing by contributing to the drafting of the INTAIRIEUR® protocol.

TERA Environnement has been carrying out INTAIRIEUR® label analyses since its creation, and can help you implement your campaigns by advising you on sampling conditions.

And always an IAQ offer adapted to each of the main Building Certification standards…

BREEAM®, HQE, LEED, WELL™, INTAIRIEUR®: each standard has its own pollutants of interest, its own analysis methods and its own sampling protocol.
Our laboratories offer a tailored package to meet each of your measurement needs: media, analyses, sampling equipment and continuous monitoring.

Click below to find out more about IAQ standards

Personalized support

At TERA Environnement, we offer personalized support for every project. We work in partnership with you to develop a pollutant measurement plan tailored to your needs and constraints. We guide you through the certification process, offering you the benefit of our advice and experience in these fields.

More than 20 years’ experience in air analysis, particularly of indoor air!

In addition to regulatory requirements (LAB REF 30) and environmental labels, TERA Environnement offers a wide range of indoor air quality services to help you :

TERA Environnement participates in the INTAIRIEUR® and HQE label working and review groups, demonstrating the laboratory’s commitment to the field of indoor air quality.
And for even more comprehensive support, TERA Environnement makes it easier to carry out sampling campaigns in the field, by posting videos online to facilitate the use of sampling media.

See our accredited Indoor Air measurements:

*Scope of our Crolles laboratory: 1-5598 available on cofrac.fr/en

Find out more about our indoor air analysis, sampling media and equipment rental services.

Sampling media
Measurement stations
Air analysis

Do you have any questions or do you need a quote? Contact us to find out more about our analysis services.

Quote request

Emergency air analyses to meet Lubrizol Circular requirements

Posted on 12 March 2025 - 11h02 by

Emergency air analyses to meet Lubrizol Circular requirements

What is the “post-Lubrizol reglementation” ?

In 2012, the European Parliament introduced the 2012/18/EU directive known as “Seveso 3”. This directive lays down rules for the prevention of major accidents which involve dangerous substances, and the limitation of their consequences for human health and the environment, with a view to ensuring a high level of protection throughout the Union in a consistent and effective manner. It was transposed into French law by decree 26/05/14 relative to prevention of major accidents involving lower and upper-tier establishments.

A few years later, following a fire at the Lubrizol factory in Rouen (France) this decree was completed with circular n°2020-1168 of 24/09/20, known as the “Lubrizol” circular. It requires operators of Seveso sites to set up internal emergency plans, train staff in incident procedures and provide sampling and environmental analysis facilities to assess the impact of an accident. Sources INERIS (The French National Institue for Industrial Environment and Risks): decree no. 2020-1168 of 24/09/20 and order of 26/05/14 .

INERIS has set up RIPA (a French network bringing together organisms with an accreditation for sampling and analyses) to help manufacturers find competent companies offering solutions in line with the Lubrizol circular. It brings together samplers and laboratories specialized in air quality analysis and monitoring of atmospheric pollutants, but above all capable of reacting in emergency situations. TERA environnement joined RIPA in 2023, confirming our capabilities in terms of analytical performance, the reliability of our analytical methods and our responsiveness to accident situations. On the one hand, we provide ready-to-use sampling media to respond to any incident, and on the other, we offer emergency post-accident analysis (<24 hours after receipt of samples).

Why choose our lab ?

1 – Reactivity:

This word is the one our customers associate with TERA Environnement when asked to characterize our laboratory in a single term. TERA Environnement’s values include being as close as possible to your needs, and responding as quickly as possible. In line with this same proactive and reactive approach, a system of on-call duty has been set up for several years now, covering weekends and public holidays. We can therefore receive and analyze your samples on a daily basis, and send you an analysis report within the same timeframe.

Source: 2024 satisfaction survey

2 – Experience and professionalism :

With over 20 years’ experience in air analysis under tight deadlines (in 24 hours or less) and a member of RIPA since 2023, we have undeniable experience in managing post-accident situations. It’s also worth noting that, back in 2014, our laboratory was able to work concretely on the sampling matrix for odorous compounds in post-accident situations.

3 – More than just an analysis laboratory :

TERA environnement will help you set up your emergency plan and provide you with all the necessary sampling equipment (canister, passive supports, etc.) as required by the Lubrizol Circular. In an emergency situation, the laboratory and its team will also support you throughout the analysis process, providing case follow-up and technical support to answer any questions you may have about crisis management.

Take a look at the analyses commonly proposed in the Lubrizol Circular.

The canister: excellent support in the event of an accident

The canister is an alternative sampling medium to the TEDLAR bag. It consists of a spherical vacuum canister with a SiloniteTM coating on the inside. This coating prevents the absorption of molecules on the walls, guaranteeing more accurate and representative analyses. TERA environnement has been carrying out air analyses on canisters for 20 years, giving us in-depth expertise and guaranteeing the reliability of our results.

Sampling can be carried out instantaneously or over several hours using a Veriflow flowmeter, offering the flexibility to adapt to analysis requirements. A wide range of compounds can be detected, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mercaptans, siloxanes and other air pollutants critical in post-accident situations.

Why is the canister the medium of choice for post-accident sampling?

  • Stability of molecules after sampling: Unlike other media, the canister preserves the integrity of the gases and vapors collected over a longer period.
  • Reduced risk of contamination: The vacuum system and internal lining limit interactions between the sampled air and the container wall.
  • Quick and easy to use: Easy to use, the canister requires no pre-treatment of samples, and fits perfectly into emergency protocols.
  • Compliance with regulatory requirements: Its use is recommended within the framework of the Lubrizol circular for improved accuracy and reliability of analyses.

TERA Environnement, your trusted ally for managing emergencies and demanding projects with guaranteed results in less than 24 hours, 7 days a week!

Consult our air analysis, equipment rental and supply services.

Sampling media
Air analysis

Do you have any questions or do you need a quote? Contact us to find out more about our analysis services.

Quote request

Measurement of quaternary ammoniums in workplace air

Posted on 20 February 2025 - 16h00 by

Measurement of quaternary ammoniums in workplace air

What are quaternary ammoniums?

Quaternary ammoniums are a family of chemical compounds derived from ammonium (NH4+). Their general structure comprises a cationic moiety consisting of a nitrogen atom linked to four alkyl chains and a halogen atom (usually chlorine). They are mainly used for their disinfectant and biocidal properties. Quaternary ammoniums are classified by generation according to their chemical evolution and antimicrobial efficacy. In all, there are five generations of quaternary ammoniums. Two of the five generations are detailed below:
  • 1st generation: quaternary ammonium Benzalkonium chlorides (BAC) – CAS: 8001-54-5, mainly used in household products, antiseptic solutions and veterinary products. This generation comprises compounds with “alkyl” chains from C8 to C18.
  • 2nd generation: quaternary ammoniums Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides (ADBAC) – CAS: 68424-85-1, used as hospital disinfectants or industrial cleaners, with a broader spectrum of action than the first generation.

Properties and uses of quaternary ammoniums

Quaternary ammoniums are chemical compounds with disinfectant, surfactant and antistatic properties. Widely used in cleaning, cosmetic and industrial products, they eliminate bacteria, viruses and fungi by destroying their cell membranes. Although effective, they also present health risks (irritation, allergies).

In the respiratory tract, acute exposure to vapors or aerosols can cause :

  • Irritation of the nose, throat and lungs
  • Acute lung disease

Chronic exposure can lead to allergic manifestations. A few cases of occupational asthma and rhinitis caused by quaternary ammoniums have been reported: PubMed and INRS sources.

The main sectors concerned by the use of this family of compounds are presented below.

Workplace air / Occupational exposure

Hospitals, clinics and retirement homes

  • Risk of exposure to cleaning staff, nurses and hospital workers through intensive use of quaternary ammonium-based disinfectants for cleaning surfaces and medical equipment.

Cleaning and maintenance companies

  • Risk to staff using disinfectant solutions on a daily basis in offices, schools, hotels, airports, etc.

Pharmaceutical laboratories and industries

  • Risk of exposure for laboratory technicians and production workers when using quaternary ammoniums for sterilization of equipment and surfaces.

Other sectors may also be concerned, such as food processing and catering (disinfection of production lines and work surfaces), cosmetics or chemical industries manufacturing household products.

How do you measure quaternary ammoniums in the workplace?

Several methods have been published for measuring quaternary ammoniums in the workplace, one of which involves pumping air through a tube filled with XAD-2 (active sampling): sources INRS and PubMed.

Our laboratory can help you with these samples by providing you with XAD-2 sampling tubes and sampling pumps.

Why trust us with your quaternary ammoniums measurements ?

TERA Environnement offers quaternary ammonium measurement using a method adapted from two papers published on PubMed: HPLC-UV analysis of tubes filled with XAD-2.

We are able to measure around ten compounds among first-generation (BAC, CAS: 8001-54-5 from C8 to C18) and second generation quaternary ammoniums (ADBAC – CAS: 68424-85-1).

Analysis of quaternary ammoniums by HPLC-UV after active sampling on XAD-2 tube

HPLC-UV analysis of quaternary ammoniums

Contact us to find out more about our media supply and analysis services.

Sampling media
Air analysis

Do you have any questions or do you need a quote? Contact us to find out more about our analysis services.

Quote request

Measurement of nitrous oxide (N2O) in air

Posted on 5 February 2025 - 10h30 by

Measurement of nitrous oxide (N2O) in air

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), a gas with major impacts. Why is it essential to measure it?

Nitrous oxide (CAS n°: 10024-97-2) is considered as one of the most dangerous greenhouse gases for the environment, contributing to both stratospheric ozone depletion and global warming.

In addition to its alarming role as a greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide, also known as nitrogen protoxide or laughing gas for its medical and recreational uses, is also toxic to humans. In the event of acute exposure, it can cause digestive, neurological or irritative disorders, and can even cause respiratory or cardiac damage in the event of heavy exposure.

For repeated, low-dose (chronic) exposure, nitrous oxide can cause neurological (impaired cognitive performance) and hematological damage, and adversely affect fertility and development.

Nitrous oxide can be found in a variety of media

Atmospheric emissions & Soil gases

  • Chemical industry :

It is one of the priority compounds to be identified in emissions from stationary sources, notably because of its presence in atmospheric emissions, particularly during the manufacture of nylon, glyoxal and nitric, adipic and glyoxylic acids.

  • Agriculture :

When nitrogen fertilizers are applied to soils, they undergo nitrification and denitrification processes. These biological processes transform nitrogen into various forms, including N₂O, which is then released into the atmosphere or trapped in soil gases (nitrification/denitrification phenomena in cultivated soils).

  • Hospitals and veterinary surgeries:

Professionals in various sectors are likely to be regularly exposed, such as hospital and veterinary practitioners, who are particularly exposed to nitrous oxide due to its use as an anesthetic in surgery.

  • Food industry, Microelectronics, Aerospace :

N₂O can be used as a propellant in food aerosols, such as whipped cream, in the manufacture of semiconductors or even as an oxidizer for rocket engines.

Workplace air / Occupational exposure

Established or recommended Occupational Exposure Limits Values (OELVs)

Occupational exposure limits values have been established or are recommended by various national bodies.

In Germany and the United States - 8h OELV established

Germany: 100 ppm or 180 mg/m3

United States: 50 ppm or 90 mg/m3

In the air - Anaesthesia in the United States :

In the USA, NIOSH recommends 25 ppm as the 8h-OELV to nitrous oxide during the anesthetic administration period.

In France - 8h OELV recommended

25 ppm or 45 mg/m3

Air in the workplace - Anaesthesia in France :

In France, circular DGS/3A/667 bis of October 10, 1985 sets the limit value for exposure during the maintenance phase of anesthesia at 25 ppm.

Note that since February 2024, in France, the Anses has recommended a OELV for nitrous oxide of 25 ppm (i.e. 45 mg/m3) over 8h of exposure, as well as an indicative STEL-15min (short-term exposure limit values) of 225 mg/m3 (opinion and collective expertise report).

Visit the ANSES website

Why trust us with your nitrous oxide (N₂O) measurements?

TERA environnement offers you a comprehensive package, including the provision of sampling media and analysis services. In addition, we can support you in a wide range of matrices, from soil gases and air emissions to air in the workplace. Our limits of quantification (LOQ) are lower than the OELV.

  • Outdoor ambient air and industrial emissions:

Sampling on canisters, TEDLAR bags or multi-layer bags for measurements in ambient air and at emission points, and analysis by OL GC TCD.

  • Workplace air:

We offer analysis of nitrous oxide in workplace air using a zeolite tube (BaZSM5), either on the operator or at a fixed station. These systems are based on research carried out by INRS, and are manufactured and marketed by Antelia.

We offer 2 sampling methods for these tubes:

  • A long passive measurement (between 1h and 4h) according to INRS MétroPol M-415 followed by analysis by ATD GC TCD.
  • A short active measurement (less than 30 minutes) followed by analysis by ATD GC TCD according to INRS MétroPol M-416, too.

These 2 measures are recommended by Anses in their above-mentioned collective expertise report as part of the regulatory technical control of the OELV-8H and STEL-15min (Short-Term Limit Value) respectively.

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) analysis by ATD GC TCD after passive sampling on zeolite tube

Passive sampling of N₂O on zeolite tube

Analysis of nitrous oxide (N₂O) in ATD GC TCD

Contact us to find out more about our media supply and analysis services.

Sampling media
Air analysis

Do you have any questions or do you need a quote? Contact us to find out more about our analysis services.

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Participation in the PFAS Technical Day with AXELERA

Posted on 25 November 2024 - 15h30 by

Participation in the PFAS Technical Day with AXELERA

On November 21, 2024, we were able to take part in the PFAS Technical Day organized by AXELERA. This event was a valuable opportunity to share and discuss significant advances in the field of per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS).

PFAS are chemical compounds that persist in the environment and the body, and are associated with various health problems such as cancer, hormonal disorders and thyroid disease.

TERA Environnement & Toxilabo, entities of the Groupe TERA, presented their progress in developing methods for analyzing PFAS in the air.

PFAS in Atmospheric emission & Occupational exposure
PFAS in Indoor Air & Ambient Air

Jean Rousseau from ToxiLabo & Vincent Ricard from TERA Environnement

During the day, we were honored to present the progress of our work on PFAS. Jean Rousseau from ToxiLabo opened the session by presenting the advances made in Nantes concerning Occupational exposure and Atmospheric emission. For our part, TERA Environnement highlighted developments in ambient and indoor air quality (IAQ).

The discussions were rich and constructive, underlining the shared determination of laboratories, institutions, authorities, cities and industry to work together to make rapid and effective progress on this crucial subject. The day was marked by fruitful exchanges and a shared determination to find innovative solutions for PFAS management.

“We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Aline Richir for her exemplary organization of this event, and to all the participants for their commitment and contributions. The day was a great success, and we look forward to continuing this collaborative dynamic.”

Find out more!

Measurement of nitrosamines in air

Posted on 18 November 2024 - 18h19 by

Measurement of nitrosamines in air

What are Nitrosamines?

Nitrosamines are formed by a nitrosation reaction between nitrites or nitrates and amines or amides.

Some nitrosamines are classified as carcinogenic to humans: certain carcinogens (Group 1) and probable carcinogens (Group 2A). Because they are so dangerous, it is essential to be able to measure and quantify them.

Where do airborne nitrosamines come from?

Atmospheric emissions & Ambient air 

  • Industrial emissions: Industrial processes, especially those involving high temperatures and chemical reactions, can promote the formation of nitrosamines. For example, industries using nitrites as preservatives or in manufacturing processes can generate nitrosamines.
  • Exhaust gases : Vehicle internal combustion engines produce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and hydrocarbons. These compounds can react together to form nitrosamines, especially under conditions of high temperature and pressure.
  • Tobacco smoke: Tobacco naturally contains amines and nitrates. During combustion, these substances react to form nitrosamines, which are then inhaled by smokers and people exposed to second-hand smoke.

Workplace air / Occupational exposure

  • Rubber industry: Nitrosamines can be formed during the manufacture of rubber products such as drive belts and tires.

  • Pharmaceutical industry: some active ingredients and drugs may contain nitrosamines as impurities.

  • Food industry: Nitrosamines can be formed in processed foods, such as cured meats, smoked fish and certain beverages like beer.

  • Plastics industry: Plastic components used in the manufacture of consumer goods can also release nitrosamine precursors.

LC-MS/MS analysis of nitrosamines after sampling on Thermosorb/N support for nitrosamines

Extraction of sampled Thermosorb/N to obtain a filtrate

LC-MS/MS analysis of nitrosamines in filtrate

List of nitrosamines available for analysis in our laboratory

  • N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) under CAS number: 62-75-9
  • N-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) under CAS number: 55-18-5
  • N-Nitrosodipropylamine (NDPA) under CAS number: 621-64-7
  • N-Nitrosodiisopropylamine (NDIPA) under CAS number: 601-77-4
  • N-Nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA) under CAS number: 924-16-3
  • N-Nitrosomorpholine (NMOR) under CAS number: 59-89-2
  • N-Nitrosopiperidine (NPIP) under CAS number: 100-75-4
  • N-Nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) under CAS number: 930-55-2
  • N-Nitrosomethylethylamine (NMEA) under CAS number: 10595-95-6

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