Organic vapors exist in ambient air at low concentrations. Some of them originate in natural processes, but many come from human activities. Assessment of risk associated with toxic vapors requires analytical methods that are affordable, accurate, convenient, and fast. Two ways to get faster data and minimize sample deterioration during storage are to use field-deployable analytical instruments which collect and immediately analyze samples without storing them, or to increase the speed of laboratory methods. Both laboratory- and field-based analyses have important advantages and disadvantages.

Microfiche.