Development of a piezo-optical chemical monitoring system for nitrogen dioxide

A new environmental and occupational chemical monitoring system for measure ment of nitrogen dioxide exposures in the range 10 ppb-l0 ppm per h is repo rted. The system is based on badges consisting of sol-gel entrapped o-tolid ine reagent spots deposited on a poled polyvinylidene-fluoride (PVDF) piezo electric film. Exposure is measured from the electric charge produced as a result oi the stressing of the PVDF film by hear generated upon illuminatio n of the reacted spot using a light emitting diode (LED). Calibration, effe cts of humidity and shelf-life data are reported and the advantages of the system are discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.