Organization

Emergency Preparedness Unit

Conducts All Hazards Preparedness Training statewide and operates the All Hazards Risk Assessment Laboratory (AHRAL) to respond to chemical incidents. This unit also validates air quality in the recovery phase of a chemical event using the Emergency Mobile Laboratory (EML).

Environmental Exposure Investigations Unit

Quantifes and identifies various toxics (trace metals, ionic species, minerals, volatile/semi-volatile organic compounds, flame retardants, etc.) in air filters, soil, and dust. Analytical and air sampling capabilities include ICP-MS, XRF, XRD, LC, GC-MS, Raman micro-spectroscopy, and a variety of ambient and source sampling equipment.

Forensic Special Studies Unit

Conducts forensic investigations into the identity and likely sources of environmental toxics. Investigations typically employ FTIR, optical, and electron microscopy of single particles (see microscopy images here), passive air samplers, and portable, continuous monitors. The unit also develops new methods, consults on sampling during toxic chemical emergencies, and tests unknown powders for threat investigations.

• Research Scientist position available (PDF announcement)

• Contact the Outdoor Air Quality (OAQ) Section

• Current OAQ Research Publications at Google Scholar

• OAQ Facilities

• OAQ Staff and Expertise 

• OAQ Microscopy Images

• Emergency Preparedness Training

• OAQ Presentations and Publications list, March 2017 (PDF)