HOUSEHOLD HAZMAT IDENTIFICATION USING HANDHELD 1064 nm RAMAN
Common materials found in homes and businesses have the potential of creating hazardous waste if not disposed of properly, especially when their containers break or leak. First responders have the need to identify these potentially hazardous materials immediately in order to correctly mitigate the potential threat to others.
ACTIONABLE IDENTIFICATION
Raman technology provides responders with a molecular fingerprint of substances and material identification. Raman spectroscopy is a nondestructive, non-contact method and can be used to analyze through glass, plastic bags and bottles, providing protection from potentially hazardous exposure.
The Rigaku ResQ and ResQ CQL are handheld Raman analyzers that utilize a unique 1064 nm excitation laser. The 1064 nm advantage allows responders to detect the most comprehensive list of over 12,000 compounds – including cleaning, automotive, pesticide or precursor materials, as well as analyze colored substances or through colored containers (see Figures 1 and 2 as examples of potentially hazardous household chemicals).
Figure 1. Analysis of gasoline through colored glass using a Rigaku Raman analyzer.
Figure 2. Analysis of ammonium nitrate through a plastic container using a Rigaku Raman analyzer.
U.S. EPA CHEMICAL CATEGORIES
Cleaning Products |
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Automotive Products |
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Lawn / Garden Products |
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Pesticides |
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Workshops / Painting Supplies |
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Flammable Products |
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Miscellaneous |
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CONCLUSION
Accurate identification of unknown household chemicals can assist first responders to quickly and safely mitigate dangerous situations and also facilitate the correct disposal process for the hazard. The 1064 nm laser technology facilitates the identification of hazardous chemicals which are often found in residential environments. Using an onboard library containing over 12,000 chemicals for reference, virtually any unknown chemical can be identified within seconds using safe, non-contact sampling.