How many field blanks should be submitted for each set of air samples?

Submitting at least two field blanks or 10% of the samples is a best practice in air sampling protocols. Field blanks serve as a critical control measure to identify any contamination that might occur during the sampling process. By collecting field blanks alongside air samples, you can assess whether any of the analytes detected in the actual samples are due to environmental contamination rather than exposure.

Having a minimum of two field blanks helps ensure that the results are reliable and allows for statistical analysis of contamination. If only one blank is collected, it may not provide enough data to determine the extent of contamination, potentially leading to misinterpretation of the air quality data. Submitting 10% of the samples as field blanks also helps maintain consistency and rigor in the monitoring process, making it easier to interpret the results across different sampling scenarios.

In summary, having at least two field blanks or 10% of the samples creates a robust framework for validating sample integrity, making it the appropriate choice in occupational hygiene monitoring.