Why is it important to establish baseline airborne concentrations?

Establishing baseline airborne concentrations is crucial because it provides a reference point for evaluating changes in air quality over time. By establishing a baseline, practitioners can compare current measurements against these initial values to determine whether air quality has improved or deteriorated. This is essential for assessing the effectiveness of interventions or control measures implemented in the workplace. For example, if a company implements a new ventilation system, measuring air quality against the baseline allows for an assessment of how effective that system has been in reducing airborne contaminants.

Awareness of how airborne concentrations change in relation to the baseline also helps in identifying trends, which can inform risk assessments and ensure that exposure levels remain within acceptable limits, thereby enhancing workplace safety.