What is the significance of field blanks in air sampling?

Field blanks are crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of air sampling data; they serve a vital role in quality control. By collecting a field blank, which typically involves handling a sampling device in the same manner as the actual samples without exposing it to the environment, one can assess whether contamination occurs during the sampling process itself. This helps to identify and quantify any potential background contamination that could skew results, ensuring that the data collected reflect the true levels of contaminants present in the environment being studied.

This quality control measure is essential in validating the air sampling methodology, as it provides insights into the integrity of the sampling process. Without field blanks, it would be challenging to determine if the concentration levels observed in air samples are accurate reflections of the environment or if they have been altered by external factors during the collection process.