How Aircuity Helped Identify and Resolve a Lab Ventilation Issue

Feb 27, 2025

Maintaining optimal air quality in laboratories is critical for both safety and energy efficiency. A recent investigation in a leading university client’s histology lab rooms highlights how Aircuity’s demand control ventilation system played a crucial role in identifying and resolving a hidden issue that was impacting both air quality and energy use.

Detecting the Issue: Rising TVOC Levels

The Aircuity system detected a persistent increase in total volatile organic compound (TVOC) levels in the bioengineering department. The data showed that most high TVOC readings were concentrated in just two specific rooms, suggesting a localized issue rather than a building-wide problem.

Two Rooms with High TVOC Counts

As TVOC levels rose, the DCV system automatically increased air change rates to maintain safe conditions. However, even as researchers were badged with dosimeters—indicating no significant individual exposure to VOCs—TVOC levels remained elevated, suggesting that the ventilation system was compensating for an unknown source of emissions.

Key Data Findings:

TVOC readings in bioengineering labs were consistently high, but two rooms stood out as major contributors.
Despite high readings, dosimeter data showed that individual VOC exposure remained low, meaning ventilation was effectively diluting contaminants.
The histology lab’s DCV activity became erratic, unlike other rooms with steady ventilation patterns.
A significant spike in PID readings was observed on 12/17/24, signaling a sudden increase in airborne contaminants.

PID TVOC in Histology Lab

DVC Response in Histology Lab

Finding the Cause: An Incorrectly Positioned Tissue Processor

The fluctuating DCV activity in the histology lab prompted a deeper investigation, leading to the discovery that the vent for a tissue processor was not correctly positioned inside the fume hood. This misplacement allowed VOCs to escape directly into the lab environment, increasing overall contamination levels and triggering unnecessary ventilation adjustments.

The Solution and Outcome

Once the vent was repositioned deeper into the fume hood, the following improvements were observed:

TVOC levels immediately returned to normal, confirming that the vent placement was the primary cause.
DCV activity stabilized, reducing the need for excessive air changes and restoring energy efficiency.
Lab safety and air quality were enhanced

The Importance of Continuous Monitoring

This case study underscores the value of real-time air monitoring in labs and highlights an innovative EH&S team that utilizes the MyAircuity data regularly as a key tool. Without Aircuity’s system, the misplaced vent might have gone unnoticed for an extended period of time. By leveraging data-driven insights, lab facilities can quickly identify and address issues, ensuring safe and efficient lab operations.

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