Yearly Archives

2017

Benzene – the hidden killer

By | News

According to statistics from The Department of Health and Human Services (USA), more than 238,000 people are occupationally exposed to benzene every day. High levels of the chemical have been found in 1,000 of the 1,684 most serious hazardous waste sites in the USA, while traces have also been identified in car exhausts, tobacco smoke and household detergents.*

Though considered safe in the smallest concentrations, the chemical is a proven carcinogen, closely linked to chronic leukaemia in cases of over-exposure. What’s more, research has found benzene highly-poisonous to body systems such as bone marrow, the liver and bloodstream.

In the latest edition of Envirotec Magazine, our CEO, Steve Billingham, offers an introduction to benzene, including the negative health impacts of over-exposure and how accurate monitoring is essential to minimise unnecessary human contact.

 

Read the full article here – www.envirotecmagazine.com/2017/11/20/benzene-the-hidden-killer/

 

Duvas presents latest developments in benzene detection at PEFTEC 2017

By | News

Leading air quality monitoring specialist, Duvas Technologies, will explore the latest developments in benzene detection at this month’s Petroleum, Refining, Environmental Monitoring Technologies Conference (PEFTEC) 2017.

Taking place in Antwerp, Belgium, between 29-30 November, the specialist trade exhibition is aimed at industry leaders from across the petrochemical and refining industries. PEFTEC 2017 will bring together more than 250 businesses for two days of conference, round-table discussions and product demonstrations.

Tayyaba Rizvi, a Senior Applications Engineer at Duvas, will deliver a comprehensive introduction to benzene, as well as exploring the negative health implications that can be caused by over-exposure. Rizvi will also review the latest advancements in benzene monitoring technology, outlining why accurate readings are essential in minimising unnecessary contact with this potentially lethal substance.

Benzene is a carcinogen, with over-exposure to the chemical closely linked to cases of chronic leukaemia. Traces of benzene have been found in everything from car exhausts and tobacco smoke to some household detergents.

Duvas is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to benzene level monitoring. Technology developed by Duvas is able to give a fast and accurate air quality reading, within the parts per billion (ppb) range, with recent progress including the launch of a portable solution capable of undertaking fenceline reports.

Speaking of Duvas’ involvement with PEFTEC 2017, Steve Billingham, CEO of Duvas Technologies, commented: “PEFTEC is a key event in the global petrochemicals industry, so it’s a great honour to be speaking at this year’s exhibition.

“We’re looking forward to showcasing our latest advancements in benzene monitoring, alongside discussing the potential health implications of over-exposure with an engaged and targeted audience.”

Duvas Technologies relocates global headquarters

By | News

World-leading air quality monitoring specialist, Duvas Technologies, has announced the relocation of its global headquarters. The move, which positions the business for further growth, will see operations move from its existing site in Woking, to a recently-acquired facility in Banbury, Oxfordshire.

The state-of-the-art development features purpose-built areas for R&D and manufacturing, while an increase in site footprint will provide sufficient space for sales, software development, analysis and testing departments. Excellent infrastructure links will help to further expand international operations, while a close proximity to numerous universities will strengthen the company’s academic links.

Steve Billingham, CEO of Duvas, commented: “Relocating to our new site in Banbury is an important milestone in the Duvas growth journey.

“One of our long-standing goals for the business is to not only develop the talent we have in-house, but also further expand our team over time. We think this new facility is a fantastic base to achieve this!”

Real-time Benzene and Nitrogen Oxides Measurements at low ppb levels

By | News

There has always been a difficulty in accurately quantifying benzene in air. Until recently, the only viable method of specifically measuring benzene at environmental levels (10 – 50 ppb) was through the use of grab samples and GC/MS. Recent advances in UV-DOAS techniques have led to the availability of such measurements on a one-second response time in a portable format which allows a rapid survey from a mobile vehicle.

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