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Terms starting with S
Definition
The term “sick building syndrome” (SBS) is used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building.
Scalability is defined as the capacity to be changed in size or scale. the ability of a computing process to be used or produced in a range of capabilities.
A scatter plot (aka scatter chart, scatter graph) uses dots to represent values for two different numeric variables. The position of each dot on the horizontal and vertical axis indicates values for an individual data point. Scatter plots are used to observe relationships between variables.
A secondary pollutant is not directly emitted as such, but forms when other pollutants (primary pollutants) react in the atmosphere.
A sensor’s sensitivity indicates how much its output changes when the input quantity it measures changes. For instance, if the mercury in a thermometer moves 1 cm when the temperature changes by 1 °C, its sensitivity is 1 cm/°C (it is basically the slope dy/dx assuming a linear characteristic).
“An individual sensor is a chemical cell or physical unit that generates a measurable and analytically useful signal by detecting or measuring a specific substance of interest, known as the analyte. These sensors are designed to provide information about the presence, concentration, or characteristics of the target analyte and are commonly used in various applications, including environmental monitoring, healthcare, industrial processes, and scientific research.”
The time period during which the air sensor is designed to function normally.
Two (2) or more air sensors that collect pollutant concentration or other data (e.g., relative humidity, temperature) from different locations and transmit the measurements to a central repository.
An individual sensor within a sensor network.
Sigfox is a global, low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) technology and network operator designed specifically for the Internet of Things (IoT). It provides connectivity for IoT devices and sensors with a focus on enabling long-range, low-data-rate communication while consuming minimal power. Sigfox is one of the key players in the LPWAN ecosystem, offering a dedicated network infrastructure for IoT applications. Sigfox has found applications in various industries, including agriculture, logistics, asset tracking, smart cities, environmental monitoring, and more. It is particularly well-suited for scenarios where low-power, long-range, and cost-effective connectivity are essential. Sigfox’s network infrastructure and ecosystem make it a viable option for IoT deployments worldwide.
Selecting the right sensor for your needs is often the first hurdle and consideration. It includes criteria like “General location, Security, Access, Placement, Power, Photots, Communications and Documentation”
“Sulfur oxides are a group of air pollutants made up of sulfur and oxygen atoms.
SO2 is a dense, colorless, toxic, non-flammable, reactive gas composed of one sulfur atom bonded to two oxygen atoms. It has a suffocating unpleasant strong distinct odor similar to a matchstick being struck. It is an acidic, erosive gas that reacts easily with other substances to form harmful compounds, such as sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid, and sulfate particles.”
Oxides of sulfur, often abbreviated as SOx, is a collective term used to describe a group of chemical compounds that contain sulfur and oxygen atoms. These compounds primarily include sulfur dioxide (SO2) and sulfur trioxide (SO3), both of which are important air pollutants with various environmental and health implications.
Spot Calibration using gas cylinders – Active sampling design enables on-field calibration with portable gas cylinders or gas generators. With the help of an oizom gas hood and On-device remote calibration software the devices can be calibrated on site using standard calibration gas cylinders of known concentration. Spot calibration by collocation – An installed device can also be calibrated by co-locating with a reference standard (which can either be a stationary reference station, an equivalent “gold standard” instrument, a mobile reference instrument, or a freshly calibrated Oizom device) as per US EPA Air Sensor Collocation Instruction Guide
Stack monitoring, also known as stack sampling, is a specialized environmental measurement technique used to assess and quantify the emissions of air pollutants and contaminants from industrial stacks or chimneys. It involves the collection and analysis of samples of gases and particulate matter that are discharged into the atmosphere from industrial processes. Stack monitoring is an essential tool for assessing compliance with emissions standards, tracking air quality impacts, and supporting environmental and public health protection efforts. Stack monitoring is a critical element of environmental protection, as it helps to minimize air pollution, reduce the impact on air quality and public health, and ensure that industrial facilities operate within the boundaries of environmental regulations and emissions standards.
“Standard deviation (SD) is a statistical method that measures how far values in a set of data deviate from the mean value. It is also known as root-mean-square deviation. The symbol for standard deviation is the Greek letter sigma (σ).
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STEL stands for “Short-Term Exposure Limit.” It is a workplace exposure limit that represents the maximum allowable concentration of a substance to which workers may be exposed for a short duration without experiencing adverse health effects. The STEL is designed to protect workers from acute, short-term exposures that may occur during specific tasks or activities. In summary, the Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) is a critical component of occupational health and safety measures, especially in situations where workers may encounter short bursts of elevated exposure to hazardous substances as part of their job duties. It ensures that workers are safeguarded from acute health effects associated with short-term exposures.
Sulfur trioxide is a highly reactive compound, also known as sulfuric anhydride. It is not typically emitted directly into the atmosphere but can form in the atmosphere as a result of complex chemical reactions involving sulfur dioxide and atmospheric conditions. Sulfur trioxide is a key contributor to the formation of sulfuric acid, a component of acid rain.
