The Job Profile of Air Pollution Control Technician

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Air pollution control technicians collect and test outdoor air samples in and near industrial sites, cities, towns, and isolated areas, and indoors in commercial buildings and private homes. They also conduct laboratory work and conduct air quality inspections. The breadth of these tasks requires them to have a working knowledge of chemistry, electronics, mathematics, as well as a mechanical aptitude. Much of the information collected by these technicians is supplied to engineers and atmospheric scientists in order to monitor air pollution and quality. During the past 20 years, strict air quality standards have been set by federal and state legislators, which have created a large number of job opportunities for air technicians. The rising incidence of indoor air pollution caused by poor ventilation systems in large buildings, toxic fumes from carpeting, passive smoke inhalation, and radon gas seeping into homes through cracks in their foundations-all are tested by air pollution control technicians.

Air pollution control technicians are involved in all aspects of monitoring and regulating air quality. There are several stages in the careers of air control technicians, and these jobs give technicians progressively more responsibility and independence. Most technicians start their careers as field technicians. These individuals setup, operate, and repair air-monitoring equipment. Most of this work is conducted in the field, sometimes in existing research buildings, but most often from mobile trucks and vans. Field technicians use pumps, filters, canisters of gas, batteries and other equipment to collect air samples and are sometimes responsible for building structures to hold their equipment.

Laboratory technicians analyze the data and samples collected by field technicians to calculate air quality. They work in laboratories using complex instruments, such as gas chromatographs and atomic absorption spectrophotometers, and standard laboratory equipment such as beakers, test tubes, and computers. These technicians must have a solid understanding of chemistry and mathematics and possess solid communication skills. Laboratory technicians report their findings to air and atmospheric scientists mostly in written reports, but occasionally must testify in court or to legislative bodies concerned with air pollution legislation.



After proving their technical competence, some technicians become air pollution inspectors. These individuals study the results of laboratory tests to determine if there are any pollution problems. When problems arise, they are responsible to find the source, consult with the owner, and make sure that the problem is corrected. Inspectors visit industrial plants to check that air pollution devices are installed according to federal and state regulations and to make sure that they are operating correctly. In some cases they may be required to close a factory down or levy a fine against operators for exceeding emission standards. Air inspectors also inspect private residences when public health issues such as the presence of radon gas, chemical leakage from nearby plants, or potentially dangerous airborne emissions from smokestacks are suspected. These individuals must have the technical know-how to interpret complex data and be knowledgeable about modifications and changes in laws that deal with air pollution.

Educational Requirements

The minimal educational requirement for a career as an air pollution control technician is a high school diploma. Because the field is relatively new and expanding rapidly, individuals with a variety of educational backgrounds and levels of experience can find employment. More and more technical schools and community colleges are, however, offering one-year to three- year programs in pollution control technology. One-year programs typically award the graduate a certificate of completion while two-and three-year courses lead to an associate degree. In addition, many employers will hire individuals with associate's degrees in the physical and biological sciences, or chemistry. Practical work experience is also very important in this field; employers are willing to hire technicians who have minimal educational training but specific technical skills.

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In typical two-year college program, first-year courses may include, introduction to atmospheric pollution, chemistry, air pollution management, physics, atmospheric sampling and analysis, and mathematics. During the second year, students may choose from courses such as meteorology, mathematics, inorganic chemistry, biology, statistics, air pollution instrumentation, and advanced sampling and analysis techniques. Because hands-on experience is as important as book learning, students must complete lab exercises and participate in field trips.

Special Certification

There are no special certifications for this field.

Setting

The places and conditions of work for air pollution control technicians depends heavily upon their particular jobs. Field technicians can work in urban or wilderness areas collecting samples and data. They may work in a clean and comfortable environment or in places that are hot or cold, or where they may be exposed to hazardous chemicals or gases. They are usually required to operate a truck or van to go to and from the job site. They often must lift heavy equipment and move it from place to place. In most cases, field technicians work a typical 35- to 40-hour week.

Laboratory technicians also work a regular 40-hour week. They most often work in clean and comfortable laboratories that are well lit. The quality of laboratory equipment depends upon the place of employment. Many local and state laboratories have older and more worn equipment, while federal and private laboratories usually provide better facilities and equipment.

Inspectors work both in offices and in the field at industrial and commercial sites as well as private residences. They spend much of their time visiting various sites, writing reports, and meeting with business owners, lawmakers, and representatives. They most often work a regular 40-hour week but may be required to work some odd hours.
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