EPA/600/R-15/115
United States
Environmental Protect
Agency
                 NM-VOC
                Citizen Science
                Operating Procedure
Office of Research and Development
National Exposure Research Laboratory

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                         EPA/600/R-15/115 | May 2015 | www.epa.gov/ord
         CairPol CairClip NM-VOC
Citizen Science Operating  Procedure
                      Ron Williams
             National Exposure Research Laboratory
               Office of Research and Development
              U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
             Research Triangle Park, NC, USA 27711

                     Amanda Kaufman
                     ORISE Participant
           Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
                  Oak Ridge, TN, USA 37831

                       Sam Garvey
                 Alion Science and Technology
               Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

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 CITIZEN  SCIENCE
Contents
CairPol CairClip NM-VOC	1
What Are VOCs?	1
What You Will Need	1
I mportant Considerations	1
Preparing the Device	3
  Charging the Battery	3
  Installing the Software	4
  Configuring the CairClip	5
Routine Data Collection	8
  Collecting Data	8
  Retrieving Data	9
  Processing Data	10
Maintenance and Storage	11
  Changing the Filter	11
  Storing the CairClip	11
For Additional Help	12

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                                                 CITIZEN  SCIENCE
CairPol CairClip NM-VOC
               The CairPol CairClip NM-VOC is a lightweight, portable sensor for measuring
               volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in parts per billion (ppb) in applications
               such as personal exposure and indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring. It
               uses a micro fan to actively sample air. The CairClip can run on battery power
               for approximately 24 hours, but it can also operate continuously for much
               longer periods when plugged into a power source. This operating procedure
               explains what you need to do to collect quality VOC data using the CairClip
               NM-VOC for your monitoring project.

What Are  VOCs?
VOCs are common pollutants in both indoor and outdoor environments. They are emitted as
gases from many common household and office products including paints, floor wax, cleaning
supplies, cosmetics, pesticides, building materials, home furnishings, copiers and printers,
permanent markers, and glues and adhesives. Automotive fuels are also made up of organic
chemicals, increasing VOC concentrations near roadways and urban areas. All of these
products and sources can release organic compounds during use and sometimes during
storage. VOCs are toxic air pollutants which contribute to ozone formation and associated
environmental and climate effects. Some are toxic air pollutants that cause cancer and
contribute to other serious short- and long-term health problems.

What You Will Need
      CairClip NM-VOC air sensor
      USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable (mini-USB  to standard USB)
      One 100-240 V/5 V 0.8-1.0 A AC adapter
      One EU (European Union)/US (United States) electricity converter
      One red dongle  ('switch') - stops the fan and maintains the device in standby mode
      One green dongle ('plug') - plugs the port to prevent clogging when operated on battery
      power
      Two filters (CairPol patented, approximately  15 mm in diameter)
      CairSoft software (version 4.1 or later) - see "Installing the Software"
      A sensor case - for portable applications (optional)
      Computer running the Windows 7 operating system at a minimum
      Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet Software (2003 or  later)

Important Considerations
   *> The CairClip is delivered already calibrated and  does not need recalibration for 1 year as
      long as the sensor maintains certain operating conditions. Abrupt changes in
      environmental conditions, particularly temperature and relative humidity (RH), can affect
      sensor performance. Refer to the NM-VOC data sheet for details (Figure 1).

                                         1

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CITIZEN    SCIENCE
              AIR
                                                                                                                     Figure  1
                              POL
         MINIATLJRC AIR QUALITY MONITORING SYSTEMS
         P062C.OZ.Technical Data Sheet NM-VOC.160812
                                       Technical Data
                                                       (dm
   Sheet CairClip NM-VOC
    il prone to modifications)
Range
Species detected
Detector
Calibration gas
Gas sampling
Limit of detection (ll)
Repeatability at zero (2- s>
Repeatability at 80% of range p J)
Linearity <2 "
Uncertainty
Short term zero drift m
Short term span drift ^
Long term /ero drift (2'
Long tenn span drift ^
Rise time (Tl 0-90) p>
Fall time (T 10-90) P>
Hmnidity response P' ^
Humidity effect <: ''
Tcniperauire effect on sensitivity t: !>
'I'eniperatnre effect on zero <- J>
hiterfereiits
Maximum exposure
Annual exposure limit
Operating conditions
Recommended temperature and humidity storage
Power supply
Standard charge
Capacity (USB) 
Communication interface
Dimensions
Weight
Protection
Waterproof
Electrical certification
Parameters Set up / Downloading
0-16 ppm ^ (isobutylene) (0-15.3 ppm analog)
ionization potential < 10.6 eV
pro
Isobutylene
Dynamic air sampling using micro-fan to maintain
constant airflow to the sensor
1 0 ppb ( isobutylene)
± 1 0 ppb (isobutylene)
± 15% (isobutylene)
< 10%
<30%"-4'
< 0.5% / 24H
< 0.5% / 24H
< 15% /month
< 15% /month
<60s
<60s
< 0.2 ppm (8) 90% RH
< - 0.5% of the signal / RH %
<1%/°C
< 1 .5 ppb / °C
Heavy compounds, silicone. NHj. H;S
20 ppm
40000 ppm (1 hour average) or 6000 hours
- 20°C to 40°C / 0 to 90% RH (non-condensing),
1013 mbari 200 mbar
5°C to 20°C / 10 to 90% RH (non-condensing)
5 VDC / 200 inA (rechargeable by USB via PC
or 220 V-l 10 V with adapter)
•1 hours
4 hours (batters' fully charged)
USB, UART
Analog (UART & 4-20 mA / 0-5 V converter)
Diameter: 32mm - Length: 62mm
55g
IP42 (according IEC60529)
No
(tjjj) Conform to UL Sid. 61010-1 r f
bins Certified to CSA Std. C22.2 N°. 61010-1 » *
40B9M
CairSoft
         ' Exposure to more than 16 ppm may affect the sensor irrtn'ersibly ; the product warranty does not apply in this case.
         ' Pure atr at 20 °C, 0% RH. 1013 mbar
         1 Value possibly affected if the de\ice is not regularly fully recharged: USB: each 4 hours, incorporated in a Catrtub: each 10 days (continuous monitoring)
         4 On the oasis of recommendations of the Directive 1008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of?l May 100S on ambient air quality and cleaner air
          for Europe for and its enlargement to other gases
         Any use of the sensor not complying wuh the conditions specified in herein, including exposures, even short ones .to environments other than ambient air. to dry and /
         01 di-\irnl of oxvpen an or othi-t almosphfic nol composed in infinity of all even duiinu callbiation will invalidate thr wanantv
                          Main options
CairTub: autonomy 10 days
CairNet: wireless communication & battery powered by solar panel
Software: CairSoft. CairMap, CairWeb
     Office:   CAIRPOI.
               7-AC du Capra
               55, avenue Emile Antoine
               J0340 Mejannes les Ales - France
                                            SARL an capital de 354 200€ - N° Siren : 492 976 253
                                            Tel: +33 (0)4 66 83 37 56
                                            Fax: +33 (0)4 66 61  82 53
                                            info(S caijpol.com
                                            Web site: \vww.caiipol.com

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                                                  CITIZEN  SCIENCE
       If the CairClip is regularly exposed to dust, change the removable filter on the back of
       the device every 4 months (see Maintenance section). Change the filter more often if the
       sensor is exposed to large amounts of dust.
       Do not allow the device to remain in standby mode (battery almost depleted) and/or to
       discharge itself completely.  Insert the red dongle for long-term storage to prevent
       depletion of the battery.
       The internal clock time can  be set using the CairSoft software. However, the time
       stamping of data is performed using the internal clock of the computer to which data are
       downloaded.
Preparing  the  Device
The CairClip must be powered on continuously for proper operation. In other words, either its
lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery must have sufficient charge, or it must be plugged into a power
source such as a fully-charged or plugged in computer. You must also download and install the
CairClip software and then configure your device. The following procedures will prepare your
device for data collection.

Charging the Battery
The sensor can be charged by connecting it directly to a  power source or by connecting it to a
USB port of a computer, which is connected to a power source (Figure 2). It takes
approximately 4 hours to charge the device. When fully-charged, the CairClip can operate  for
more than 24 hours. It is strongly recommended that the  sensor battery be recharged
frequently, preferably after each 24 hours of operation. This is important, especially if the battery
is nearly depleted, which causes the unit to switch to standby mode (indicated by the warning
triangle shown  in  Figure 3).
                                                             Figure 3

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 CITIZEN  SCIENCE
Installing the  Software
The CairSoft software must be downloaded from the CairPol Web site and installed on a
computer as follows before taking measurements.
  Procedure: Install  Software
1.  Go to the CairPol Web site
   (www.cairpol.com') and
   click the Downloading link.
2.  Click 'Softwares' [1] and
   then select 'Download
   CairSoft V4.1 (for USB
   CairSens)' [2] (or latest
   version) to begin the
   software download. A file
   named 'Cairsoftv4.1.zip' is
   created in the computer's
   'Downlead's folder.
Softwares

Download Can Soft V4.1 (Tor USB CairSens)
                            ;airpol.com/lndex,p!ip?apl!tin=com_conlent&view=artLcle&id=538diemid=152&.1.i . .
^ Home
i; About us
fi) News i ExtitortiDns / Press
fljh Contact
^E2^
- - :
• Sotnrai^ ^fi^^^
Softwares
u---. i j.i • ;:
'I
irSofiV4 1 ;•.. !.'•:.[ .'.^.•'...••i;l -^^^— 2 I
3.  Use extraction software,
   such as WinZip, to extract
   the three files in the
   'Cairsoftv4.1.zip' file.
Name
[• 'I CairsoftDriver
!• 1 framework
0 Setup_CairsoftV4.1
Type Compressed size Password ...
Application
Application
Application
1,757 KB No
2,862 KB No
2,963 KB No
Size Ratio
2,291 KB 24%
2,891 KB 1%
2,988 KB 1%
Date modified
1116.-20093:16PM
10/22/2009 7:58 AM
1/15/2014 1:20 PM

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                                                               CITIZEN   SCIENCE
4.  Double click the
    'Setup_CairsoftV4.1' file,
    and click 'Run' on the
    Security Warning screen
    to begin the setup.
                                            Open File - Security Wa
 The publisher could not be verified. Are you sure you want to
 run this software?
         Name:  ,,.wnloads\cairsoftv4,l (l)\Setup_CairsoftV4.1,exe
       Publisher:  Unknown Publisher
         Type:  Application
         From:  C:\Users\Sam\Downloads\cairsoftv41 (i)\Setup_,.,
 EsS Always ask before opening this file
                                                   This file does not have a valid digital signature that verifies its
                                                   publisher. You should only run software from publishers you trust.
                                                   How can I decide what software to run7
5.  Select the desired
    language using the drop-
    down menu, and click 'OK'.
                                                 Select Setup Language
                                                        Select the language to use during the
                                                        installation;
           English
6.  Click 'Install' to begin the
    installation.
                                          I Setup - Cairsoft
                                           Ready to Install
                                            Setup is now readv to begin installing Cairsoft on your computer.
                                            Click Install to continue with the installation, or dick Back if you want to review or
                                            change any settings.
Additional tasks:
  Additional icons:
   Create a desktop icon
Configuring the CairClip
Once you have downloaded and installed the CairSoft V4.1 software, you must configure your
device for collecting data. The following options are available for customizing the CairSoft
software:
    <*  Assign a device name
    *>  Set the date and time (can be used to set the device's internal clock, but time of data
        collection is recorded using the clock of the computer (where data are downloaded)

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 CITIZEN  SCIENCE
   *J* Set the data logging time interval
   *t* Modify the screen (display)
   *J* Modify how data are retrieved and saved (see "Routine Data Collection")
These settings should, if desired, be customized before acquiring data. Note that the CairClip is
manufactured in France, so options on the software screens are in both French and English or,
in some instances, just French.
 Procedure:  Configure Software
   1.
   2.
   3.
   4.
Connect the CairClip NM-VOC to the computer using the USB
cable as shown above in Figure 2.
Start the CairSoft software by clicking the CairSoft icon
(Figure 4) that was created on the desktop during software
installation. The login screen shown in Figure 5 will then
display for a few seconds.
Modify any of the parameters by clicking the buttons on the
main CairSoft screen shown in Figure 6.
On each parameter modification screen shown on the
following pages,  click  ^'/  to accept your changes or ^
to cancel and close        that screen.

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                                       CITIZEN  SCIENCE
      Name
  Date and Time
                               Wednesday, Apt 08.2015     Q-
                          Zone de changement dheure     US      ,$> EU     08 57 59
                                     Has AH/PH
                                               •*• AM




                                               B PM
Set Data Logging   c Calrsoft:SetdatalQgg|ng
                        Intervalle de mesure / Time interval measuring device
                            a 1 mil

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 CITIZEN  SCIENCE
                 Screen
                                        Screen Time
                                             '.; • Heure + Affichage de la pollution au-de!a de100^/m3
                                              Time + A/erf display beyond 5&pb
                    Graphic
              (used for retrieving
               and saving data)

]*u •
— •
DCiMl
»»
»W


1

XI
	 1
,


60 ,

I "°"
i30-
S 20 -
ID















1400 2000 0200 0900 1400
Tm
es
li=
Routine Data Collection
The CairClip should be sheltered from rain when deployed outdoors.
While orientation has no effect on data, make sure the active air-sampling
inlet (fan) is not blocked and avoid any obstructions to the exit of air
through the lateral hole (Figure 7). If operating on battery power, the green
dongle should be inserted to keep the mini USB/dongle port from clogging.
It is also recommended that the sensor not be touched at all immediately
prior to and during measurements.
Lateral
                                                                       Figure
Collecting Data
Data are collected continuously from the moment the CairClip is on (plugged in or battery
charged). The device can log and store 1 data point every minute for 20 days (28,800 data
points) or 1 data point every 15 minutes for 300 days (108,000 data points) before previously
recorded data are overwritten. Make sure you have selected the desired data-logging interval,
as described above in "Configuring the CairClip." The CairClip automatically saves data in a
Microsoft Excel spreadsheet file.
                                          8

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                                                  CITIZEN  SCIENCE
Retrieving Data
To avoid losing data, it is recommended that data be exported every 3 days at a minimum
during data collection. Use the procedure below to retrieve the data using the CairSoft software.
 Procedure: Retrieve Data
   1.  Connect the CairClip sensor to the computer using the USB cable.
   2.  Click the CairSoft icon to launch the software. The login screen then displays for a few
      seconds, as described in the section "Configuring the CairClip."
   3.  Click the Graphic button (see Figure 6).
   4.  Choose the time period for the data you want to retrieve from the drop-down menu ([1] in
      Figure 8),  and confirm your selection by pressing the green Check button [2]. Options
      for time periods are 1, 3,  6, and 20 days (jours).
   5.  Double click the Excel logo [3] below the graph  display area in Figure 8, and save the
      file in the desired location. Be sure to include the date in the file name for easy
      identification.
  Irilorvnlln do mesure /
  Time interval measuring device
  1 mm

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  CITIZEN  SCIENCE
Processing  Data

The CairClip automatically saves its data in a
Microsoft Excel spreadsheet file in a two-column
format with date/time in one column and
measured total VOC concentration  in parts per
billion (ppb) in the other, as shown in Figure 9.
The CairClip, however, uses a time stamp
format that will need to be modified. As shown
in Figure 9, the hours and minutes in the time
stamp contain "h" for hour, which needs to be
replaced with a colon. The following procedure
will guide you through modifying the time stamp.
Microsoft Excel 2013 is used to illustrate this
procedure, but the  process is similar in versions
of Excel back to 2003.
                                                                    PAGE LAYOUT
                                                                               FORMULAS

                                                                                 onncttions
                                              ft From Web                        gPwpntw
                                              _          From Other   existing   Roftsh
                                              \J3 From Ted   Source-   Connections  All- UEdrUmks
                                                      bti External Data
                                                                             Connection:
                                                                      <
                                               A       A           &      >:
                                               1  Numero apparel Mage CDVOI06130QC2
                                                 Time
                                                  11/17/2013 2K44PM
                                                  11/17/2013 7K45PM
                                                  11/17/2013 2H46PM
                                                  U/i7/M13IM7PM
                                                  11/17/2013 2h48 PM
                                                  11/17/2013 2M9PM
                                                  11/17/2013 2h50PM
                                                  11/17/2013 2h5I PM
                  voc wg/m3 Level (ppb)
                      0
                      0
                      0
                               Figure 9
  Procedure:  Format  Data
    1.
    2.
    Click on the A in the column index to
    highlight all of column A.
    Hold down the Ctrl key and press the
    F key to open up the  Find and Replace
    window (Figure 11).
3.  In the Find and Replace window, click
    the Replace tab.
4.  Enter "h" in the Find what: field.
5.  Enter ":" (colon)  in the  Replace with:
    field, and then click Replace All.
   g
       HOME
  From Access
1_@ From Web
HI From Text    Sources-  Connections
        Get External Data
                                                             INSERT

                                                           &
                                                         From Other
                                                                        PAGE LAYOUT
                                                                               0 r
                                                                      Existing
   FORMULAS

    onnections

  £J Properties
                                                                          Refresh
                                                                          All *
                                                                              Connections
                                                    Time
                                                     Numero appareillage  CDV0106130002
                                                        11/17/2013 14:44
                                                        11/17/2013 14:45
                                                        11/17/2013 14:46
                                                        11/17/201314:47
                                                        11/17/2013 14:48
                                                        11/17/2013 14:49
                                                        11/17/2013 14:50
                                                        11/17/2013 14:51
                   VOC ng/m3 Level (ppb)
                      0
                      0
                      0
                      0
                      0
                      0
                      0
                      0
Figure 10
                           Find and Replace
                            Find
                           Find what   h
                           Replace wrtrt :
                                      Figure 11
                                              10

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                                                 CITIZEN  SCIENCE
Maintenance and Storage

Changing the Filter

If the CairClip is regularly exposed to dust, the
manufacturer recommends changing the removable
filter every 4 months. The filter comes premounted in
its holder and is removed and replaced from the back
of the device as a single unit (Figure 12).
 Procedure: Change Filter
   1.
   2.
   3.
Insert the red dongle (provided with the
sensor) into the CairClip, as shown in
Figure 13. The dongle prevents the small
fan inside the device from turning.
Remove the filter/filter holder assembly
from the back of the CairClip by gently
pulling the filter holder with your fingers.
Place a new filter/filter holder assembly
into the opening and gently press until it is
secure.
   4.  After changing the filter, remove the red
      dongle and reconnect the mini USB cable.
                                                Front view
                                               showing filter
Back view
of holder
T
                                                    Figure 13
Storing  the CairClip

It is recommended that the red dongle is connected to the unit to maximize storage time.
Connecting the red dongle stops the sensor's fan, which reduces the CairClip's power
consumption, decreases its frequency of recharging, and consequently increases its storage
time up to 150 days (battery fully-charged). It is strongly recommended that data be downloaded
before extended periods of storage.
                                        11

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 CITIZEN  SCIENCE
For Additional  Help

CairClip User Manual, CairSoft Software, and Sensor Datasheets. P058C.MLLCairClip user
manual.160512, CairPol, Mejannes les Ales, France, www.cairpol.com.
CairPol CairClip NM-VOC data sheet, http://www.cairpol.com/images/pdf/COVNM/
technical%20datasheet%20nmvoc%2015072013.pdf, last accessed May 13, 2015.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Volatile
Organic Compounds  (VOCs), http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html, last accessed May 13, 2015.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, What Are the Six Common Air Pollutants?,
http://www.epa.gov/airguality/urbanair/, last accessed May 13, 2015.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA's Air Sensor Toolbox for Citizen Scientists,
http://www.epa.gov/heasd/airsensortoolbox/, last accessed May 13, 2015.
      The purpose of this document is to provide general operating guidelines, and
      the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not assume any liability
      regarding any aspect of its use. Reference herein to any specific commercial
      products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or
      otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement,
      recommendation, or favoring by EPA. The views and opinions of authors
      expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of EPA and shall not
      be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. EPA assumes no
      liability associated with any errors in the suggested procedures, errors
      potentially made by the instrument in question, user misuse of the instruments
      or data collected, or costs due to any damage the instrument might experience
      under any circumstance or use. This  user guide is specific to the make/model
      and version number of the instrument identified in the document and is not
      generalizable to any other sensor. The users should understand that they
      should develop operating guidelines specific to their own research needs, and
      any general document of this nature would be limited in meeting their full need.
                                        12

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£EPA
     United States
     Environmental Protection
     Agency
PRESORTED STANDARD
 POSTAGE & FEES PAID
        EPA
   PERMIT NO. G-35
     Office of Research and Development (8101R)
     Washington, DC 20460

     Official Business
     Penalty for Private Use
     $300
                              Recycled/Recyclable Printed on paper that contains a minimum of
                                 50% postconsumer fiber content processed chlorine free

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