Laser sensor could improve benzene detection

The team, led by Aamir Farooq in collaboration with Saudi Aramco, believes the new sensor could be used to efficiently scan target areas daily for benzene emissions. 

Benzene originates from natural sources and human activities, mainly existing in industrial settings ranging from crude oil and petrochemical processing facilities to service stations. With the potential to cause cancer and the blood-related disease aplastic anaemia, the volatile compound poses a serious health risk to workers. Dangerous exposure can also occur through vehicle exhaust, biomass-based heating fuels and some consumer products.

Typical approaches to control benzene emissions rely on gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, but demand stringent maintenance schedules, complex sampling protocols and time-consuming measurements. Commercially available sensors can also present interference problems from other ambient air components and detection limits exceeding 100 parts per billion, failing to meet recommended thresholds.

Portable device instantly analyses airborne hazards

According to researchers, their laser sensor exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity to benzene with a detection limit of two parts per billion, and the ability to to perform measurements ‘in seconds’ without preliminary calibration.