SOLON, OHIO (December 22, 2021) – Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced more than $3 million in funding to 30 American small businesses, including $99,950 for Ohio Lumex in Solon, Ohio, to develop novel technologies to address pressing environmental and public health problems.
Ohio Lumex will investigate a new method for measuring toxic metals emitted into the air by certain industries such as power plants, incinerators and smelters. The proposed technology involves the use of specially designed emissions monitoring systems called “sorbent traps,” which will enable facilities and regulators to measure the emission of multiple toxic metals at the same time. If the project is successful and the new air monitoring method is adopted by EPA, the method may be used by EPA’s state, local, tribal and industry partners to confirm facility compliance with Clean Air Act requirements that help protect people’s health.
“We were very excited to receive this grant as this new method would be applicable to many industries as an alternative to EPA Method 29, which all almost universally agree is cumbersome, expensive and hazardous”, said Bennett Rubin, director of sales and new business development for Ohio Lumex. “Based on support from ASTM, we would anticipate that they would draft an analogous method and harmonize it with the new EPA method after it is adopted.”
EPA is one of 11 federal agencies that participate in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, a competitive program that supports small businesses in the development and commercialization of technological solutions. This program stimulates high-tech innovation while encouraging small businesses to meet the country’s research and development needs.
About Ohio Lumex
Ohio Lumex began over 20 years ago with a cutting-edge mercury analyzer that quickly became the industry standard and continues to be a critical tool for industrial hygienists, first responders, and EPA offices throughout the United States. Now a worldwide leader in emissions, air quality, gaseous fuels, biogas, and process monitoring and consulting, the company has expanded into four core areas of focus: Instruments, Sorbent Traps, Laboratory Services and Field Services. In 2020, Ohio Lumex introduced Elemental Instruments as a new product division with a focus on analyzers for process, emissions, and air quality monitoring applications. Our sustained focus on research and development, drive to innovate, commitment to quality, and dedication to supporting our customers has made us into a recognized industry leader in our areas of expertise.