Definition - What does parts per trillion mean?
Parts per trillion (ppt) refers to the numerical formula for measuring the concentration of a substance per unit area, or trillion segments, proportional to the cumulative amount of an environmental medium such as air or water. In metrical terms, parts per trillion represent the equivalent value of nanograms per kilogram, or 1x1012 units on a graded scale, to determine concentration levels of chemical compounds and their accompanying toxicity risks.
SureHire explains parts per trillion
While the parts per trillion index accounts for a comparatively low percentage of concentration from a given substance inside every trillion parts of a provided matrix (i.e. air, water), repeated exposure carries biochemical implications. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stipulates regulated measures designed to gauge ppt-based concentration levels, respectively, surrounding the ingestion/inhalation of consumable water or ambient air conditions where toxic elements are known to thrive. Medical research extends the view that minute concentrations of detrimental substances, independent of parts per trillion surface exposure, can induce catalytic decomposition or otherwise affect the biosynthesis of molecular cells necessary for systemic functions in the body.
Many industrial settings predispose employees to environmental hazards where airborne contaminants are common, prompting employers to follow permissible exposure limits (PEL) guidelines, covering the average timeframe of exposure to variable toxins inside the workplace. Incidentally, PEL-based charts are available listing diverse contaminants that, depending on their chemical makeup, fall under the parts per trillion range to help detect low concentrations of selective chemical compounds against baseline standards.