Check for hygroscopic salts contamination - nitrates and chlorides.nnCertain nitrates and chlorides are deposited by evaporation of soil-water (rising damp) on the surface of walls. A meaningful analysis can therefore be carried out provided a wall has not been disturbed for several years.nnTake a small sample from surface of area under investigation. Mix with distilled water in two separate pots. Add reagents for chlorides and nitrates respectively; colour change denotes relative concentration of chloride/nitrate contamination.nnHigh (relative) level of both nitrates and chlorides indicates rising dampness as soil-bound water contains both.

