A method of detecting organic vapors is described. More particularly, the
method involves the use of an analyte sensor that contains a polymeric
material having a relatively large intrinsic porosity and that is capable
of fluorescence in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The method further includes exposing the analyte sensor to an environment
that may contain an organic vapor and monitoring the analyte sensor for a
change in a fluorescence signal. Although the organic vapor itself
typically does not fluoresce in the visible wavelength range, presence of
an organic vapor can alter the fluorescence signal of the analyte sensor.