A system that may identify when a pulsed neutron generator is operating while disposed in an undesirable environment, such as in air, may include a pulsed neutron generator designed to emit neutrons in an environment. The system may also include a radiation detector designed to take measurements of the neutrons. The system may also include data processing circuitry designed to determine if the environment surrounding the pulsed neutron generator is air based at least in part on a neutron signal obtained by the radiation detector. The determination may include comparing one or more characteristics of the neutron signal with corresponding reference characteristics.