Method no.: |
07 |
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Matrix: |
Air |
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OSHA PELs: |
Section 4 |
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Procedure: |
Collection on charcoal, extraction with an organic solvent, and analysis by gas
chromatography with flame ionization detector. |
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Recommended air volume and sample rate: |
Section 4 |
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Status of method: |
This method has been used extensively in the
OSHA Salt Lake Technical Center. With slight modification, this method is a
generalized version of validated NIOSH methodology. |
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Date: May 1979 |
By: Organic Methods Evaluation Branch |
Last Update: May 2000 |
By: Methods Development Team |
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Methods Development Team
Industrial Hygiene Chemistry Division
OSHA Salt Lake Technical Center
Salt Lake City, UT 84115-1802
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1. General Discussion
1.1 Background
Background information on the analytes may be obtained from a number of sources such as NIOSH Criteria Documents,
chemical dictionaries and industrial hygiene manuals. Solvents are used for degreasing, for dry cleaning, and in the
manufacture of many materials ranging from paints, varnishes, shellacs, and lacquers to rubber and synthetic resins.
When not being used as solvents, they may function as fuels or act as chemical intermediates with or without regard
to their ability to put materials into solution. Toxic effects of the analytes vary with many acting as irritants or
causing narcosis, and some having more hazardous effects.
1.2 Statistical parameters
1.2.1 Each analyte included in this general procedure has a validated NIOSH method, (Ref. 5.1)
and/or a validated OSHA method. One of the NIOSH validation requirements is that the results obtained be within
±25% of the true values at the 95% confidence level at the air concentration equal to the OSHA standard.
Although the OSHA evaluation procedure differs from that of NIOSH, the same validation requirements are used.
1.2.2 Refer to the validated NIOSH methods, (Ref. 5.1) for detailed information on individual
analytes.
1.3 Advantages
1.3.1 The sampling device is small, portable, and involves no liquids.
1.3.2 The analysis is by a quick instrumental method.
1.3.3 Interferences can be eliminated by altering chromatographic conditions in most cases.
1.3.4 The method allows simultaneous analysis of two or more analytes.
1.4 Disadvantages
1.4.1 The air volume sampled is limited by the capacity of the charcoal tubes. Exceeding the capacity of the
charcoal tube results in loss of sample. The adsorptive capacity is decreased by high humidity.
1.4.2 The method is limited by the reproducibility of the pressure drop across the tubes. The pressure drop
affects the flow rate causing the air volume to be imprecise.
1.4.3 The analyst must work with toxic solvents.
1.4.4 When many components are present, elimination of interferences becomes difficult.
2. Sampling Procedure
2.1 Apparatus
2.1.1 A calibrated personal sampling pump whose flow can be determined within ±5% at the recommended flow rate
with the sampling device attached.
2.1.2 Charcoal tubes: Glass tubes with both ends flame sealed, 7 cm long with a 6-mm o.d. and 4-mm i.d., containing
two sections of 20/40 mesh activated charcoal separated by a 2-mm portion of urethane foam. The activated charcoal is
prepared from coconut shells and is fired at 600°C prior to packing. The adsorbing section contains 100 mg of
charcoal, the backup section 50 mg. A3-mm portion of urethane foam is placed between the outlet end of the tube and
the backup section. A plug of silylated glass wool is placed in front of the absorbing section. The pressure drop
across the tube must be less than 1 in. of mercury at a flow rate of 1 L/min.
2.1.3 Certain analytes require petroleum base charcoal instead of coconut base charcoal. This requirement is
specified in Section 4.
2.2 Reagents
None required in sampling procedure.
2.3 Technique
2.3.1 Immediately before sampling, break the ends of the tube to provide an opening at least one-half
the internal diameter of the tube (2 mm).
2.3.2 The smaller section of charcoal is used as a backup and should be positioned nearest the sampling pump.
2.3.3 The charcoal tube should be placed vertically during sampling to minimize channeling.
2.3.4 Air being sampled should not be passed through any hose or tubing before entering the charcoal tube.
2.3.5 Do not exceed the recommended air volume.
2.3.6 The charcoal tubes should be capped with the supplied plastic caps immediately after sampling. Under
no circumstances should rubber caps be used.
2.3.7 One tube should be handled in the same manner as the sample tube (break, seal and transport) except that
no air is sampled through this tube. This tube should be labeled as a blank.
2.3.8 Capped charcoal tubes should be wrapped end to end with official OSHA seals. They should be packed
tightly and padded before they are shipped to minimize tube breakage during shipping.
2.3.9 For certain analytes where migration on the charcoal is a significant problem, it may be requested that
two charcoal tubes be used in series in order that breakthrough may be distinguished from migration. These tubes must
be separated and individually capped and sealed before shipping.
2.4 Breakthrough
Breakthrough data is presented on each analyte in its respective validated NIOSH method (Ref. 5.1).
2.5 Extraction efficiency
2.5.1 The back end of a charcoal tube is opened and the backup portion of activated charcoal is removed, leaving
the front 100-mg portion of activated charcoal intact in the tube. The activated charcoal must be of the same lot as
that in the tubes used to collect the samples. A known amount of analyte is injected directly into the activated
charcoal with a microliter syringe and the tube is capped.
2.5.2 Six tubes at each of three concentration levels (0.5, 1, and 2 times the standard) are prepared by adding an
amount of analyte equivalent to that present in a recommended air sample at the selected level. The tubes are allowed
to stand at least overnight to assure complete adsorption of the analyte onto the charcoal. These tubes are referred
to as the samples. A parallel blank tube should be treated in the same manner except that no analyte is added to it.
The sample and blank tubes are extracted and analyzed in exactly the same manner as the sampling tube described
in
Section 3.
2.5.3 The extraction efficiency (EE) equals the average weight in
milligrams recovered from the tube divided by the weight in milligrams added to the tube, or
where: |
EE is extraction efficiency |
  |
MR is mass recovered |
  |
MS is mass spiked |
2.5.4 If there is a significant change in extraction efficiency over the range of loadings studied, a plotted
curve of EE versus mass recovered must be used to correct for adsorption losses.
2.5.5 If there is no significant change in EE over the range studied, reconfirmations need only
be carried out at one loading in the middle of the range.
2.6 Recommended air volume and sample rate
See Section 4. for recommended air volume and sampling rate.
2.7 Interferences
2.7.1 It is important to be aware of other components in the atmosphere which may interfere with the
collection of the analyte.
2.7.2 High relative humidity may significantly affect the collection of some
analytes.
2.8 Safety precautions
2.8.1 Care must be taken when opening the sealed ends of charcoal tubes to avoid cuts to the hands.
2.8.2 Safety glasses should be worn when opening the sealed ends of charcoal tubes to avoid injury to the
eyes from glass splinters.
3. Analytical procedure
3.1 Apparatus
3.1.1 Gas chromatograph equipped with flame ionization detector.
3.1.2 Columns. A variety of columns are suitable. Two good selections are a 60-m × 0.32 mm DB-1
capillary column with 1m df or a 60-m × 0.32 mm DB-Wax capillary column with
1 µm df. Similar columns from other manufactures are acceptable.
3.1.3 A suitable method of measuring peak areas, such as an electronic integrator or data system.
3.1.4 Two-milliliter vials with either screw-on or crimp-on caps which contain PTFE-lined septa.
3.1.5 Microliter syringes; one-microliter for GC injections and 10-µL for standard preparation, or other
suitable sizes.
3.1.6 Pipets for dispensing extracting solvent (ES). A Glenco 1-mL reagent dispenser is adequate and convenient.
3.1.7 Volumetric Flasks. Five-milliliter and other convenient sizes.
3.1.8 Glass tubing cutter.
3.2 Reagents
3.2.1 Chromatographic quality extracting solvent (ES). Although carbon disulfide is commonly used as the ES,
certain analytes can be more effectively extracted with the use of alternate solvents or solvent solutions. These
alternate ESs are listed in Chemical
Sampling Information located at http://www.osha.gov and are normally used when
the single analyte is requested or when the requested analytes are known to be effectively extracted with that ES.
When analysis for a number of analytes requiring different extracting solutions is requested, the preferred ES will
usually be carbon disulfide.
3.2.2 Analyte standard, reagent grade.
3.2.3 Internal standard, (optional) reagent grade. p-Cymene and n-hexylbenzene are
suitable internal standards for many solvents.
3.2.4 Chromatographic quality helium, nitrogen, hydrogen, and air.
3.3 Standard preparation
3.3.1 Prepare analyte standard at a concentration of 1 µL of analyte per milliliter of ES by adding 5 µL
of analyte to a 5-mL volumetric flask partially filled with ES. Fill the volumetric flask to the mark and
invert 3 or 4 times for proper mixing. Other size volumetric flasks may also be used to prepare the 1 µL/mL
analyte standards. At least two standards at 1 µL/mL are prepared. Standards must be used the day they are
prepared. In some cases, analyte standards in concentrations other than 1 µL/mL may be more
suitable, especially
with analytes that have extremely high or low OSHA standards.
3.3.2 Injection of standards is accomplished with a 1-µL or other suitable syringe. The syringe is rinsed
thoroughly in carbon disulfide between standards. Injector septa should be checked for wear daily.
3.3.3 Injection sizes other than 1-µL and injection by means of a gas chromatograph autosampler are acceptable
in most cases.
3.4 Preparation of samples
3.4.1 The status of the seals on each charcoal tube is noted and recorded as intact, broken, or none.
3.4.2 The field identification number, the laboratory identification number and signature of the industrial
hygienist on each sample seal are checked with those on the sample identification sheets.
3.4.3 The seal is removed and the charcoal tube is opened with a glass tubing cutter at the end containing the
larger portion of charcoal. The front and back sections of charcoal are transferred to separate 2-mL
capped vials. The glass wool plug and the small wad of urethane foam separating the two sections of charcoal are
discarded.
3.4.4 The charcoal lot number is noted in order that the proper extraction efficiency is used in later calculations.
3.4.5 Gas chromatography parameters are set as recommended in the instruments manual. Oven temperature and column
are varied until an optimum chromatogram is produced by the analyte standard.
3.4.6 Once the internal standard has been verified as not interfering with other peaks in the chromatogram, the
samples are extracted. One milliliter of ES is dispensed into each sample vial. The vial is immediately sealed. Each
vial is swirled periodically to increase the rate of extraction. Twenty to thirty minutes is typical for the
extraction process.
3.5 Analysis
3.5.1 The data processor can be calibrated to provide results directly in units of mass. With a few of the
analytes an additional similar correction may be necessary due to extraction efficiencies that change with
concentration. The linear nature of the flame ionization detector allows the use of a point calibration, but the
bracketing of samples with analytical standards is a good practice. The calculation of the equivalent air
concentration for an analytical standard is detailed in Section 3.7.1.
3.5.2 Sample injection is accomplished with a 1-µL or other suitable syringe. The syringe is rinsed thoroughly
in carbon disulfide between samples. Injector septa should be checked for wear periodically. Injection by means of a
gas chromatograph autosampler is acceptable.
3.5.3 Bracket the samples with analytical standards if detected concentrations are above the PEL.
3.5.4 When the identity of a suspected analyte peak is in question, it should be confirmed by GC/MS, GC/IR, or by
retention time on at least two GC columns containing different packing material. The identity of the analyte should be
considered suspect when detected concentrations are above the PEL.
3.6 Interferences
Interferences to the analytical method will in most cases appear as poor resolution of the analyte peak from other
components. This may be overcome by prudent selection of a more suitable chromatographic condition or column.
3.7 Calculations
3.7.1 An equivalent air concentration for analytical standards is used to calibrate the data processor such that
analytical results are obtained directly in mass, mg.
where: |
W |
is weight of analyte in µg |
VS |
is volume of analyte in µL |
d |
is density of analyte in µg/µL |
where: |
CV |
is air concentration reported to IH |
VM |
is molar volume at 25°C and 760 mmHg, 24.46 L/mol |
W |
is weight of analyte |
Mr |
is molecular weight of the analyte |
V |
is air volume sampled |
EE |
is extraction efficiency |
3.7.2 The following example is the calculation for toluene:
W = 867 µg = 1 µL × 867 µg/µL |
CV = |
23.73 ppm = |
(24.46 L/mol)(867 µg) (92.15 g/mol)(10 L)(0.97) |
The calculations should be considered an example only, and various parameters confirmed before used in actual
analysis.
3.8 Safety precautions
3.8.1 Care must be taken when opening charcoal tubes to avoid cuts to the hands.
3.8.2 Safety glasses must be worn throughout the analytical procedure.
3.8.3 Work involving solvents open to the atmosphere must be performed in a hood.
3.9 Reporting results
3.9.1 When results uncorrected for air volume are greater than 10 ppm, three significant digits will be reported.
For results below 10 ppm, the chemist will use his judgment, but in no cases report more than three significant
digits.
3.9.2 The estimated detection limit based on the lowest mass per sample injected as a standard.
3.9.3 All concentration levels down to the detection limit are reported.
3.9.4 If the concentration of analyte found on the back section of the charcoal tube is equal to or greater than
25% of the concentration found on the front section, the charcoal tube is considered to be saturated and reported
as such on the analyst worksheet.
3.9.5 The presence of significant peaks caused by unrequested components in the sample is noted on the analyst
worksheet and they are identified and quantitated if possible.
3.9.6 All data processor print-outs and chart recorder chromatograms are filed in a central file according to
laboratory sample identification number.
3.9.7 Analytical data and results are checked by a fellow chemist before the completed analyst worksheets are
given to the team leader.
4. Analytes
The following table contains those analytes which can be analyzed by this procedure. Standard size charcoal tubes
containing coconut base charcoal are used unless specified otherwise in the
table. Listed PELs are 8-h
time weighted averages unless denoted as a ceiling concentration with a "(C)", before the PEL value. Before taking
samples, the OSHA Chemical Sampling
Information at http://www.osha.gov should be consulted for additional and more
detailed information.
Table 4. Recommended Sampling Parameters for Analytes Covered by This Procedure. |
|
ANALYTE |
PEL (ppm) |
air vol (L) |
max rate (L/min) |
NIOSH Method |
|
Allyl alcohol | 2 | 10 | 0.2 | 1402 |
Allyl chloride | 1 | 48 | 0.2 | 1000 |
n-Amyl acetate | 100 | 10 | 0.2 | 1450 |
sec-Amyl acetate | 125 | 10 | 0.2 | 1450 |
Benzyl chloride | 1 | 10 | 0.2 | 1003 |
Bromoform | 0.5 | 10 | 0.2 | 1003 |
Butyl acetate | 150 | 10 | 0.2 | 1450 |
sec-Butyl acetate | 200 | 10 | 0.2 | 1450 |
tert-Butyl acetate | 200 | 10 | 0.2 | 1450 |
Butyl alcohol | 100 | 10 | 0.2 | 1401 |
sec-Butyl alcohol | 150 | 10 | 0.2 | 1401 |
tert-Butyl alcohol | 100 | 10 | 0.2 | 1400 |
n-Butyl glycidyl ether (BGE) | 50 | 10 | 0.2 | 1616 |
p-tert-Butyltoluene | 10 | 24 | 0.2 | 1501 |
Camphor | 2 mg/m3 | 24 | 0.2 | 1301 |
Carbon tetrachloride | 10 | 15 | 0.2 | 1003 |
Chlorobenzene (monochlorobenzene) | 75 | 10 | 0.2 | 1003 |
Chlorobromomethane | 200 | 5 | 0.2 | 1003 |
Cumene | 50 | 10 | 0.2 | 1501 |
Cyclohexane | 300 | 5 | 0.2 | 1500 |
Cyclohexanol | 50 | 10 | 0.2 | 1402 |
Cyclohexene | 300 | 5 | 0.2 | 1500 |
Diacetone alcohol (4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone) | 50 | 10
| 0.2 | 1402 |
o-Dichlorobenzene | (C)50 | 3 | 0.2 | 1003 |
p-Dichlorobenzene | 75 | | 0.05 | 1003 |
1,1-Dichloroethane | 100 | 10 | 0.2 | |
1,2-Dichloroethylene | 200 | 3 | 0.2 | 1003 |
Dichloroethyl ether | (C)15 | 15 | 1.0 | 1004 |
1,1-Dichloro-1-nitroethane** | (C)10 | 15 | 1.0 | 1601 |
Difluorodibromomethane(F-12-B2)* | 100 | 10 | 0.2 | 1012 |
Diisobutyl ketone | 50 | 10 | 0.2 | 1300 |
Dioxane (diethylene dioxide) | 100 | 10 | 0.2 | 1602 |
Epichlorohydrin | 5 | 20 | 0.2 | 1010 |
Ethyl acetate | 400 | 6 | 0.2 | 1457 |
Ethyl sec-amyl ketone (5-methyl-3-heptanone) | 25 | 25 | 0.2 | 1301 |
Ethyl bromide | 200 | 4 | 0.2 | 1011 |
Ethyl butyl ketone (3-heptanone) | 50 | 25 | 0.2 | 1301 |
Ethylene chlorohydrin** | 5 | 35 | 0.2 | 2513 |
Ethyl ether | 400 | 3 | 0.2 | 1610 |
Ethyl formate | 100 | 10 | 0.2 | 1452 |
Glycidol (2,3-epoxy-1-propanol) | 50 | 50 | 1.0 | 1608 |
n-Heptane | 500 | 4 | 0.2 | 1500 |
Hexachloroethane | 1 | 10
| 0.2 | 1003 |
n-Hexane | 500 | 4 | 0.2 | 1500 |
2-Hexanone (MBK) | 100 | 10 | 0.2 | 1300 |
sec-Hexyl acetate | 50 | 10 | 0.2 | 1450 |
Isoamyl acetate | 100 | 10 | 0.2 | 1450 |
Isoamyl alcohol | 100 | 10 | 0.2 | 1402 |
Isobutyl acetate | 150 | 10 | 0.2 | 1450 |
Isobutyl alcohol | 100 | 10 | 0.2 | 1401 |
Isophorone** | 25 | 12 | 0.2 | 2508 |
Isopropyl acetate | 250 | 8 | 0.2 | 1454 |
Isopropyl ether | 500 | 3 | 0.05 | 1618 |
Isopropyl glycidyl ether | 50 | 10 | 0.2 | 1620 |
Mesityl oxide | 25 | 25 | 0.2 | 1301 |
Methyl acetate | 200 | 7 | 0.2 | 1458 |
Methylal (dimethoxymethane) | 1000 | 2 | 0.2 | 1611 |
Methyl-(n-amyl)ketone | 100 | 25 | 0.2 | 1301 |
Methylcyclohexane | 500 | 4 | 0.2 | 1500 |
Methyl isobutyl carbinol | 25 | 10 | 0.2 | 1402 |
a-Methyl styrene | (C)100 | 3 | 0.2 | 1501 |
Octane | 500 | 4 | 0.1 | 1500 |
Pentane | 1000 | 2 | 0.05 | 1500 |
2-Pentanone | 200 | 10 | 0.05 | 1300 |
Phenyl glycidyl ether | 10 | 50 | 0.1 | 1619 |
n-Propyl acetate | 200 | 10 | 0.2 | 1450 |
Propyl alcohol | 200 | 10 | 0.2 | 1401 |
Propylene dichloride | 75 | 10 | 0.2 | 1013 |
n-Propyl nitrate** | 25 | 70 | 0.1 | S227 |
1,1,1,2-Tetrachloro-2, 2-difluoroethane | 500 | 2 | 0.035 | 1016 |
1,1,2, 2-Tetrachloro-1, 2-difluoroethane | 500 | 2 | 0.035 | 1016 |
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane** | 5 | 10 | 0.2 | 1019 |
Tetrahydrofuran | 200 | 5 | 0.2 | 1609 |
Tetramethyl succinonitrile | 0.5 | 48 | 0.2 | S155 |
1,2,3-Trichloropropane | 50 | 10 | 0.2 | 1003 |
Vinyl toluene | 100 | 24 | 0.2 | 1501 |
*Use two charcoal tubes in series for sampling.
**Use petroleum base charcoal for sampling. |
5. References
5.1 "NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods", ed. 4 Vol. 1-3 National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health,
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. (1998)
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