Thermal Desorption Tube Analytical Method Development for Alpha-Diketones and Benzene

Air Monitoring, Methods, and Technology (Session 2)
Oral Presentation

Prepared by D. Burns, R. LeBouf, A. Ranpara
CDC/NIOSH, 1095 Willowdale Rd, Morgantown, WEST VIRGINIA, 26505, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 304-285-5756


ABSTRACT

Thermal desorption (TD) tubes have numerous advantages over currently validated media for sampling and analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including increased sensitivity, wide ranges of analyte specificity, and reduced transportation costs and considerations. Currently, no National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method exists for using a TD tube and gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) to quantitatively measure benzene and alpha-diketones: diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. Benzene, diacetyl, and 2,3-pentanedione are VOCs with relatively low occupational exposure limits (OELs) that have been associated with severe disease in many worker populations. This research project developed and evaluated a TD tube analytical method for alpha-diketones, benzene, and 16 other VOCs that have applicability to healthcare settings, additive manufacturing emissions, and indoor air quality. This research has furthered the mission of occupational safety and health professionals by providing preliminary data for a new, advantageous, and cost-effective method for sampling compounds known to cause or contribute to occupational illness and disease.