Tetrahydrofuran. Determination in workplace air with gas chromatography
Journal Title: Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy - Year 2015, Vol 31, Issue 4
Abstract
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a colorless and highly flammable liquid with an ether-like odor. It is used in industry as a solvent for a variety of resins, plastics and elastomers, and as an adhesive for joining plastic parts. Occupational exposure to THF vapors can occur through inhalation, absorption through the skin or ingestion. The aim of this study was to amend PN-Z-04230-02:1993 withdrawn from Polish standards and validate method for determining concentrations of THF in workplace air in the range from 1/10 to 2 MAC values, in accordance with the requirements of Standard PN-EN 482.The study was performed using a gas chromatograph (GC) with a flame ionization detector (FID) equipped with a capillary column HP-INNOWAX (60 m × 0.25 mm × 0.15 µm).This method is based on the adsorption of tetrahydrofuran vapors on activated charcoal, desorption with carbon disulfide and GC-FID analysis. The average desorption efficiency of THF from activated charcoal was 104%. The use of HP-INNOWAX column enabled selective determination of THF in a presence of other solvents. The measurement range was 15 300 mg/m3 for a 5-L air sample. The limit of detection is 0.18 µg/ml and the limit of quantification is 0.55 µg/ml.The analytical method described in this paper enables selective determination of THF in workplace air in the presence of other solvents at concentrations from 15 mg/m3 (1/10 MAC value). The method is precise, accurate and it meets the criteria for procedures for measuring chemical agents listed in EN 482. The method can be used for assessing occupational exposure to THF and associated risk to workers’ health.The developed method of determining THF has been recorded as an analytical procedure (see Appendix).
Authors and Affiliations
ANNA JEŻEWSKA
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