Development of a 5-Layer Passive Organic Dermal (POD) Sampler

Abstract

A 5-layer passive organic dermal sampler was developed to allow the collection, retention, and recovery of a variety of organic compound classes simultaneously. The 5-layers, from outside in, consisted of polypropylene, polyurethane foam, C-18 solid-phase extraction disk, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, and activated carbon cloth. The layers were enclosed in aluminum foil and placed in a muslin envelope that had a 40.0 mm diameter opening.

Ten samplers were spiked separately with three levels of diesel oil, a 50/50 diesel oil/asphalt mixture, and asphalt binder. For the diesel oil spikes, recoveries were 69.9, 71.3, 88.8, and 95.4% for 10, 10, 50, and 100 mg of diesel oil. For the 50/50 mixture, recoveries were 105.4, 92.8, and 92.0% for 10, 50, and 100 mg of the 50/50 mixture. For the asphalt binder spikes, recoveries were 104.7, 100.2, and 100.1% for 10, 50, and 100 mg of asphalt binder. For repeatability assessment, 7 samplers were spiked with 50 mg of the 50/50 mixture and recoveries averaged 92.6% (standard deviation 8.6). Samplers tested on asphalt paving workers proved functional, comfortable, flexible, and durable.

Key Words:

• asphalt paving
• bitumen
• dermal monitoring
• method development
• passive sampling
• polycyclic aromatic compounds

Acknowledgments

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Mention of company names and/or products does not constitute endorsement by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. This study was sponsored by the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) and the State Asphalt Pavement Associations (SAPA). The partnership, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Harvard School of Public Health, the Boston University School of Public Health, PetroLabs Inc., and Heritage Research Group (HRG), appreciate the involvement of Milestone Contractors LP (the HMA paving and concrete contractor) and would like to extend a special thanks to the workers for their cooperation during this study. Thanks to Kit Peregrine, Adam Redman, Todd Dobbs, Michael Brinton, Kate Macri, and Nathan Hampton (HRG) for assembling, conducting experiments to validate and field test the POD sampler; also, thanks to Deborah Sammons (NIOSH) for her expert assistance in the field. A special thanks to Linda Coyne (SKC, Inc.) for providing expert advice, helpful discussions, and providing materials used in preliminary sampler development, validation, and field-testing.