323
Views
1
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Developing a New Simplified Method to Determine Diffusive Uptake Rates of Volatile Organic Compounds in Workplaces Based on a Fractional Factorial Designs Approach

, , , &
Pages 505-518 | Published online: 08 Aug 2013
 

Abstract

Exposure to organic vapors in the workplace is a source of occupational risk. Admissible exposure levels are tightly regulated and must be closely monitored. However, the complexity and slowness of the existing complete protocols to determine diffusive uptake rates through passive sampling have limited the use of this tool despite obvious advantages. In this study, we experimentally validate two simplified protocols to determine diffusive uptake rates with passive sampling. The proposed 26-3 and 26-2 fractional factorial designs were validated for toluene sampling using a (Gas Adsorbent Badge for Individual Exposure) GABIE-activated charcoal sampler in a controlled atmosphere. The uptake rate for this sampler had been determined previously using a full protocol. The uptake rates for all three protocols were similar, indicating that the proposed new designs can be substituted for classical full protocols. After validation of our protocols, uptake rates for new substances used as fuel additives (methyl and ethyl tert-butyl ethers, MTBE and ETBE) were determined on the same sampler using the 26-2 design. In these experiments, temperature appears to have a non-negligible influence on the uptake rates measured for these compounds. With some precautions of usage (ambient temperature below a determined limit temperature or at least exposure time ≥4 h) and storage (storage temperature = 4°C) of the sampler, the experimental diffusive uptake rates determined by this method can be used with good confidence. Field experiments confirmed the experimental results, showing good agreement between active and passive sampling using the experimentally determined uptake rates.

View correction statement:
Corrigendum

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

PDF download + Online access

  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 61.00 Add to cart

Issue Purchase

  • 30 days online access to complete issue
  • Article PDFs can be downloaded
  • Article PDFs can be printed
USD 148.00 Add to cart

* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.