Semivolatile nitrosamines in workplace air

Status:

completed 04/1996

Aims:

There is no valid method for measuring N- nitrosomethylphenylamine (NMPA) and N- nitrosoethylphenylamine (NEPA), two semivolatile nitrosamines. Basic research into the sampling technique was done at the Technische Universität München (technical university of Munich). The aim was to develop a valid analytical method for the above nitrosamines based on the denuder technology and to further elaborate the measuring method for semivolatile nitrosamines in workplace air. A field test will serve to investigate the practical application of the method.

Activities/Methods:

Nitrosamine enrichment on an annular denuder followed by elution. Optimisation of the sampling flow rate. Optimisation of the sample elution (minimisation of the elution volume). Field test of the sampling system in the rubber industry (production of technical rubber articles).

Results:

A measuring method was developed for N- nitrosomethylphenylamine and N-nitrosoethylphenylamine in workplace air. The method satisfies the requirements of DIN EN 482 "Workplace atmospheres - General requirements for the performance of procedures for the measurement of chemical agents". It is based on the sampling of nitrosamine vapour in a coated denuder. The practical application of the method was tested in companies of the rubber, the chemical and the vehicle construction industry. It will be used as a standard method within the measuring system for hazardous substances run be the German Berufsgenossenschaften (BGMG).

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