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Improved method to measure urinary alkoxyacetic acids
1Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Council of Labor Affairs, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. stone@mail.cla.gov.tw
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|September 3, 1999
Summary
This study introduces a simplified, reliable gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method for measuring urinary alkoxyacetic acids. The new method enhances the biological monitoring of occupational exposure to ethylene glycol ethers.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Conventional methods for measuring urinary alkoxyacetic acids can be complex and lack specificity.
- Ethylene glycol ethers are widely used, and monitoring occupational exposure is crucial for worker safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simplified, more specific, and reliable analytical method for quantifying urinary alkoxyacetic acids.
- To improve the biological monitoring of occupational exposure to ethylene glycol ethers.
Main Methods:
- Urine samples were acidified and extracted using a mixed solvent of methylene chloride and isopropyl alcohol.
- Analysis was performed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) without derivatization.
- Optimal extraction conditions (pH, solvent ratio, time) were determined.
Main Results:
- The optimized method demonstrated high precision (pooled coefficient of variation < 6.41%) and sensitivity (low limits of detection).
- Urine samples showed stability for at least 5 months and 3 freeze-thaw cycles.
- The new GC/MS method showed excellent correlation with a conventional method for methoxyacetic acid (MAA) in exposed workers.
Conclusions:
- The simplified, non-derivatization GC/MS method is specific, sensitive, simple, safe, and reliable.
- This method is suitable for the biological monitoring of occupational exposure to ethylene glycol ethers.
- The improved method facilitates accurate assessment of worker exposure levels.