Application of colorimetric indicators and thermo-hand method to determine base permeation through chemical...

The aim of this study was to assess the use of colorimetric indicator pads and the thermo-hand method for detection of inorganic/organic base permeation of chemical protective gloves under simulated in-use conditions. Breakthrough times for four types of gloves were determined based on the color change of pads and ranged from 3 to 10 min for butylamine, from 4 min to >4 hours for diisopropylamine, from 6 min to >4 hours for triethylamine, and >4 hours for sodium hydroxide. Quantification was performed for butylamine, diisopropylamine, and triethylamine by gas chromatography following solvent desorption. These chemicals exhibited >99% adsorption on the pads at spiking levels of 1.08-1.11:g for each base. The recovery for the system was calculated for each chemical, with results ranging from 50-74% (RSD < or = 5%) for these bases over the spiking range 0.22-1.11 microg. The quantitative mass of the bases on the pads at the time of breakthrough detection ranged from 118-121, 117-120, and 109-116 microg/cm2 for butylamine, diisopropylamine, and triethylamine, respectively. The thermo-hand test method and base indicators together should find utility in detecting, collecting, and quantitatively analyzing base permeation samples under simulated in-use conditions.