[Method for determining 1,2:3,4-Diepoxybutane in workplace air].

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• 1,2:3,4-diepoxybutane (DEB) is a known carcinogen.
• Poland lacks a maximum admissible concentration (MAC) for DEB in workplace air.
• DEB usage in domestic industries necessitates a sensitive detection method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sensitive analytical method for determining 1,2:3,4-diepoxybutane (DEB) in the work environment.
• To establish a reliable method for monitoring DEB exposure in occupational settings.

Main Methods:

• Gas chromatography (GC) with a mass selective detector (MSD).
• Air sampling using activated carbon sorbent tubes.
• Desorption with a dichloromethane/methanol mixture.
• Analysis via Agilent 7890A GC system with a 5975C MSD.

Main Results:

• The method is linear (r=0.999) in the working range of 0.09-2.06 μg/ml (5-114 μg/m³ for 18L air sample).
• Limit of Detection (LOD) is 9.89 ng/ml.
• Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is 29.67 ng/ml.

Conclusions:

• The developed method selectively determines DEB in workplace air, even with interfering substances like 1,3-butadiene and styrene.
• The method demonstrates good precision and accuracy.
• It meets the criteria for measuring chemical agents according to PN-EN 482:2012.