Sampling and Analysis of Bitumen Fumes: Comparison of German and French Methods to Determine a Conversion Formula

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Bitumen fumes are classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
• Accurate individual exposure data is crucial for identifying high-risk situations and developing effective prevention strategies.
• Two distinct methods for measuring individual bitumen fume exposure have been developed by the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA) and the French National Research and Safety Institute (INRS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a reliable conversion factor enabling the interconversion of exposure data obtained using the IFA and INRS measurement methods.
• To facilitate the harmonization of exposure assessment data from different institutes, thereby increasing the statistical power of epidemiological studies.

Main Methods:

• Comparative laboratory and workplace tests were conducted using both the IFA method (No. 6305) and the INRS method (MetroPol M-2).
• Analysis involved comparing the quantities of organic material collected on filters and XAD-2 sorbent beds for each sampling method.
• Correlation analysis was performed on the total quantified amounts (filter + XAD-2 bed) from both methods under controlled and real-world conditions.

Main Results:

• Differences were observed between the IFA and INRS methods, attributable to variations in sampler design, extraction solvents, and detection techniques.
• A strong correlation (R² = 0.99) was established between the total quantification results from both methods in field tests.
• A conversion equation was derived: CIFA = 1.76 CINRS ± 0.39, specifically for total quantification data.

Conclusions:

• The developed conversion equation allows for the interconversion of bitumen fume exposure data between the IFA and INRS methodologies.
• This harmonization of data will significantly expand the available dataset on bitumen fume exposure across diverse occupational settings.
• The increased data availability will enhance the statistical power of studies aimed at improving occupational prevention strategies for bitumen-related health risks.