An ion chromatographic method for insoluble chromates in paint aerosol

Potential exposure to Cr(VI) extends to over a million U.S. workers in the plating, paint, steel, tanning and chrome ore processing industries. Historically, Cr(VI) exposure has been monitored using a colorimetric method. This colorimetric method requires acidification of the sample for color development, a step that could cause reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III), thus underestimating the Cr(VI) content of the sample. A new method of analysis has been developed that uses ion chromatography (IC) for the measurement and which does not require acidification of the sample. In this method, the same extraction solution of hot 2% NaOH and 3% Na2CO3 as used in the earlier methods is used to dissolve both soluble and insoluble chromates (e.g., PbCrO4, ZnCrO4 and BaCrO4), but it can be carried through the method with only a dilution step before sample injection. Therefore, this method has the advantage of minimizing the potential for Cr(VI) loss by reduction. Another advantage is provided by the IC measurement step, which is not interfered with by colored samples that may affect the colorimetric method. The new method was tested with filter samples of paint aerosol containing PbCrO4 and ZnCrO4. Complete extraction of Cr(VI) from the filter samples was verified by comparison to an independent method in which the filter was completely ashed and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy method. Nothing in the paint samples interfered with the Cr(VI) measurement, nor did five common anions used in a separate test. The method had the sensitivity needed for monitoring at the ACGIH TLV of 0.05 mg Cr(VI)/m3.