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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Quantitative Detection of Trace Explosive Vapors by Programmed Temperature Desorption Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector
Published on: July 25, 2014
Gasoline vapor exposure during bulk handling operations
Gasoline vapor exposure was measured in employees at bulk handling facilities. Most workers stayed below the 240 ppm/10-hour day limit, with only one location exceeding it briefly.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Bulk fuel handling facilities pose potential inhalation risks to employees.
- Assessing workplace exposure to complex chemical mixtures like gasoline vapor is crucial for worker safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify gasoline vapor concentrations in the breathing zone of employees at bulk handling facilities.
- To compare measured concentrations against established occupational exposure limits.
Main Methods:
- Air sampling using charcoal tubes to capture gasoline vapors.
- Analysis of samples via Gas-Liquid Chromatography (GLC) with flame ionization detection.
- Utilizing a computer program to identify and quantify up to 142 chemical constituents.
Main Results:
- Gasoline vapor concentrations were evaluated in the breathing zone of employees across five facilities.
- The time-weighted average exposure limit of 240 parts per million (ppm) over a 10-hour workday was exceeded only 5% of the time.
- Exceedances were localized to a single facility, indicating varied exposure levels.
Conclusions:
- Occupational exposure to gasoline vapor at most bulk handling facilities is generally within acceptable limits.
- Specific locations may require targeted interventions to mitigate potential overexposure.
- Advanced analytical techniques are effective in characterizing complex industrial air contaminants.
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