Detection and quantitation of multiple volatile compounds in tissues by GC and GC/MS

Area of Science:

• Forensic Toxicology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common industrial solvents.
• Exposure to VOCs can occur in occupational and environmental settings.
• Accurate analysis of VOCs in biological matrices is crucial for toxicological investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe analytical methods for detecting and quantifying multiple VOCs in human tissues and body fluids.
• To report VOC concentrations in a case of fatal exposure to specific industrial solvents.

Main Methods:

• Gas chromatography (GC) using packed and open tubular capillary columns.
• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for compound identification and quantification.
• Analysis of post-mortem tissues and body fluids.

Main Results:

• Successful qualitative and quantitative analysis of target VOCs was achieved.
• Concentrations of methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, toluene, and xylenes were determined in decedents.
• Data provides insight into the distribution of these solvents in biological samples.

Conclusions:

• The described GC and GC/MS methods are effective for analyzing multiple VOCs in forensic toxicology.
• Findings contribute to understanding the toxicokinetics of industrial solvent exposure.
• This analysis aids in reconstructing exposure events in cases of intoxication.