An air sampling and analysis method for monitoring personal exposure to vapors of acrylate monomers

A method for air sampling and analysis has been developed for vapors of acrylate monomers. Concentrations as low as 0.05 parts per million by volume (ppmv) can be measured, with the exception of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate which can be measured as low as 0.01 ppmv. These limits of sensitivity are based on a 60-minute sample at a flowrate of 500 cc per minute. The acrylate monomer vapor is adsorbed on activated silica gel, desorbed in acetone, and analyzed by gas chromatography using FFAP or OV-17 liquid phase columns. Three statistical studies show that this method is well within the accuracy and precision limits OSHA requires for methods of monitoring personnel exposure to air contaminants. Other parameters investigated were the effects of humidity, flowrate, and adsorption capacity, plus storage effects. This method has been applied to the following acrylate monomers; 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA), hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), isodecyl acrylate (IDA), methylcarbamoyloxyethyl acrylate (MCEA), 2-henoxyethyl acrylate (PEA), esterdiol-204-diacrylate (ED-204-DA), and esterdiol-204-4-ethoxy-diacrylate (ED-204-4EO-DA).