2,2’-Oxydiethanol Determination in workplace air

Abstract

2,2’-Oxydiethanol (DEG) is a colorless and oily liquid. 2,2’-Oxydiethanol is a by-product of ethylene glycol production. 2,2’-Oxydiethanol is used in the production of unsaturated polyester resins, plasticizers, acrylate and methacrylate resins, and urethanes. 2,2’-Oxydiethanol is a mild irritant. The aim of this study was to develop a method for determining concentrations of 2,2’-Oxydiethanol (inhalable fraction) in workplace air in the range from 1/10 to 2 MAC values. The study was performed using a gas chromatograph (GC) with a flame ionization detector (FID) equipped with a capillary column Stabilwax (60 m × 0.32 mm, 0.5 μm). This method is based on the adsorption of 2,2’-oxydiethanol on a polypropylene filter, extraction with methanol and chromatographic analysis of the obtained solution. The masurement range was from 1 to 20 mg/m3 for a 720-L air sample. Validation of the method was performed in accordance with Standard No. EN 482. The following validation parameters were determined: detection limit – 0.5 μg/ml, determination limit – 1.5 μg/ml, the overall accuracy of the method – 5.25%, the relative total uncertainty of the method – 11.5%. This analytical method enables selective determination of 2,2’-Oxydiethanol in workplace air in the presence of other alcohols at concentrations from 1 mg/m³ (1/10 MAC value). The method is precise, accurate and it meets the criteria for procedures for measuring chemical agents listed in Standard No. EN 482. The developed method of determining 2,2’-oxydiethanol has been recorded as an analytical procedure (see appendix).