Chlorobenzene. Determination in workplace air

Abstract

Chlorobenzene is a colorless, flammable liquid that has an almond-like odor. It is used in industry as a solvent: resins, paints and fats, raw material for the production of plastics, as well as for the production of phenol, aniline and nitrobenzene. Occupational exposure to chlorobenzene vapors can occur through inhalation, absorption through the skin or ingestion. Harmful if inhaled, causes skin irritation. Long-term exposure affects the central nervous system. The aim of this study was an amendment to the PN-Z-04022- 03:2001 withdrawn from the Polish set of standards, and validate method for determination concentrations of chlorobenzene in the workplace air in the range from 1/10 to 2 MAC values, in accordance with the requirements of the standard PN-EN 482. The study was performed using a gas chromatograph (GC) with a flame ionization detector (FID) equipped with a capillary column HP-5 (30 m x 0.32 mm, 0.25 μm). This method is based on the adsorption of chlorobenzene vapors on activated charcoal, desorption with carbon disulfide, and analyzed by GC-FID. Application of HP-5 column allows selective determination of chlorobenzene in a presence of carbon disulfide, aniline, phenol and nitrobenzene. The measurement range was 2.3 ÷ 46 mg/m3 for a 15 l air sample. Limit of detection: 6.75 ng/ml and limit of quantification: 20.25 ng/ml. Analytical method described in this paper enables selective determination of chlorobenzene in workplace atmosphere in presence of other solvents at concentrations from 2.3 mg/m3 (1/10 MAC value). The method is characterized by good precision and accuracy and meets the criteria for the performance of procedures for the measurement of chemical agents, listed in EN 482. The method may be used for the assessment of occupational exposure to chlorobenzene and the associated risk to workers’ health. The developed method of determining chlorobenzene has been recorded as an analytical procedure (see Appendix). This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.