Dimethyl phthalate. Determination in workplace air

Abstract

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) is a colourless liquid with a slight aromatic odour. It is used in industry as a plasticizer of plastics, as an ingredient of fragrances in the production of cosmetics and detergents. Occupational exposure to DMP can occur through inhalation, or ingestion. The aim of this study was to validate a method for determining DMP concentration in workplace air in the range from 1/10 to 2 MAC values, in accordance with the requirements of 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-INNOWAX (60 m x 0.25 mm, 0.15 µm). This method is based on the sorption of dimethyl phthalate vapours on a glass microfiber filter, desorption with ethanol, and analyzed by GC-FID. The average desorption efficiency of DMP from filter was 98%. Application of HP-INNOWAX column allows selective determination of DMP in the presence of other solvents. The measurement range was 0.5 – 10 mg/m3 for a 120-L air sample. Limit of detection: 0.02 µg/ml and limit of quantification: 0.06 µg/ml. The analytical method described in this paper enables a selective determination of DMP in workplace air in the presence of other solvents at concentrations from 0.5 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 DMP and the associated risk to workers’ health. The developed method of determining DMP 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.