Ethylenediamine. Determination in workplace air with high performance liquid chromatography – spectrophotometric technique

Abstract

Ethylenediamine (EDA) is a colorless, viscous liquid with ammonia-like odor. It is used as an intermediate in manufacture of chelating agents (EDTA), fungicide, poliamide and formaldehyde-urea resins, surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, emulsifying agents and stabiliser of rubber products. EDA may cause irritation of upper respiratory tract, eye and skin. Occupational exposure to EDA may lead to alergic reactions and asthma. EDA is not classified as carcinogennic to humans. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a sensitive method for determining hydrazine concentrations in the workplace air in the range from 1/10 to 2 MAC values, in accordance with the requirements of Standard No. PN-EN 482. The study was performed using a liquid chromatograph with spectrophotometric detection. All chromatographic analysis were performed with Supelcosil LC-18 (150 × 3 mm, 5 µm) analytical column, which was eluted with mixture of acetonitrile and water (6:4 v/v). The method is based on the collection of EDA on silica gel impregnated with sulfuric acid, extraction with mixture of acetonitrile and water (62:38 v/v), derivatization of extracted compound with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate and chromatographic determination of resulted solution with HPLC technique. The method is linear (r = 0.9994) within the investigated working range 0.1–2 μg/ml (2–40 mg/m3 for a 10-L air sample). Calculated limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.04 μg/ml and 0.13 μg/ml, respectively. The average extraction efficiency of EDA from silica gel was 86% and samples stored in refrigerator are stable for 10 days. The analytical method described in this paper enables determination of EDA in workplace air. The method is precise, accurate and it meets the criteria for procedures for measuring chemical agents listed in Standard No. PN-EN 482. The method can be used for assessing occupational exposure to EDA and associated risk to workers’ health. The developed method of determining EDA 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.