Propan-2-ol. Determining in workplace air with gas chromatography

Abstract

Propan-2-ol is an easily volatile, colourless liquid with a pungent characteristic odour. In industry it is used as a solvent and a dewatering, cleaning and disinfecting agent. Propan-2-ol has an irritating and narcotic effect. It may cause drowsiness or dizziness. The aim of the study was to amend the PN-Z-04224-02:1992 standard in accordance with the requirements of European standard PN-EN 482. The method was developed in the range of concentrations from 1/10 to 2 of the MAC value. The tests were performed using a gas chromatograph (GC) with a flame ionization detector (FID) equipped with a capillary column HP-INNOWAX (60 m × 0.25 × mm, 0.15 µm). The method is based on adsorption of propan-2-ol vapours on activated carbon, desorption with a mixture of carbon disulphide and N,N-dimethylformamide and chromatographic analysis of the obtained solution. Using an HP-INNOWAX column for the analysis makes it possible to selectively determine propan-2-ol in the presence of carbon disulphide, N,N-dimethylformamide. The measurement range is 90/1 800 mg/m3 for a 9-L air sample. The detection limit of this method is 0.09 µg/ml and the limit of quantification is 0.28 µg/ml. The method is characterized by good precision and accuracy and meets the criteria listed in EN 482 for procedures for measuring chemical agents. The method may be used for assessing occupational exposure to propan-2-ol and the associated risk to workers’ health. The developed method of determining propan-2-ol 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.