Workplace Air Research Articles

Preparation and Certification of Two New Bulk Welding Fume Reference Materials for Use in Laboratories Undertaking Analysis of Occupational Hygiene Samples

Workers can be exposed to fume, arising from welding activities, which contain toxic metals and metalloids. Occupational hygienists need to assess and ultimately minimize such exposure risks. The monitoring of the concentration of particles in workplace air is one assessment approach whereby fume, from representative welding activities, is sampled onto a filter and returned to a laboratory for analysis. Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry are generally employed as instrumental techniques of choice for the analysis of such filter samples. An inherent difficulty, however, with inductively coupled plasma-based analytical techniques is that they typically require a sample to be presented for analysis in the form of a solution. The efficiency of the required dissolution step relies heavily upon the skill and experience of the analyst involved. A useful tool in assessing the efficacy of this dissolution step would be the availability and subsequent analysis of welding fume reference materials with stated elemental concentrations and matrices that match as closely as possible the matrix composition of welding fume samples submitted to laboratories for analysis. This article describes work undertaken at the Health and Safety Laboratory to prepare and certify two new bulk welding fume reference materials that can be routinely used by analysts to assess the performance of the digestion procedures they employ in their laboratories.

Determination of cyanamide in workplace air by high-performance liquid chromatography

To establish a method for determining cyanamide in workplace air by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Air samples were collected from the workplace using the shock absorption tube containing water solution at a rate of 2.8∼3.0 ml/min for 60 min; dansyl chloride was used as a derivatization reagent to conduct pre-column derivatization, and the procedure was as follows: acetone solution (2.5 ml), mixed solution (1.0 ml) containing 0.016 mol/L Na2CO3 and 0.184 mol/L NaHCO3, and 10 mg/ml acetone solution of dansyl chloride (0.5 ml) were added into the samples, and reaction proceeded in a water bath (50 °C) for 1 h. HPLC was performed on an ODS C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 üm) with a mobile phase of acetonitrile-phosphate buffer (35:65) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min and a column temperature of 25°C; a fluorescence detector was used at an excitation wavelength of 360 nm and an emission wavelength of 495 nm. The minimum detectable concentration of cyanamide was 0.05 üg/ml; a good linear relationship was noted when the concentration of cyanamide was 0.2∼100.0 üg/ml; the intraday relative standard deviation (RSD) was 0.28%∼1.18%, and the interday RSD was 0.22∼2.16%; the recovery rate was 95.7%∼103.0%, and the sampling efficiency was 95.8%∼96.9%. Water solution of cyanamide (pH<6.5) could be stable in the dark at room temperature for 7 d. This method is stable, reliable, easy to operate, and highly sensitive and suitable for determination of cyanamide in workplace air.

Occupational exposure to airborne chemical substances in paintings conservators

This paper presents the results of the quantitative study of the airborne chemical substances detected in the conservator's work environment. The quantitative tests were carried out in 6 museum easel paintings conservation studios. The air test samples were taken at various stages of restoration works, such as cleaning, doubling, impregnation, varnishing, retouching, just to name a few. The chemical substances in the sampled air were measured by the GC-FID (gas chromatography with flame ionization detector) test method. The study results demonstrated that concentrations of airborne substances, e.g., toluene, 1,4-dioxane, turpentine and white spirit in the work environment of paintings conservators exceeded the values allowed by hygiene standards. It was found that exposure levels to the same chemical agents, released during similar activities, varied for different paintings conservation studios. It is likely that this discrepancy resulted from the indoor air exchange system for a given studio (e.g. type of ventilation and its efficiency), the size of the object under maintenance, and also from the methodology and protection used by individual employees. The levels of organic solvent vapors, present in the workplace air in the course of painting conservation, were found to be well above the occupational exposure limits, thus posing a threat to the worker's health.

Evaluation of Isocyanates Concentration in the Air of the Foam-producing Section in a Car Manufacturing Company

Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) is the most used isocyanate in the manufacture of polyurethane foam, and it is one of the major causes of occupational asthma. Therefore, in this research, the MDI concentration in the air of the foam- producing section in a car manufacturing company was assessed. To determine MDI concentration, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) air sampling and analysis method, No. 49, was used. In the method, a certain volume of the workplace air was drawn with an impinger content of dimethylformamide and diluted hydrochloric acid. By doing this, organic isocyanates were extracted followed by reactions of hydrolysis to similar amines. The final solution was used for the absorption by the UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Evaluation of MDI in the summer showed that MDI concentration in all parts of the workplace was less than the threshold limit value, and only when local ventilation system and air condition system (air suppliers) were off was the concentration of MDI in the foam injection station higher than the threshold limit value. On the other hand, it is probable that air pollution increases in winter due to closing of doors of the foam-producing section and turning off of the air-conditioning system. Therefore, permanent air-handling and local ventilation is essential when working in the workplace in order to prevent respiratory, skin, eye, and gastrointestinal diseases.

Airway Symptoms and Biological Markers in Nasal Lavage Fluid in Subjects Exposed to Metalworking Fluids

BackgroundsOccurrence of airway irritation among industrial metal workers was investigated. The aims were to study the association between exposures from water-based metal working fluids (MWF) and the health outcome among the personnel, to assess potential effects on the proteome in nasal mucous membranes, and evaluate preventive actions.MethodsThe prevalence of airway symptoms related to work were examined among 271 metalworkers exposed to MWF and 24 metal workers not exposed to MWF at the same factory. At the same time, air levels of potentially harmful substances (oil mist, morpholine, monoethanolamine, formaldehyde) generated from MWF was measured. Nasal lavage fluid was collected from 13 workers and 15 controls and protein profiles were determined by a proteomic approach.ResultsAirway symptoms were reported in 39% of the workers exposed to MWF although the measured levels of MWF substances in the work place air were low. Highest prevalence was found among workers handling the MWF machines but also those working in the same hall were affected. Improvement of the ventilation to reduce MWF exposure lowered the prevalence of airway problems. Protein profiling showed significantly higher levels of S100-A9 and lower levels of SPLUNC1, cystatin SN, Ig J and β2-microglobulin among workers with airway symptoms.ConclusionsThis study confirms that upper airway symptoms among metal workers are a common problem and despite low levels of MWF-generated substances, effects on airway immune proteins are found. Further studies to clarify the role of specific MWF components in connection to airway inflammation and the identified biological markers are warranted.

Evaluation of Toluene Exposure in Workers at Industrial Area of Sidoarjo, Indonesia by Measurement of Urinary Hippuric Acid

Background: Toluene is a harmful substance still being used as a solvent and catalyst in many industries that can increase the level of urinary hippuric acid (UHA). This study was designed to examine the level of toluene and UHA among workers of industrial site in seven companies in Sidoarjo, Indonesia and to analyze the risk factors for abnormal UHA. Methods: This study was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted during August to September 2008. The locations were selected based on the fact that toluene was utilized in the production process of these companies. Urinary hippuric acid was analyzed with screen spectrophotometer 3000 on obtained urine samples from workers. Urinary hippuric acid of higher than 1.6 g/g creatinine was considered as abnormal. Workers' characteristics were collected via questionnaires completed by the workers. Toluene in workplace air was obtained with the reagent tube and the samples were analyzed using gas chromatography. Results: In total, 96 subjects were studied. Workers examined in this study suffered from watery eyes, shortness of breath, cough, runny nose, fatigue, and skin irritation. Urinary hippuric acid level was normal in 91 workers (95%). Five subjects had abnormal levels of urinary hippuric acid. Levels of toluene in workplace air at all companies were below the ratified governmental regulatory threshold value (< 50 ppm) with the maximum level of 28.1 ppm. Abnormal HPA was higher in workers with older ages, lower educational attainments and not using the personal protective equipment (PPE). Conclusion: Toluene concentration in the air of the ink, paint and printing companies in Sidoarjo, Indonesia was within ratified limit. Workers with older ages, lower educational attainment and not using the PPEs are probably more vulnerable to toluene toxicity.

Estimating lung burdens based on individual particle density estimated from scanning electron microscopy and cascade impactor samples

Workplace air is monitored for overall dust levels and for specific components of the dust to determine compliance with occupational and workplace standards established by regulatory bodies for worker health protection. Exposure monitoring studies were conducted by the International Copper Association (ICA) at various industrial facilities around the world working with copper. Individual cascade impactor stages were weighed to determine the total amount of dust collected on the stage, and then the amounts of soluble and insoluble copper and other metals on each stage were determined; speciation was not determined. Filter samples were also collected for scanning electron microscope analysis. Retrospectively, there was an interest in obtaining estimates of alveolar lung burdens of copper in workers engaged in tasks requiring different levels of exertion as reflected by their minute ventilation. However, mechanistic lung dosimetry models estimate alveolar lung burdens based on particle Stoke’s diameter. In order to use these dosimetry models the mass-based, aerodynamic diameter distribution (which was measured) had to be transformed into a distribution of Stoke’s diameters, requiring an estimation be made of individual particle density. This density value was estimated by using cascade impactor data together with scanning electron microscopy data from filter samples. The developed method was applied to ICA monitoring data sets and then the multiple path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model was used to determine the copper alveolar lung burdens for workers with different functional residual capacities engaged in activities requiring a range of minute ventilation levels.

Determining the count median diameter of nanoaerosols by simultaneously measuring their number and lung-deposited surface area concentrations

Due to the increasing use of nanomaterials in research and product development, it is probable that the number of situations of occupational exposure to them is also rising. The same is true for the number of workers. Although current research in nanotoxicology is far from conclusive, it is clear that relying on mass concentration and chemical composition alone is not appropriate in all cases and alternative measurement methods and approaches need to be developed. In this work, we propose a method based on simultaneous size-integrated measurements of two particle concentrations (number and lung-deposited surface area, CNC/NSAM), and on the estimation of the average size of potentially inhaled particles from the combination of these measurements. The proposed method could be part of a measurement strategy that is practical as it would use field-portable, commercially available aerosol instruments. In the absence of instruments providing real-time size-resolved measurements, this original approach can be carried out as considering that the ratio of these concentrations is a monotonous function of particle size. Indeed, the latter function depends only on the geometric standard deviation of airborne particle number size distribution, assumed to be lognormal. Compared to SMPS data for polydisperse aerosols having three chemical natures with count median diameters ranging from 64 to 177 nm, experimental results were obtained with acceptable relative discrepancies of ±30 %. Though the method proposed is less accurate than traditional instruments like SMPS, it can be used for workplace air monitoring or as a screening tool to detect the presence of airborne nanoparticles.

Biomonitoring Study of Dry Cleaning Workers Using Cytogenetic Tests and the Comet Assay

Perchloroethylene (PCE) is the main solvent used in the dry cleaning industry worldwide. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of occupational exposure to PCE in dry cleaning workers. The study was carried out in 59 volunteers (30 workers, 29 controls). The genotoxic effect was evaluated by analyzing chromosome aberrations (CAs), and micronuclei (MN) and DNA damage (assessed by the comet assay) in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Environmental monitoring of exposure was carried out on personal breathing zone air samples collected during two consecutive working days by measuring the concentration of PCE air levels. The mean PCE concentration in workplace air of dry cleaning workers was 31.40 mg/m3. There were no significant differences in CA frequency between dry cleaning workers and the controls, but analysis showed a significant association of CA frequency with employment duration and frequency of exposure to PCE. The MN frequency and DNA damage detected by alkaline comet assay were significantly increased in dry cleaning workers compared to the controls. The results suggest that (a) chronic occupational exposure to dry cleaning solvents below permissible occupational exposure limit of 70 mg/m3 (i.e., ∼10.3 ppm) may lead to an increased risk of genetic damage among dry cleaning workers, and (b) CA, MN tests, and comet assay are useful to monitor populations exposed to low doses of PCE.

Workplace air measurements and likelihood of exposure to manufactured nano-objects, agglomerates, and aggregates

Manufactured nano-objects, agglomerates, and aggregates (NOAA) may have adverse effect on human health, but little is known about occupational risks since actual estimates of exposure are lacking. In a large-scale workplace air-monitoring campaign, 19 enterprises were visited and 120 potential exposure scenarios were measured. A multi-metric exposure assessment approach was followed and a decision logic was developed to afford analysis of all results in concert. The overall evaluation was classified by categories of likelihood of exposure. At task level about 53 % showed increased particle number or surface area concentration compared to ‘‘background’’ level, whereas 72 % of the TEM samples revealed an indication that NOAA were present in the workplace. For 54 out of the 120 task-based exposure scenarios, an overall evaluation could be made based on all parameters of the decision logic. For only 1 exposure scenario (approximately 2 %), the highest level of potential likelihood was assigned, whereas in total in 56 % of the exposure scenarios the overall evaluation revealed the lowest level of likelihood. However, for the remaining 42 % exposure to NOAA could not be excluded.

Pilot cross-sectional study for potential fibrogenic risk assessment in real multiwalled carbon nanotube aerosol exposure at the workplaces

Aim. To assess the potential fibrogenic risk of real occupational exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Methods. The study was conducted at 2 MWCNT-producing enterprises with the same reactor type. 11 employees who had more than 1 year-long contact with MWCNT aerosol were included in the exposure group, the control group consisted of 14 people. Elemental carbon level and MWCNT presence were evaluated in workplace air samples by transmission electron microscopy. Blood and induced sputum samples were obtained from employees, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ 1), KL-6 glycoprotein and osteopontin levels were evaluated. To assess the relationship between MWCNT exposure and biomarker levels (age, gender, smoking were chosen as cofounders), generalized linear models including main effects and paired interactions were created. The regression coefficients confidence intervals were refined by bootstrap analysis. Results. Time-weighted average respirable MWCNT fraction was up to 6.11 mg/m 3. Transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of MWCNT agglomerates sized 0.5-10 μm in all air samples. The levels of TGFβ 1 in serum were significantly dependent on exposure to MWCNTs (b=10.47, 95% BCa=1.18-51.75), the KL-6 glycoprotein levels in induced sputum was significantly higher in exposure group (b=235.9, 95% BCa=21.2-482) compared to control group. Osteopontin did not prove itself as an informative indicator. Conclusion. Gained data suggest that MWCNT aerosol exposure at workplace may lead to fibrogenic biomarkers level changes in serum and induced sputum samples. Control measures for MWCNT aerosol levels and medical surveillance for employees should be introduced in MWCNT-producing and applying facilities.

Determination of glyphosate in air of workplaces by ion chromatography

To establish a method for determining glyphosate in the air of workplaces by ion chromatography. Ultra-fine glass fiber filter paper was used to collect glyphosate from the workplace air. After being ultrasonically eluted with deionized water, samples were determined by ion chromatography using a conductivity detector. Within the range of 0.05-1.00 mg/L, a linear relationship was found with a limit of detection of 0.003 mg/m(3). The minimum detectable concentration was 0.000 41 mg/m(3) (calculated by sampling 75 L of air). For three different concentrations of glyphosate, the intra-batch relative standard deviations (RSDs) were 1.8%, 1.6%, and 0.8%, respectively, and the inter-batch RSDs were 1.9%, 2.1%, and 2.2%, respectively. The recovery rate ranged from 94.8% to 97.4%. The elution efficiency ranged from 94.5% to 96.7%. The sampling efficiency was 100%. Samples could be stored at room temperature for at least 7 days. This presented method meets the requirements of Guide for establishing occupational health standards-Part 4: Determination methods of air chemicals in workplace and is feasible for determination of glyphosate in the air of workplaces.

Evaluation of two sampling methods for the determination of gas oil mist and vapour in workplace air

Background: Inhalation exposure of workers to gas oil can occur in the refinery as well as during transport and use of the product. Exposure is characterized by the presence of aerosol determined by the high boiling compounds and vapour from the light end of the product and is typical for high-boiling liquids often referred to as semi-volatiles. The assessment of workplace exposure requires the determination of the total concentration, as well as partitioning of the vapour and the droplet fractions because of differences in the toxicity. Aim: Investigate performance of an existing and a novel sampling method under laboratory conditions: a conventional system of filter and XAD-adsorbent cartridge operated in series and a virtual-impactor (VI) combined with filter-XAD cartridges. Methods: Using a test stand for reproducible and stable generation of gas oil mists from liquid samples the two sampling method were tested for three gas oil products of different boiling ranges at different concentrations and thermodynamic conditions. The material collected was analyzed using an infrared method. Results: The conventional method allows for measuring the total concentration of the gas oil atmospheres for concentrations larger than 0.5 mg/m³ for 8-hour sampling. Losses between 15 and 30 % were encountered when measuring the total concentration with the VI-method. In the conventional sampling system evaporation effects cause a shift of the aerosol-vapour partitioning towards the vapour phase of up to 50% and depends on the boiling range of the gas oil, the thermodynamic conditions during sampling and the sampling duration. In the VI-method the aerosol-vapour partitioning is nearly independent of these parameters. However, the partitioning coefficient may be influenced by the aerosol mass fraction in the submicron size range, falsely counted as vapour phase. Conclusions: Although the novel method is better able to quantify the vapour-mist partitioning, losses in the sampler may lead to underestimation of ambient concentrations if unaccounted for.

3 Fractional and chemical composition of dust in the working area of machine building enterprise

ObjectivesThe purpose of the research is the study of dust fractional and chemical composition and exposure assessment in workplaces of the machine building enterprises.MethodsResearch carried out on the example of...

Application of high performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC–ICP-MS) for determination of chromium compounds in the air at the workplace

The toxicity and bioavailability of chromium species are highly dependable on the form or species, therefore determination of total chromium is insufficient for a complete toxicological evaluation and risk assessment. An analytical method for determination of soluble and insoluble Cr (III) and Cr (VI) compounds in welding fume at workplace air has been developed. The total chromium (Cr) was determined by using quadruple inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) equipped with a dynamic reaction cell (DRC(®)). Soluble trivalent and hexavalent chromium compounds were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). A high-speed, reversed-phase CR C8 column (PerkinElmer, Inc., Shelton, CT, USA) was used for the speciation of soluble Cr (III) and soluble Cr (VI). The separation was accomplished by interaction of the chromium species with the different components of the mobile phase. Cr (III) formed a complex with EDTA, i.e. retained on the column, while Cr (VI) existed in the solutions as dichromate. Alkaline extraction (2% KOH and 3% Na2CO3) and anion exchange column (PRP-X100, PEEK, Hamilton) were used for the separation of the total Cr (VI). The results of the determination of Cr (VI) were confirmed by the analysis of the certified reference material BCR CRM 545 (Cr (VI) in welding dust). The results obtained for the certified material (40.2±0.6 g kg(-1)) and the values recorded in the examined samples (40.7±0.6 g kg(-1)) were highly consistent. This analytical method was applied for the determination of chromium in the samples in the workplace air collected onto glass (Whatman, Ø 37 mm) and membrane filters (Sartorius, 0.8 μm, Ø 37 mm). High performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is a remarkably powerful and versatile technique for determination of chromium species in welding fume at workplace air.

Metagenomic Detection of Viruses in Aerosol Samples from Workers in Animal Slaughterhouses

Published studies have shown that workers in animal slaughterhouses are at a higher risk of lung cancers as compared to the general population. No specific causal agents have been identified, and exposures to several chemicals have been examined and found to be unrelated. Evidence suggests a biological aetiology as the risk is highest for workers who are exposed to live animals or to biological material containing animal faeces, urine or blood. To investigate possible biological exposures in animal slaughterhouses, we used a metagenomic approach to characterise the profile of organisms present within an aerosol sample. An assessment of aerosol exposures for individual workers was achieved by the collection of personal samples that represent the inhalable fraction of dust/bioaerosol in workplace air in both cattle and sheep slaughterhouses. Two sets of nine personal aerosol samples were pooled for the cattle processing and sheep processing areas respectively, with a total of 332,677,346 sequence reads and 250,144,492 sequence reads of 85 bp in length produced for each. Eukaryotic genome sequence was found in both sampling locations, and bovine, ovine and human sequences were common. Sequences from WU polyomavirus and human papillomavirus 120 were detected in the metagenomic dataset from the cattle processing area, and these sequences were confirmed as being present in the original personal aerosol samples. This study presents the first metagenomic description of personal aerosol exposure and this methodology could be applied to a variety of environments. Also, the detection of two candidate viruses warrants further investigation in the setting of occupational exposures in animal slaughterhouses.

Method for determining nitrogen dioxide in workplace air by ion-exchange chromatography

To evaluate the method for collecting NO2 in workplace air using a solid adsorbent and determining the concentration of NO2 by ion-exchange chromatography. NO2 in workplace air was collected using sampling tubes filled with 13X molecular sieve soaked with triethanolamine, and the samples were desorbed with a certain concentration of triethanolamine solution to obtain NO2(-). NO2(-) was separated with an anion exchange chromatography column and quantified by a conductivity detector. The concentration of NO2 was determined based on the conversion coefficient of NO2 and NO2(-). Different concentrations of NO2 (standard gas) was collected using the sampling tubes at different time points, and the sampling efficiency and desorption efficiency could reach more than 90%. The penetrating capacity of sampling tubes was more than 1.1 mg. The comparative test shows that there was no significant difference between the new method and national standard method (solution absorption) (P > 0.05). The samples could be stored at room temperature for more than 16 days. The calibration curve plotted in the new method was linear in the range of 0.1∼20.0 µg/ml, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9998; the detection limit was 0.01 µg/ml; the minimum detectable concentration was 0.05 mg/m(3) (V0 = 3.0 L). This determination method meets the requirements of Guide for establishing occupational heath standards-Part 4 Determination methods of air chemicals in workplace (GBZ/T 210.4-2008) and shows obvious advantages for determination of NO2 in workplace air.

Alteration of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine profile and humoral immune responses associated with chromate exposure

BackgroundThe role of chromate exposure in the deregulation of total lymphocyte and other immune factors is largely unclear.ObjectivesWe aimed to examine alteration of the Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine profile and humoral indicators...

Occupational Exposure to Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins and Dibenzofurans, Dioxin-like Polychlorinated Biphenyls, and Polychlorinated Naphthalenes in Workplaces of Secondary Nonferrous Metallurgical Facilities in China

The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) were determined in workplace air from eight secondary nonferrous metal processing plants to investigate occupational exposure to these toxic compounds. The total estimated daily intakes of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs for workers by inhalation in the workplace were in the range of 0.15-9.91 and 0.13-8.59 pg of WHO-TEQ/kg of body weight (bw) for moderate and light activities, respectively. The daily inhalation doses for workers in the workplaces of three investigated plants exceeded the tolerable daily intake recommended by the World Health Organization. These results indicate that the risk of occupational exposure to dioxins by inhalation in the workplace of plants investigated was considerably high. For PCNs, the daily inhalation doses for workers in the workplace were in the range of 0.005-4.46 and 0.004-3.87 pg of TEQ/kg of bw for moderate and light activities, respectively, which were lower than those of dioxins. To identify the source of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PCNs in workplace air, their homologue profiles were compared with those in stack gas from the plants investigated. It was found that significant dioxin contamination in workplace air was mainly attributed to the emission of fugitive gas from smelting furnaces during reclamation processes.

Determination of1-bromopropane in the workplace air by GC-FID

To establish a method for determination 1-bromopropane (1-BP) in workplace air by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). 1-bromopropane in workplace air was collected with activated charcoal tube, then desorbed by carbon disulfide and determined by GC-FID. 1-bromopropane was quantitatively measured using retention time and peak area. Linear regression formula was Y = 3353.4x-10064 in a range of 2.50 ∼ 500.00 µg/ml with regression coefficient R = 0.9998. Detection limit was 0.25 µg/ml and the lowest detection concentration of 1-brmopropane in air was 0.14 mg/m(3) (at air volume 1.8L). The mean recoveries of 1-BP were between 96.8% and 102.6%, and relative standard deviation of inter and intra-assay was less than 10%. The average desorption efficiencies were between 93.2% and 104.4%. The samples in activated charcoal tube could be stably stored for 5 days at room temperature. The method could be feasible to determine 1-bromopropane in workplace air.