GC-MS investigation of polycyclic aromatic compounds in the manifacture of rubber tubes.

Abstract Mineral oils and carbon black containing polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC), are normally used in the manufacture of rubber tubes. Owing to the toxicity of these chemicals it is important to have methods for their identification and for the monitoring of their concentration in the air of the workplace. In the present paper such a method using a two-stage air sampler and GLC-SIR-MS to monitor eight PACs is reported. PAC identification was confirmed by reference to commercially available pure compounds. Using the method, detection limits of 8-15ng ml-1, corresponding to a level of 12-23 ng m-3 in the workplace, were achieved. These are well below the NIOSH, OSHA, ACGIH prescribed TWAs. Mineral oils and carbon black containing polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC), are normally used in the manufacture of rubber tubes. Owing to the toxicity of these chemicals it is important to have methods for their identification and for the monitoring of their concentration in the air of the workplace. In the present paper such a method using a two-stage air sampler and GLC-SIR-MS to monitor eight PACs is reported. PAC identification was confirmed by reference to commercially available pure compounds. Using the method, detection limits of 8-15 ng ml-1, corresponding to a level of 12-23 ng m-3 in the workplace, were achieved. These are well below the NIOSH, OSHA, ACGIH prescribed TWAs.