Mercury – Method for the determination of vapour from mercury and its inorganic compounds in workplace air using atomic absorption spectrometry [Air Monitoring Methods, 2017]. Issue 1 (24th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hebisch, R.; Fröhlich, N.; Houben, T.; Schneider, W.; Brock, T.H.; Hartwig, A.
• Is Part Of: MAK collection for occupational health and safety. Volume 3:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 306
• Page End: 318
• Publication Date: 2018-01-24
• Subjects: mercury vapours -- hopcalite -- air analysis -- workplace measurement -- hazardous substances -- workplace monitoring -- air sampling -- atomic absorption spectrometry -- AAS; Biological monitoring -- Periodicals; Industrial toxicology -- Periodicals; Hazardous substances -- Periodicals; 615.902
• DOI: 10.1002/3527600418.am743997e2018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2509-2383

Abstract

Abstract: This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of mercury vapours in workplace air using atomic absorption spectrometry in a concentration range of one thousandth up to twice the currently valid Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) or MAK value of 0.02 mg/m 3 . Both personal and stationary sampling can be performed for risk assessment at work. Sampling is carried out by drawing a defined volume of air through an adsorption tube filled with hopcalite (mixture of MnO2 and CuO) using a flow‐regulated pump. The flow rate is set to 250 mL/min with a recommended air sample volume of approx. 30 L at a sampling period of 2 hours. After sampling the loaded hopcalite is transferred into a quartz boat and the collected mercury can be analysed directly via atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The quantitative determination is based on a calibration function obtained by means of a 10‐point calibration. The limit of quantification is 0.013 mg/m 3 based on an air sample volume of approx. 30 L with an expanded uncertainty between 18 and 21%. Joint Publication of the Analytical Subcommittee of the Chemistry Board of Experts of the Expert Committee Raw Materials and Chemical Industry of the German Social Accident Insurance and the Working Group "Air Analyses" of the Permanent Senate Commission of the DFG for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area.