Sampler design for determining the personal exposure level of workers to vapor and mist of benzyl alcohol.

Objectives: This study aims to develop and validate a sampler to measure workers' exposure to the vapor and mist of benzyl alcohol.

Methods: Recovery rate, extraction and desorption rates, breakthrough, and storage stability were tested using Slim-J connected to a glass fiber filter upstream (the connected sampler). The recovery rate of the connected sampler was compared with that of XAD-7. Benzyl alcohol on the filter was extracted, and that in Slim-J resin was desorbed by methanol with an internal standard (N,N-dimethylformamide). Benzyl alcohol was quantified through gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector (GC/FID). Air sampling was conducted by attaching the connected sampler to the chest of a worker during bridge paint film removal.

Results: Calibration curves showed linearity with correlation coefficients >0.999. The lower limit of quantification was 0.54 mg/m³ of the airborne concentration at 5-mL desorption with 120-L air sampling. The recovery rates of the connected sampler were 101-103%, whereas those of XAD-7 were 72-78%. The average extraction efficiency from the filters was 105.3%, whereas those from Slim-J were 94.5%. No breakthrough was recognized by aeration at 1 L/min for 120 min. Benzyl alcohol in the sampler was stable for up to 7 days. The sampled air by the connected sampler during bridge paint film removal indicated an isolated peak by GC/FID.

Conclusions: The connected sampler is reliable and suitable for measuring levels of personal exposure to benzyl alcohol in vapor and mist phases.