Effect of an interferent on the performance of two direct-reading organic vapor monitors

Authors

  • Ryan F. LeBouf, PhD
  • Alan Rossner, PhD
  • Judith B. Hudnall, BS
  • James E. Slaven, MS
  • Catherine C. Calvert, BS
  • Terri A. Pearce, PhD
  • Christopher C. Coffey, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2010.0034

Keywords:

interferent, organic vapors, monitors, direct reading

Abstract

Direct-reading organic vapor monitors (DROVMs) are widely used by industrial hygienists and emergency responders as survey tools for the assessment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in occupational or emergency response settings. Although these monitors provide real-time information for expedient decision making, their utility in determining compliance with specific exposure limits is not well established. In addition, other VOCs that may be present in the same environment can act as interferents and adversely affect performance. This study assessed the effect of an interferent (hexane) on the performance of two representative commercially available monitors when measuring cyclohexane. The instrument readings were compared with concentrations measured with sorbent tubes, a standard compliance monitoring technique. Infrared-based concentration measurements were more precise at the two middle challenge concentrations (144 and 289 ppm), indicating a shift in instrument precision at the low and high end of the recommended operating range. Both photoionization detection and infrared-based concentration measurements were affected by the presence and amount of hexane in the test atmosphere. Emergency response personnel and industrial hygienists should be aware of the limitations of DROVMs in the assessment of hazardous situations involving VOCs.

Author Biographies

Ryan F. LeBouf, PhD

NRC Research Associate at National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Research Council, Washington, DC.

Alan Rossner, PhD

Director of Environmental Health and Safety and Environmental Science and Policy, Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York.

Judith B. Hudnall, BS

Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia.

James E. Slaven, MS

Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia.

Catherine C. Calvert, BS

Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia.

Terri A. Pearce, PhD

Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia.

Christopher C. Coffey, PhD

Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia.

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Published

09/01/2010

How to Cite

LeBouf, PhD, R. F., A. Rossner, PhD, J. B. Hudnall, BS, J. E. Slaven, MS, C. C. Calvert, BS, T. A. Pearce, PhD, and C. C. Coffey, PhD. “Effect of an Interferent on the Performance of Two Direct-Reading Organic Vapor Monitors”. Journal of Emergency Management, vol. 8, no. 5, Sept. 2010, pp. 72-80, doi:10.5055/jem.2010.0034.