This paper describes the evaluation of a new personal sampler for organic vapors which is totally different from traditional sampling techniques using pumps and adsorption tubes. Sampling of organic vapors is effected by collection on an adsorption substrate contained within a small passive sampler worn by the worker. The collection element is removed from the sampler and subsequently analyzed for organic vapors. The results are equated with the time-weighted-average concentration of contaminants in air. This new sampling device circumvents inherent errors generally associated with sampling pumps and tubes; e.g., changes in pumping rates and variable pressure drops across adsorption tubes. Applications of the sampler were demonstrated on various concentrations of benzene, methyl isobutyl ketone, isooctane, butyl acetate, methyl chloroform, trichloroethylene, butanol and solvent mixtures. Variables studied included the effects of temperature, charcoal lot, and air velocities. In addition, the occurrence of "breakthrough" and effect of time on sample stability were investigated.

A gas chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of aromatic hydrocarbons in solvent mixtures. Bulk solvents and charcoal tube air samples may be analyzed. The procedure utilizes the unique separation characteristics of a gas chromatographic column containing a highly selective stationary liquid phase, N,N-bis (2-cyanoethyl) formamide. The interfering oxygenated solvents are extracted using 75 percent H2SO4. An 11-foot, 35 percent CEF column may be used to qualitatively analyze the lower boiling aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylenes). Total or specific aromatics are then quantitated using a 3-foot, 35 percent CEF column with an internal standard. Applications of liquid chromatographic concepts to this analysis were also investigated.

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