MAK Commission: Arsenic Determination of arsenic and its particulate compounds in workplace air using atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS)

This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of arsenic [7440-38-2] and its particulate compounds e.g. arsenic trioxide [1327-53-3] and arsenic triiodide [7784-45-4] after personal or stationary sampling. Sampling is performed by drawing a defined volume of air through a nitrocellulose membrane filter using a suitable flow-regulated pump. After acid digestion, the arsenic retained on the filter is analysed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The relative limit of quantification (LOQ) is 0.11 μg As/m³ for an air sample volume of 1.2 m³. The mean recovery for arsenic was 100%. The concentration-dependent expanded uncertainty was 15% to 33%. This analytical method has been accredited by the accident insurance companies for the detection in workplace air of substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction. This method has been tested and recommended for the determination of arsenic in work areas by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). Both personal and stationary sampling can be performed for measurements in order to evaluate work areas.

Bibliographic information

Title:  MAK Commission: Arsenic Determination of arsenic and its particulate compounds in workplace air using atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). Air Monitoring Method

Written by:  K. Pitzke, T. H. Brock, R. Hebisch, A. Hartwig

in: The MAK Collection for Occupational Health and Safety, Vol 8, No 3, 2023.  pages: 1-13, DOI: 10.34865/am744038e8_3or

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