A device for sampling of human alveolar breath for the measurement of expired volatile organic compounds

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1990 · Journal of Analytical Toxicology; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/14.6.337· OSTI ID:5797472

Raymer, J H; Thomas, K W; Cooper, S D; Whitaker, D A; Pellizzari, E D ^[1]

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1. Research Triangle Institute, NC (USA)

This report describes the development of a portable spirometer capable of collecting primarily alveolar breath into 1.8-L canisters for subsequent gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis. Based on CO2 measurements, greater than 97% of the breath collected is alveolar in origin. Sample collection takes place in approximately two minutes. Clean air for inhalation is provided by two organic vapor respirator cartridges. Studies of the breakthrough volume of test compounds at both the 5- and 50-micrograms/m3 levels indicate that each cartridge filter can be used to sample over 300 L of air and that this volume is not altered by intermittent use and storage of the filter for up to five days. In experiments designed to mimic human breathing, recoveries of test compounds through the device at the 5-mu/m3 level ranged from 87 to 112%. Essentially no volatile organic compound (VOC) memory (i.e., adsorption carryover by the device) was measured at the 50-micrograms/m3 level. The data suggest that the device can be used successfully for organic compounds with volatilities greater than that of p-dichlorobenzene.

• OSTI ID: 5797472
• Journal Information: Journal of Analytical Toxicology; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Analytical Toxicology; (USA) Vol. 14:6; ISSN 0146-4760; ISSN JATOD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ADSORBENTS
AIR POLLUTION
ANIMALS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CHARCOAL
CHROMATOGRAPHY
DESIGN
EQUIPMENT
FILTRATION
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
INHALATION
INTAKE
MAMMALS
MAN
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
MATTER
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MEASURING METHODS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
PORTABLE EQUIPMENT
PRIMATES
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SPECTROSCOPY
VERTEBRATES
VOLATILE MATTER