Field evaluation of air sampling methods for TNT and RDX

Journal Article · Wed Nov 30 23:00:00 EST 1988 · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/15298668891380376· OSTI ID:6501160

Bishop, R W; Kennedy, J L; Podolak, G E; Ryea, Jr, J L

A comparative field study was conducted at an ammunition plant to evaluate the use of several sampling techniques for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). The objective was to compare the currently recommended combination Tenax-plus-filter tubes with the older, colorimetric diethylaminoethanol bubbler method which was in use in July 1950 when the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) published their first Threshold Limit Values (TLVs). These values included a TLV of 1.5 mg/m3 for TNT. Regular Tenax tubes and 37-mm glass fiber filters also were tested since they also had been used by the United States Army for a number of years. The survey results showed fair agreement between the bubbler and tube methods in those instances where sufficient TNT was present to produce a measurable color in the diethylaminoethanol (DEAE). The glass fiber filters were not satisfactory for TNT retention, but the two types of tubes both were effective. The combination tubes were superior for RDX and appeared to be the best overall sampling medium.

• Research Organization: Army Environmental Hygiene Agency, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6501160
• Journal Information: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States) Vol. 49:12; ISSN AIHAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
AIR SAMPLERS
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
EQUIPMENT
EXPLOSIVES
MEASURING METHODS
NITRO COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
POLYMERS
SAMPLERS
TNT