Respirator canister evaluation for nine selected organic vapors

Journal Article · Sat May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/15298668291409802· OSTI ID:6802708

Stampfer, J F

The protection afforded by one commercial organic vapor respirator canister (MSA/GMA) against chloroform, benzene, epichlorohydrin, acrylonitrile, propargyl alcohol, 1,2-dibromoethane, acrolein, chloromethyl methyl ether, and N-nitrosodimethylamine was determined. Six canisters were challenged simultaneously at 64 liters per minute (measured at 7000 ft elevation) with test atmospheres of these compounds at both 80% and <15% relative humidity (RH). The challenge concentrations were, in general, the greater of 50 times the threshold limit value or 1 ppm. Breakthrough volume was defined as that volume of air which passed through the canister before the downstream concentration was 1% of the challenge concentration. Tests were continued until as least this concentrations was attained or 16 h had elapsed, whichever occurred first. Under a moderate workload, these canisters should afford adequate protection against chloroform, benzene, and acrylonitrile for at least 4 h, epichlorohydrin for at least 8 h, and the remaining compounds (except chloromethyl methylether) for at least 16 h. Chloromethyl methyl ether at 80% RH exhibited a minimum penetration of 30% after only 34 min. It appears that this and similar canisters will not provide adequate protection against atmospheres containing this compound. In all tests in which breakthrough occurred, the decrease in breakthrough time with increase in relative humidity was greater than would be expected from published literature.On the basis of these results, suggestions are made for changes in the present National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health/Mine Safety and Health Administration certification procedures.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM
• OSTI ID: 6802708
• Journal Information: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States) Vol. 43:6; ISSN AIHAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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