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Objective To analyze the overall situation of regular monitoring of occupational hazards in enterprises in Guangdong Province in 2022. Methods Analysis and quality sampling from enterprises were conducted on the occupational hazard regular monitoring reports submitted by various occupational health institutions through the Guangdong Province Occupational Health Quality Control Platform for the year 2022. Results In 2022, a total of 40 129 enterprises in Guangdong Province conducted regular monitoring of occupational hazards, accounting for 5.9%. More than 4.85 million workers were enrolled, of which more than 1.99 million workers were exposed to occupational hazards, with an incidence of 41.1%. The incidence of exposure to chemicals, dust, and noise were 18.2%, 11.9%, and 23.5%, respectively. The incidence of exceeding national standard for chemical substances, dust and noise in enterprises were 2.7%, 3.3%, and 42.7%, respectively. The incidence of exceeding national standard for all occupational hazards increased with the scale of enterprises from micro, small, medium to large enterprises (29.1% vs 46.7% vs 61.3% vs 65.4%, all P<0.05). The top three key industries, with more enterprises exceeding national standard, were metal furniture manufacturing, wooden furniture manufacturing, and other metal daily necessities manufacturing. The concentration of 97 chemical hazardous agents such as silica dust and benzene in work site exceeded the national standard, but less than 1.0% chemical hazardous agents exceeded national standard in most of the chemical-exposed work site. The incidence of noise exceeding national standard was 45.4%, while the incidence of silica dust exceeding national standard was 17.3%. Conclusion The percentage of regular monitoring of occupational hazards in enterprises in Guangdong Province is relatively low. The main occupational hazard that exceeds the national standard was noise, indicating the need for special attention on noise protection in workplace.
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Objective To establish a method for the determination of thallium and its soluble compounds in workplace air using microporous filter membrane sampling and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Methods Thallium and its soluble compounds in workplace air were collected using microporous filter membranes, digested with nitric acid, quantified using lutetium internal standard method, and detected by ICP-MS. Results The linear range of thallium was 0.00 to 600.00 μg/L, with the correlation coefficient of 1.000. The detection limit was 0.08 μg/L, and the lower limit of quantification was 0.26 μg/L. The minimum detection concentration and minimum quantitation concentration of thallium of 75.00 L workplace air were 1.0×10-5 and 3.0×10-5 mg/m3, respectively. The minimum detection concentration and minimum quantitation concentration of thallium of 480.00 L workplace air was 2.0×10-6 and 5.0×10-6 mg/m3, respectively. The recovery rate of spiking was 100.82%-103.44%, and the relative standard deviation within- and between-batches was 1.50%-3.32% and 1.32%-3.11%, respectively. The sample could be stored at room temperature for at least 14 days. Conclusion This method can be used for the detection of thallium and its soluble compounds in workplace air.
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Objective To establish a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for simultaneous determination of six aniline compounds (ADs) in workplace air. Methods GDH-1 air sampling tube was used to collect six co-existing ADs such as aniline, o-toluidine, N-methylaniline, m-methylaniline, p-methylaniline and N,N-dimethylaniline in the vapor and aerosol of workplace air. The samples were desorbed and eluted using a methanol solution containing 1.00% ammonia water, followed by separation on a C18 chromatographic column and detection using a diode array detector. Results The quantification range of the method was 0.19 -253.50 mg/L, with the correlation coefficient of 0.999 9 for all six ADs. The minimum detection range was 0.02-0.06 mg/m3, and the minimum quantitation range was 0.04-0.19 mg/m3 [both calculated for a 15.0 L sample with a desorption (elution) solution volume of 3.00 mL]. The average desorption and elution efficiencies were 92.15%-104.41% (silica gel) and 94.29%-104.29% (filter membrane). The intra-assay relative standard deviation (RSD) ranged from 0.90%-9.72% (silica gel) and 0.57%-6.96% (filter membrane). The inter-assay RSD ranged from 2.03%-9.78% (silica gel) and 2.50%-8.62% (filter membrane). The samples were stable at room temperature for seven days. Conclusion This method can be used for the simultaneous determination of six ADs in workplace air.
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Objective To establish a rapid qualitative analysis method for volatile organic components in chemicals. Methods Headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to qualitatively determine 19 volatile organic components, including benzene, 1,2-dichloroethane, and n-hexane, in chemicals. Different sample amounts, heating temperatures, heating times, and sample volumes were analyzed to assess their effects on detection results and optimize sampling conditions. Results Based on the set chromatography, the optimal sampling process of this method was as follows： 5.0 g sample in a 20.0 mL headspace bottle, incubated at 40 ℃ for 30 minutes in a constant-temperature drying incubator, and a 1.00 mL headspace gas injection. The within-run and between-run relative standard deviations of all components ranged from 0.00% to 21.05% and 0.00% to 33.33%, respectively. The samples stored in sealed glass containers were stable at room temperature for at least 60 days. Conclusion This method offers simplicity, good reproducibility, and stability, making it suitable for rapid qualitative analysis of volatile organic components in chemicals.
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Objective To establish an infrared spectrophotometric method for determination of mineral oil mist in workplace air. Methods The mineral oil mist in workplace air was sampled with glass fiber filter membrane and eluted with carbon tetrachloride. Petroleum-like standard solution of carbon tetrachloride was used as the calibration standard, and quantitative analysis was performed using infrared spectrophotometric oil analyzer. Results The sampling efficiency of the glass fiber filter membrane ranged from 94.8% to 99.2%, and the extraction efficiency ranged from 95.6% to 104.2%. The linear range of mineral oil mist was 1.00-120.00 mg/L, with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 4. The detection limit was 0.52 mg/L, and the quantification limit was 1.74 mg/L. The average recovery rate ranged from 98.8% to 104.1%. The within- and between- run relative standard deviations were 2.2%-6.4% and 2.3%-5.2%, respectively. The samples were stable at room temperature for seven days. This method could be used for air sampling of mineral oil mist in workplaces where mineral oil is used. Conclusion The method is sensitive, accurate, and efficient, which is suitable for determining the concentration of mineral oil mist in workplace air.
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Objective: To establish a solvent desorption-gas chromatography method for the determination of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane in workplace air. Methods: The 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane in workplace air were collected using activated carbon tubes, desorbed with carbon disulfide, and separated and detected by gas chromatography. The quantifications were based on standard curves. Results: The linear ranges of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane were 0.98-395.50 and 0.87-395.50 mg/L, respectively, with the correlation coefficient of 0.999 95. The detection limits were 0.29 and 0.26 mg/L, respectively. The average of desorption efficiency was 92.04%-104.67%. The within- and between-run relative standard deviations were 1.42%-2.09% and 1.63%-6.09%, respectively. The sampling efficiency was more than 98.00%. The samples could be stored at room temperature for at least 14 days. Conclusion: This method can be used in detection of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane in workplace air.
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Objective: To establish a solvent desorption-gas chromatography method for determination of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) in workplace air. Methods: The air samples were collected using activated carbon tubes, desorbed by carbon disulfide, separated by dimethylpolysiloxane capillary columns, and detected by a flame ionization detector. Results: The linear range of DMC was 2.14 to 1.07×104 mg/L, and the correlation coefficient was greater than 0.999. The detection limit was 0.14 mg/L, the lower limit of quantification was 0.47 mg/L, the minimum detection concentration was 0.10 mg/m3, and the minimum quantification concentration was 0.32 mg/m3 (based on 1.5 L workplace air). The average desorption efficiency of the method was 96.2% to 102.0%. Both the within-run and between-run relative standard deviations were 0.9% to 2.3%. The samples could be stored for at least seven days at four celsius degree. Conclusion: This method shows high desorption efficiency, high sensitivity, good precision and is simple in using. It can be used for the determination of DMC in workplace air.
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Objective: To investigate the specificity of endogenous metabolic profile in plasma of patients with occupational acute methyl acetate poisoning using non-targeted metabolomics. Methods: A total of six patients with occupational acute methyl acetate poisoning were selected as the poisoning group, while 10 healthy workers without occupational exposure history of chemical hazards in the same industry were selected as the control group using the judgment sampling method. Metabolites in patient plasma of the two groups were detected using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and non-targeted metabolomics analysis was performed. Principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis were used to identify differential metabolites and analyze their metabolic pathways. Results: There were significant differences in metabolite profiles in patient plasma between poisoning group and control group. A total of 195 differentially expressed metabolites were screened in plasma of patients in poisoning group, including 119 upregulated and 76 downregulated metabolites. Lipid substances (lipids and lipid-like molecules) accounted for the highest proportion (21.5%). The differential metabolites of poisoning group were related to folate biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, sphingolipid biosynthesis and other metabolic pathways in plasma compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Occupational acute methyl acetate poisoning affects metabolism of the body. The folic acid biosynthesis, amino acid and lipid metabolism and other pathways may be involved in the occurrence and development of poisoning.
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OBJECTIVE: To improve the pretreatment method for the detection of lead, manganese and their inorganic compounds in workplace air samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. METHODS: In this method, 20.0 mL of 1.0-2.0 mol/L nitric acid solution was used as the digestion solution to digest the microporous membrane sample at 140-160 ℃ to a volume of 0.5-1.0 mL. Samples were cooled and fixed to 10 mL and detected by flame atomic absorption spectrometry method. RESULTS: The lead detection had a good linear relationship in the range of 0.10-3.00 mg/L. The correlation coefficient was 0.999 5, the detection limit and the lower limit of quantification were 0.03 and 0.10 mg/L respectively(calculated by 3 and 10 times of standard deviation respectively). The minimum detection concentration was 0.004 mg/m~3, and the minimum quantitative concentration was 0.010 mg/m~3(collected by 75 L air calculation). The manganese detection had a good linear relationship in the range of 0.05-3.00 mg/L mass concentration. The correlation coefficient was 0.999 8, the detection limit and the lower limit of quantification were 0.015 and 0.05 mg/L respectively(calculated by 3 and 10 times of standard deviation respectively), the minimum detection concentration was 0.002 mg/m~3, and the minimum quantitative concentration was 0.007 mg/m~3(based on collection 75 L air calculation). The recovery rate of standard addition was 97.8%-99.6%, and the relative standard deviation within and between run were 0.4%-2.0% and 0.4%-1.7% respectively. CONCLUSION: The method is simple, the reagent consumption is small, the digestion temperature is low, the precision and accuracy are high. This method is suitable for widespread use.
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OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for simultaneous detection of 6 isomers of dimethylaniline(DMA) in workplace air by gas chromatography(GC). METHODS: The vapor and aerosol DMA in workplace air were collected by GDH-1 air sampling tube, and desorbed and eluted with absolute ethanol, then separated by a special capillary column for amines analysis, and finally detected by GC-flame ionization detector. RESULTS: The quantitative detection range of 6 isomers of DMA was 0.26-226.66 mg/L, with all the correlation coefficients greater than 0.999 00. The minimum detectable concentration was 0.01-0.02 mg/m~3, and the minimum quantification concentration was 0.04-0.05 mg/m~(3 )(15.00 L sample, 2.00 mL sample solution). The average desorption and elution efficiency was 92.48%-104.60%. The within-run relative standard deviations(RSD) was 0.31%-4.51%, and the between-run RSD was 1.23%-6.03%. The samples can be sealed and stored for more than 19 days at room temperature. CONCLUSION: The method is suitable for simultaneous detection of 6 isomers of DMA in workplace air.
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OBJECTIVE: To establish a method of determination of difluorochloromethane in workplace air by direct sampling gas chromatography. METHODS: Difluorochloromethane in workplace air was collected with aluminum plastic composite film airbag and then directly injected. Difluorochloromethane was separated by DB-1 capillary column and detected with hydrogen flame ionization detector. RESULTS: Good linearity was obtained in the range of 1.50-15 042.90 mg/m~3 with the correlation coefficient of 0.999 96. The limit of detection was 1.26 mg/m~3 and the limit of quantitation was 3.78 mg/m~3. The minimum detection concentration was 1.26 mg/m~3 and the minimum quantification concentration was 3.78 mg/m~3. The standard recovery was 98.34%-99.19%. The within-run relative standard deviation(RSD) and the between-run RSD were 1.82%-3.72% and 2.17%-4.17%, respectively. The samples can be stored at room temperature for at least 7 days. CONCLUSION: This method is suitable for difluorochloromethane detection in workplace air.
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OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for simultaneous determination of chlorobenzene, p-dichlorobenzene and o-dichlorobenzene in workplace air by portable gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). METHODS: The portable GC-MS heat tracing sampling probe was used for sampling. Samples were separated with LTM DB-5 MS rapid chromatographic column. The qualitative analysis was based on retention times and characteristic ions, and the quantification was based on standard curves. RESULTS: The linear correlation coefficient of this method was higher than 0.999 6. The minimum detectable concentrations were 0.03, 0.03 and 0.06 mg/m~3, and the minimum quantification concentrations were 0.10, 0.10 and 0.20 mg/m~3. The recovery rates were 84.68%-92.61%, 86.27%-93.92% and 82.31%-92.36% respectively for three chlorobenzenes compounds. The within-run relative standard deviations(RSD) were 8.51%-9.34%, 7.93%-9.19%, 5.47%-7.48% respectively for three chlorobenzenes compounds, the between-run RSD were 7.29%-9.73%, 8.08%-10.04% and 5.19%-5.98% respectively for three chlorobenzenes compounds. CONCLUSION: The portable GC-MS could be used for qualitative and quantitative detection of three chlorobenzenes compounds in workplace air.
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OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for simultaneous detection of 2-aminopyridine, 3-aminopyridine and 4-aminopyridine in workplace air by solvent eluting-gas chromatography. METHODS: 2-aminopyridine, 3-Aminopyridine and 4-aminopyridine in workplace air were collected by glass fiber filter paper dipped with sulfuric acid solution, and eluted using sodium hydroxide solution. After that, the eluent was separated by capillary column, and finally detected using the nitrogen and phosphorus detector. RESULTS: The quantitative determination ranges of 2-aminopyridine, 3-aminopyridine and 4-aminopyridine were 0.30-800.00, 0.80-800.00 and 2.00-800.00 mg/L respectively, with the correlative coefficients greater than 0.999 9. The minimum detectable concentrations were 4.67, 8.00 and 40.00 μg/m~3 respectively, and the minimum quantification concentrations were 14.00, 28.00 and 133.33 μg/m~3(45.00 L sample, 3.00 mL eluent) respectively. The average elution efficiencies were 79.63%-98.61%, 83.80%-101.42% and 81.60%-100.29% respectively. The within-run relative standard deviations(RSD) were 1.13%-3.65%, 1.47%-4.00% and 1.94%-5.15% respectively, and the between-run RSD were 1.77%-5.30%, 2.06%-4.65% and 2.59%-6.46% respectively. Samples were stable at room temperature for at least 14 days. CONCLUSION: This method is appropriate to be applied for simultaneous detection of 2-aminopyridine, 3-aminopyridine and 4-aminopyridine in workplace air.
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Objective@#To develop a solvent desorption-gas chromatography method for simultaneous determination of methyl methacrylate (MMA) , ethyl methacrylate (EMA) , n-propyl methacrylate (PMA) and butyl methacrylate (BMA) in workplace air.@*Methods@#MMA, EMA, PMA and BMA in workplace air were captured by charcoal tubes and desorbed with carbon disulfide, separated through capillary chromatographic column, and then analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector.@*Results@#The linear ranges of MMA, EMA, PMA and BMA were 0-8 305.00 mg/L, 0-9 080.50 mg/L, 0-8 899.00 mg/L and 0-8 371.00 mg/L respectively, and the related coefficients were between 0.999 96-0.999 98. The relative standard deviations (RSD) within the group were 0.56%-1.71%, 0.45%-1.65%, 0.51%-1.49% and 0.45%-1.50% respectively, and the RSD between the group were 1.14%-2.79%, 0.79%-2.13%, 0.93%-2.30% and 1.09%-2.84% respectively. The average desorption efficiencies were 95.76%-99.58%, 97.82%-102.28%, 98.55%-102.28%and 98.70%-102.40% respectively. The minimum quantification concentrations were 0.12 mg/m3, 0.10 mg/m3, 0.07 mg/m3 and 0.07 mg/m3 respectively (3.00 L sample) . The samples could be stored at room temperature for at least 7 days.@*Conclusion@#This method could be used for monitoring of MMA, EMA, PMA and BMA in workplace air.
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OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for simultaneously detecting methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-propyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate in workplace air by a portable gas chromatography-mass spectrometer(GC-MS) technique. METHODS: The portable GC-MS hand-held probe was used for sampling and detection. Samples were separated with DB-5 rapid chromatographic column in order to maintain retention time and characteristics of the ions, and quantified by standard curve method. RESULTS: The linear correlation of this method was higher than 0.999 0. The minimum detection concentration was 0.03-0.06 mg/m~3, and the minimum quantitation concentration was 0.10-0.20 mg/m~3. The standard recovery rate was 82.22%-91.24%. The within-run and the between-run relative standard deviation were 7.67%-14.63% and 10.40%-13.79% respectively. CONCLUSION: The portable GC-MS technique could be used for qualitative and quantitative detection of above-mentioned four methylacrylate compounds in workplace air.
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OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for detecting dichloromethane,trichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane in blood by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. METHODS: Using static headspace analysis, three halogenated hydrocarbons in blood samples were separated by DB-5 MS elastic capillary column and detected by gas chromatographymass spectrometry. RESULTS: There was a good linear relationship in the selected range of dichloromethane,trichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane in blood. The linear correlation coefficient was greater than 0. 999 8. The detection limit and the lower limit of quantitation was 0. 19-0. 28 and 0. 64-0. 93 μg/L,respectively. The average recovery rate was 95. 1%-106. 6%. The within-run and between-run relative standard deviation was 2. 9%-4. 9% and 5. 0%-7. 0%,respectively. The samples could be preserved at room temperature or 4 ℃ for 3 days and at-8 ℃ or below for7 days. CONCLUSION: With the features of high sensitivity,precision,accuracy,easy operation and less interference,this method is suitable for detecting dichloromethane,trichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane in the blood.
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OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for determination of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone(NMP) in workplace air by solvent desorption-gas chromatography. METHODS: NMP in the workplace air was collected with activated carbon tube and desorbed with methanol ∶dichloromethane(5 ∶95, V/V). After desorption, it was separated by capillary column separation, and detected by flame ionization detector. RESULTS: The good linear concentration of NMP was 0.51-4 108.00 mg/L. The correlation coefficient was 0.999 9. The detection limit was 0.08 mg/L(calculated by 3 times of standard deviation). The average desorption efficiency was 101.68%-103.44%. The within-run and between-run relative standard deviations were 1.94%-3.97% and 0.97%-2.26%, respectively. The sample could be stored at room temperature for at least 14 days. CONCLUSION: The developed method is suitable for the determination of NMP in workplace air.
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OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for simultaneous determination of 1,1,1-trichloroethane(TCA) and 1,1,2-TCA in the workplace air by solvent desorption-gas chromatography. METHODS: The 1,1,1-TCA and 1,1,2-TCA in the workplace air were collected by activated carbon tube and desorbed with carbon disulfide. They were separated with DB-1(100.0% dimethyl polysiloxane) capillary column and detected by flame ionization detector. RESULTS: The good linear ranges of 1,1,1-TCA and 1,1,2-TCA were 1.340-1.338×10~4 and 1.440-1.442×10~4 mg/L, respectively. The correlation coefficients were greater than 0.999, with the detection limits of 0.100 and 0.140 mg/L, respectively. The average desorption efficiencies of 1,1,1-TCA and 1,1,2-TCA were 98.6%-99.6% and 94.9%-96.2%. The within-run and between-run relative standard deviations were 0.4%-0.9% and 0.5%-1.1%, respectively. The samples could be stored at room temperature for at least 14 days. CONCLUSION: This method has high desorption efficiency and sensitivity, good precision and simple operation, which is suitable for simultaneous detection of 1,1,1-TCA and 1,1,2-TCA in the workplace air.
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OBJECTIVE: To compare the advantages and disadvantages and application range of three methods for detection of urinary mercury. These methods include alkaline stannous chloride cold atomic absorption spectrometry, acid stannous chloride cold atomic absorption spectrometry and atomic fluorescence spectrometry. METHODS: The detection limits, accuracy and precision in these three methods were compared. RESULTS: The alkaline stannous chloride cold atomic absorption method and acidic stannous chloride cold atomic absorption method had a wide linear range(1.000-10.000 μg/L). The detection limit was high(0.265 and 0.556 μg/L, respectively). The atomic fluorescence spectrometry had the narrowest linear range(0.400-2.000 μg/L) and the lowest detection limit(0.048 μg/L). The average spiked recoveries of the above three methods were 95.93%-101.02%, 92.49%-98.72% and 95.96%-99.57%. The relative standard deviations within and between batches of these three methods were less than 5.00%. The addition recovery of organic mercury by alkaline cold chloride atomic absorption method was 80.91%. The recoveries of inorganic mercury and organic mercury by other methods were close to 100.00%. CONCLUSION: All three methods meet the daily needs of detecting urinary mercury. Among them, alkaline stannous chloride cold atomic absorption method is suitable for promotion in primary laboratories as a preliminary screening method. The atomic fluorescence spectrometry is suitable for the detection of microscale and trace amount of urinary mercury.
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OBJECTIVE: To establish the occupational exposure limits for methyl t-butyl ether(MTBE) in the air of workplace in China. METHODS: According to the GBZ/T 210.1-2008 Guide for Establishing Occupational Health Standards--Part 1: Occupational Exposure Limits for Airborne Chemicals in the Workplace, we collected and analyzed data on physical and chemical properties, toxicology, occupational epidemiology and foreign occupational exposure limits related to MTBE by literature search. A total of 180 occupational workers exposed to MTBE were selected as exposure group, and 155 workers and administrative logistics personnel without exposure to MTBE were selected as the control group. Occupational hygiene investigation and occupational physical examination were carried out. We deduced the occupational exposure limits for MTBE in workplace air in China by combining literature data. RESULTS: The time-weighted average(TWA) of MTBE in the workplace air developed by the United States of America and Britain is 180.00 mg/m~3. The short-term exposure limit(STEL) of MTBE in the workplace air developed by Australia and New Zealand is 270.00 mg/m~3. The concentration of TWA(C_(TWA)) of MTBE in the exposure group was less than 0.08-4.90 mg/m~3. The concentration of short term exposure was less than 0.10-14.28 mg/m~3, and the C_(TWA) was less than 0.02-83.66 mg/m~3, in parts of workplaces. There was no statistically significant difference on the self-conscious discomfort and the abnormality in physical examination between these two groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: It's recommended that the permissible concentration-TWA of MTBE should be set at 180.00 mg/m~3, and the permissible concentration-STEL should be set at 270.00 mg/m~3 in China.