Use of passive SPME sampling devices to determine exposure of oil painters to organic compounds

Abstract

A solid-phase microextraction (SPME) sampling device, called a needle trap samplers (NTS) that were packed with 60–80 mesh divinylbenzene (DVB) particles, was used to extract indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that were emitted in an oil painting studio. This work compared the sampling performances of a passive NTS and an active charcoal desorption tube that was connected to a personal sampling pump (Method 1501), developed by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, USA. The experimental results reveal that the NTS is a dependable alternative device to Method 1501 for monitoring indoor air quality. 2,2,4,6,6-Pentamethylheptane (isododecane) is the main emitted pollutant when oil painters use odorless thinner as a substitute solvent for turpentine oil, and the mean exposed concentrations of isododecane determined by NTS ranged from 0.83 to 3.10 ppm, which were dependent on whether the indoor ventilation was performed by the natural or mechanic mode. To maintain adequate air exchange rates in an oil painting studio, doors should be opened to increase air circulation, lowering the concentrations of isododecane to which painters are exposed. Implications: A needle trap sampler (NTS) was used to sample VOCs from oil painting in an indoor studio. Isododecane is the main emitted pollutant when painters use the odorless thinner. The NTS was evaluated to be a dependable alternative to Method 1501 for monitoring indoor air quality. To maintain adequate air exchange rates in a painting studio, doors should be opened to lower concentrations of VOCs.