A Speciation Study of Hexavalent Chromium on Filter Media

Oral Presentation

Prepared by T. Mututuvari, K. Tran, Z. Xu, J. Li
High Purity Standards, 7221 Investment Drive, North Charleston, SC, 29418, United States


Contact Information: moven@hps.net; 843-767-7900


ABSTRACT

Occupational exposure to airborne hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) has been linked to a variety of health issues, including ulcerations, dermatitis and lung cancer. As a result, regulatory authorities have continued to develop and enforce standards to limit occupational exposure to this toxic form of chromium. For example, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set occupational permissible exposure limits of airborne Cr (VI) at 5 microgram per cubic meter over an 8-day exposure period. However, interconversion between Cr (VI) and Cr (III) poses a challenge in the determination of reliable concentrations of inhalable Cr (VI) species. Interconversion can occur at any stage during sampling and preparation of samples prior to analysis. Recently, speciated isotope dilution mass spectrometry (SIDMS), as described in EPA Method 6800, has been successfully used to determine the concentration of Cr (VI) in a wide variety of matrices including dietary supplements (1). We, therefore, intend to apply EPA Method 6800 to determine Cr (VI) concentration on Cr-spiked filter media. In addition, we will evaluate the effect of the nature of the filter media on the stability or interconversion of Cr (VI) and Cr (III). These results will help the scientific community to develop a filter standard that can be used by the industrial hygienists.

1. G. M. M. Rahman, M. Pamuku, and H. M. S. Kingston, Determination of chromium species in dietary supplements using speciated isotope dilution mass spectrometry with mass balance, J. Agric. Food Chem. 2013, 61, 9966-9976.