PERSONAL CHLORINE MONITOR UTILIZING PERMEATION SAMPLING

A method for the determination of personal exposure to chlorine is described. Samples are collected by permeation through a silicone membrane into 10 mL of a fluorescein-bromide absorbing solution. The resulting eosin is measured spectrophotometrically and the Cl2 exposure (time-weighted-average) is calculated. The detection limit of the method is 0.013 ppm (0.038 µg/m3 at 20 °C) for an 8-h exposure with a working range of 0.1-2.0 ppm. The device responds in less than 1 min and is unaffected by variations of temperature and humidity. Response of the device is dependent on pH and is optimized by buffering the absorbing solution at pH 7.0. No significant interferences are encountered, but the solution fades if exposed to intense sunlight for extended periods. A device can be constructed that is small in weight and size and can serve as either an area or personal monitor. © 1979, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.