Comparison of Active and Diffusive Sampling Methods for Environmental Monitoring of Styrene

Measurement of occupational exposure to styrene in industry showed that concentrations measured with the diffusive sampler 3M-3500 Organic Vapor Monitor were about 30 percent lower than those obtained with SKC Jumbo charcoal tubes. Samples were taken simultaneously: 99 paired personal samples and 66 paired stationary samples. The results showed a good correlation between the two samplers. Spearman rank correlation coefficients for the personal and stationary samples were 0.95 and 0.97, respectively. In a laboratory study, the desorption efficiencies of both samplers and the uptake rate of the 3M-3500 Organic Vapor Monitor were measured. The desorption efficiencies were close to the expected values. The uptake rate of the 3M-3500 Organic Vapor Monitor (93 ng/ppm*min), however, appeared to be considerably lower than the value supplied by the manufacturer (114 ng/ppm*min). All values of the field study were corrected by a factor of 1. 2 in order to account for the low uptake rate. The 3M-3500 Organic Vapor Monitor appeared to be a useful alternative for the active sampling method with the SKC Jumbo tube in the case of large scale studies. However, the uptake rate of such a monitor should be verified beforehand because of possible deviations of more than 15 percent from the value supplied by the manufacturer.