Evaluation of a Passive Sampler for Volatile Organic Compounds at ppb Concentrations, Varying Temperatures, and Humidities with 24-h Exposures. 2. Sampler Performance

The performance of the 3M 3520 organic vapor monitor (OVM) as a tool for monitoring inhalation exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in nonoccupational community environments was evaluated by using combined controlled test atmospheres of benzene, 1,3-butadiene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, methylene chloride, styrene, tetrachloroethylene, and toluene. Eight OVMs were simultaneously exposed to concentrations of 10,20, and 200 {micro}g/m{sup 3} in combination with temperatures of 10, 25, and 40 C and relative humidities of 12, 50, and 90% for 24 H. The results of this study indicate that the performance of the 3520 OVM is compound-specific and depends on concentration, temperature, and humidity. With the exception of 1,3-butadiene under most conditions and styrene and methylene chloride at very high relative humidities, recoveries showed a negative bias as compared to calculated chamber concentrations but were generally within {+-}25% of theory, indicating that the 3520 OVM can be effectively used over the range of concentrations and environmental conditions tested with a 24-h sampling period. Increasing humidities resulted in increasing negative bias from full recovery. Reverse diffusion experiments conducted at 200 {micro}g/m{sup 3} and five temperature/humidity combinations indicated diffusion losses only for 1,3-butadiene, methylene chloride, and styrene under increased humidity conditions. The recoverymore » rates reported in this study can be used for estimating measurement biases when using OVMs for indoor, outdoor, and personal air monitoring of VOCs in community environments.« less