ETHYLENE GLYCOL SAMPLING

Ethylene glycol is a poisonous, hygroscopic liquid that is best known as an antifreeze component, but is also used in hydraulic brake fluids, and among other things, as a solvent in paint and plastic formulations. NIOSH Method 5523 is used for the collection and analysis of this compound. This method, which is similar to the partially validated OSHA method, replaced NIOSH 5500, which could not be used for aerosol evaluation. The newer method uses OVS-7 tubes (which contain a glass fibre filter and XAD-7 sorbent) for sample collection instead of a separate glass fibre filter and silica gel tube specified in the older method. The OVS-7 sampler will collect particulate ethylene glycol as well as ethylene glycol vapor. However, please be aware that collected particulate may vaporize from the glass fibre filter (and be caught on the sorbent) and therefore cannot be quantified separately from the vapor. Results are corrected for the desorption efficiency (DE) which is concentration dependant so different concentrations may exhibit different DE correction factors.

SGS Galson will provide media upon request. The recommended sampling rate is 0.5 to 2 LPM; collect a minimum of 5 but no more than 60 liters. Our detection limit is 6 ug per sample (after DE correction).

NIOSH 5523 recommends samples be shipped to the labouratory in dry ice after collection. Information in the OSHA method states the samples are stable for 5 days at room temperature. SGS Galson recommends sending the samples to the lab using an overnight service and shipping them in a small cooler containing an ice pack. Samples should be analyzed within 14 days of collection (keep cold).

Other glycols validated within NIOSH 5523 are 1,3-butylene glycol (1,3-butanediol); propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol); and diethlyene glycol (2-hydroxyethyl ether or 2,2′-oxydiethanol).

If you would like to order media or have any questions, please call our client services department at 888-432-5227 extension 305 or 116.