A study of the contamination with amines and derivative compounds of the working environment and agricultural regions with solid phase microextraction

Project manager: Wojciech Domański Ph.D. (Eng.)

Project summary:

"The aim of this research task was to assess hazard posed by aliphatic amines and derivative compounds in the working environment of the population in agricultural regions.Within this task, methods of determining butylamine, dimethylamine, methylamine, trimethylamine and triethylamine were developed. HS/SPME-GC/NPD was used to determine them.A qualitative analysis of workplace air of animal breeders was conducted with GC/MSD.To assess hazard caused by amines present in the working environment of a farmer - breeder, quantitative analyses of methylamine, trimethylamine and N-nitrosodimethylamine with HS/SPME-GC/NPD were conducted in 8 cowsheds, 5 pigsties and one stable. Measurements were made in cold and warm seasons. Ammonia and hydrogen sulphide were determined, too; they were present in the air in quantities that did not exceed MAC values.To assess the hazard a farmer - breeder is exposed to because of chemical agents present in livestock farm buildings, it is first necessary to measure the concentration of ammonia. Even though the measured concentration of aliphatic amines was low, they are responsible for the unpleasant smell in breeding farms. That is why they should be considered in assessing occupational exposure of farmers."

Unit: Department of Chemical and Aerosol Hazards

Duration: 01.01.2005 – 31.12.2007