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1000
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Abstract/Summary
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This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of vapour from mercury and its inorganic compounds in workplace air using atomic absorption spectrometry in a concentration range of one thousandth up to twice the currently valid Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) or MAK value of 0.02 mg/m3. Both personal and stationary sampling can be performed for risk assessment at work. Sampling is carried out by drawing a defined volume of air through an adsorption tube filled with hopcalite (mixture of MnO2 and CuO) using a flow‐regulated pump. The flow rate is set to 250 mL/min with a recommended air sample volume of approx. 30 L at a sampling duration of 2 hours. After sampling the loaded hopcalite is transferred into a quartz boat and the collected mercury can be analysed directly via atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The quantitative determination is based on a calibration function obtained by means of a 10‐point calibration. The limit of quantification is 0.013 µg/m3 based on an air sample volume of approx. 30 L with an expanded uncertainty between 18 and 21 %.
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