Airborne Nicotine Sampling and IH Controls Study Notes IH 2290 03/30/2026

Airborne Nicotine Sampling Guidelines

  • Maximum Allowable Concentration

    • ACGIH TLV TWA: 0.013 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m³)
    • Note: Corrected value for stem sampling is 0.005 mg/m³.

  • Initial Steps for Airborne Nicotine Sampling

    • First step: Identify how to sample for airborne nicotine.
    • Source: Visit the laboratory's website (e.g., sgsgolfson.com).

  • Sampling Lab Information

    • Selected Lab: SGS Galson.
    • Sample Search: A search for "nicotine" yields one sampling option.
    • Cost of Analysis:
    • For nicotine: $102 per sample.
    • For additional analytes (e.g., toluene along with benzene): $37 extra.
    • Example: Analyzing benzene with a simultaneous check for toluene can be performed with a shared media.

  • Methodology for Airborne Nicotine Sampling

    • Reference Method: NIOSH 2551.
    • Collection Medium: SKC Part Number 22693 using media XAD-4.
    • Collection medium is a glass tube containing XAD-4, a material adept at capturing nicotine.

  • Sampling Duration and Flow Rate

    • Recommended Air Volume: 0.5 to 600 liters during collection.
    • Flow Rate Recommendations:
    • From 0.1 to 1 liter per minute.
    • Example Sampling Times:
    • 8-hour sample = 480 minutes (1 liter/minute)
    • 15-minute sample can also be accommodated effectively within provided limits.

  • Choosing Flow Rate Based on Expected Concentration

    • Industrial hygienists make informed judgment calls on flow rate:
    • Higher volumes pulled reduce limits of detection for lower concentrations.
    • For low expected concentrations, higher sampling rates (where risk of media overload is lower) are favorable.

  • Limit of Quantification (LOQ) and Analysis Comparisons

    • SGS Galson LOQ for nicotine is 1 microgram.
    • If sampling for 480 minutes at 1 liter/minute, calculate the necessary time for detection against LOQ and TWA values.
    • Formula for minimum sampling time:
      Minimum Sample Time=LOQOEL×Fraction of OEL×Flow Rate\text{Minimum Sample Time} = \frac{LOQ}{OEL} \times \text{Fraction of OEL} \times \text{Flow Rate}
    • Provide a comparison of different labs: Bureau Veritas has a more sensitive method (LOQ of 0.1 micrograms).
    • Revised Minimum Sampling Time due to improved LOQ can drop to 2 minutes under Bureau Veritas.

  • Practical Actions for Sampling Procedures

    • If required samples cannot be processed within SGS Galson, consider utilizing equipment interchange with Bureau Veritas while ensuring method compatibility.
    • Allow for non-detect results to assess if levels are below significant thresholds (e.g., below 0.007 mg/m³).

Introduction to Industrial Hygiene Controls

  • Safety Resources:

    • Example: WorkSafeBC excels in safety video content, particularly on silica exposure.

  • Common Sources and Exposure

    • Silica is a prominent hazard, found in materials like sand, rock, concrete, etc.
    • Identification of corrective measures in cutting, for instance, wet cutting versus dry shall be discussed, emphasizing safety practices.

  • Safety Control Hierarchies

    • Better control practices rank higher (e.g., elimination, substitution) than lower ranked measures (e.g., PPE).
    • Common Control Examples:
    • Elimination: Purchase pre-cut materials.
    • Substitution: Replace dangerous chemicals or tools with safer alternatives.
    • Engineering Controls: Employ ventilation systems, isolation techniques.
    • Administrative Controls: Policies, training, housekeeping practices.
    • PPE Usage: As a last defense against hazards.

  • Evaluating Control Effectiveness

    • Importance of integrating multiple controls for comprehensive risk management. Common implementations include:
    • Dilution ventilation
    • Local exhaust
    • Employee training on proper procedures

  • Regulatory Compliance and Control Adoption

    • OSHA mandates engineering and administrative controls prior to PPE deployment; NIOSH stresses the reduction of occupational carcinogen exposure based on control hierarchy.

  • Source, Path, and Receiver Controls

    • Source Control: Implement controls directly at the source, such as enclosing machinery.
    • Path Control: Modify pathways of exposure (e.g., installation of ventilation).
    • Receiver Control: Personal protective measures to safeguard individuals.

  • Importance of Continuous Monitoring and Verification

    • Routine check-ups of installed controls (confirming ongoing effectiveness).

  • Administrative and Procedural Controls

    • Define essential protocols and personal hygiene practices to mitigate contamination risks.
    • Examples: Training sessions for safety treks, standard operating procedures, signage for hazards.

  • PPE Discussions

    • Types of Personal Protective Equipment
    • Respirators, safety goggles, gloves, etc.
    • Emphasize correct usage practices, including frequent training and fit-checks for respirators for optimal protection.