Environmental monitoring of volatile organic compounds and metallic elements in two analysis laboratories

Environmental monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in analytical chemistry laboratories is somewhat tricky because exposure levels are highly variable and the number of toxic compounds, often used in combination, may be very high. This study was designed to evaluate airborne levels of VOCs and metallic elements associated to inhalable dusts in two Italian labs. The airborne levels of VOCs and elements fell well below the occupational exposure limit values recorded in the Italian law (D.lgs. 81/2008, Allegato XXXVIII) and the TLV-TWA from the list of American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. The determination of measurable levels of toxic and potentially carcinogenic compounds in office rooms may be of interest for personnel not specifically engaged to handle chemicals.