2.4.4 Exposure Monitoring

The standard monitoring methods for ethylbenzene involve the use of charcoal tubes and sampling pumps followed by gas chromatography. Differences between the methods include the use of desorption media and variations in analytical tools and procedures. Personal monitors collecting air from the breathing zone should be used only where engineering controls cannot be made adequate, because they are lacking specificity and sensitivity.

Exposures to ethylbenzene can also be bio-monitored by measuring the concentration of metabolites or adducts in urine. A Biological Exposure Index (BEI) for ethylbenzene of 1.5 g/g creatinine measured as mandelic acid at the end of shift of a working week should not be exceeded.

CEFIC
Avenue E Van Nieuwenhuyse 4
B- 1160 Brussels

Patrick Detournay
T +32 2 676 72 05
E pdt@cefic.be