Evaluation of a passive sampler for volatile organic compounds at ppb concentrations, varying temperatures, and humidities with 24-h exposures. 2. Sampler performance

The performance of the 3M 3520 organic vapor monitor (OVM) as a tool for monitoring inhalation exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in nonoccupational community environments was evaluated by using combined controlled test atmospheres of benzene, 1,3-butadiene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, methylene chloride, styrene, tetrachloroethylene, and toluene. Eight OVMs were simultaneously exposed to concentrations of 10, 20, and 200 mu g/m(3) in combination with temperatures of 10, 25, and 40 degrees C and relative humidities of 12, 50, and 90% for 24 h. The results of this study indicate that the performance of the 3520 OVM is compound-specific and depends on concentration, temperature, and humidity. With the exception of 1,3-butadiene under most conditions and styrene and methylene chloride at very high relative humidities, recoveries showed a negative bias as compared to calculated chamber concentrations but were generally within +/-25% of theory, indicating that the 3520 OVM can be effectively used over the range of concentrations and environmental conditions tested with a 24-h sampling period. Increasing humidities resulted in increasing negative bias from full recovery. Reverse diffusion experiments conducted at 200 mu g/m(3) and five temperature/humidity combinations indicated diffusion losses only for 1,3-butadiene, methylene chloride, and styrene under increased humidity conditions. The recovery rates reported in this study can be used for estimating measurement biases when using OVMs for indoor, outdoor, and personal air monitoring of VOCs in community environments.