This method describes the sample collection of airborne nitrous oxide (N₂O). Passive samples are taken in the breathing zone of workplace personnel, and analysis is performed using thermal desorption/infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The analysis is performed by the manufacturer of the passive dosimeter at the manufacturer's laboratory. [COMMENT1]

1.1. The effects of occupational exposure to N₂O are still uncertain. However, there is sufficient concern to warrant positive steps to control the airborne levels of N₂O in workplaces, such as medical, dental and veterinary facilities. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) apparently recommended a Time Weighted Average (TWA) concentration of 50 ppm when N₂O is used in dental offices, and 25 ppm when it is used during anesthetic administration (5.1.). This has been recently clarified as a 25 ppm TWA REL (5.2.) regardless of site. The reference to 50 ppm was considering what is feasible using engineering and other controls in dental offices. Scavenger systems in dental operatories are less efficient in capturing N₂O due to the oral dental operations being performed.

In the past, N₂O, the most commonly used anesthetic agent, could only be sampled by gas bags, evacuated containers, or syringes and subsequently analyzed by IR (5.1.). Recently, R.S. Landauer, Jr. and Company (Glenwood, IL) introduced a passive diffusion monitor for N₂O. These passive monitors have been evaluated in field studies and were shown to compare favorably with an IR gas analyzer [(5.3.) and also see Addendum to this method]. Other passive systems are available for N₂O and can be substituted in this method provided validation procedures are conducted to assure precise and accurate determinations are possible. NIOSH has published a very rigorous procedure (5.4.) for validating passive monitors after this evaluation was performed.

An OSHA laboratory evaluation was conducted over a broad range of N₂O concentrations to determine if the Landauer passive monitor is acceptable for use by OSHA industrial hygienists for determining N₂O in work environments. In addition, a short field evaluation was performed by the OSHA Health Response Team (see Addendum for further information).

1.2. Principle of the Method

The Landauer nitrous oxide monitor (NITROX^®) is a diffusion type air monitoring badge assembly worn in the breathing zone of personnel to evaluate potential exposure to N₂O gas. Nitrous oxide gas is adsorbed on the selected adsorbent material (molecular sieve), sent to the laboratory and thermally desorbed and analyzed by the manufacturer using IR. Both an active cartridge sample collected by drawing air through the cartridge with a calibrated sampling pump, (referred to as "active samples" in this report), and a passive monitor sample which requires no sampling pump to collect the sample (referred to as "passive samples" in this report) were taken. Both use the same proprietary sorbent material. This report presents data on both sampling procedures.

1.3. Advantages and Disadvantages

1.3.1. This method has adequate sensitivity for measuring workplace atmosphere concentrations of N₂O.

1.3.2. The sampling procedure for this method involves no liquid and mechanical pumps. A somewhat bulky direct-reading instrument is not used and pre- and post-calibration is not necessary.

1.3.3. One disadvantage is the requirement that the monitor is analyzed at the manufacturer's laboratory, which does not allow for immediate results as given by a direct-reading instrument. Quality control is dependent mainly on the manufacturer; this makes it difficult for those laboratories which prefer to conduct their own quality control program. It is recommended that users occasionally prepare spiked samples to assure adequate quality control.

1.4. Method Performance

A synopsis of the method performance is presented below. Further information can be found in Section 4.

1.4.1. This method was validated over the concentration range of 10 to 500 ppm.

1.4.2. The quantitative detection limit was 2 µg N₂O (manufacturer claim).

1.4.3. The validation ranges, the coefficients of variation (CV₂), and average recoveries are:

Validation Range, ppm:	12.5 to 500	25 to 110	25 to 500
CV2(pooled):	0.135	0.093	0.080
Average recovery, %:	98.7	93.1	103.1

Using data derived from 5 sample sets (12.5, 25, 50, 110 ppm, and one 500 ppm set) the total pooled CV₂, Bias, and Overall Error are:

CV(pooled) = 0.084;

Bias = -0.047;

Overall Error = ±21.5%

1.4.4. Samples can be stored at ambient (20 to 25 °C) temperature on a lab bench for a period of 30 days. Results show the mean sample recovery after 30 days of storage was within ±10% of results at Day 2.

1.5. Interferences

No known interferences were reported by the manufacturer.

1.6. Uses and Sources (5.5.)

byproduct of nylon production (5.6.)
anesthetic in dentistry and surgery
propellent gas in food aerosols and whipped cream
leak detection

1.7. Physical and Chemical Properties (5.7.)

Nitrous oxide exists as colorless, nonexplosive, nonflammable gas at room temperature. The gas promotes combustion similar to oxygen and has a slightly sweet odor and taste. Ambient concentrations of N₂O are produced by decomposition of nitrogen compounds found in the soil and are approximately 0.25 ppm.

Nitrous Oxide (CAS No. 10024-97-2)
Chemical formula	N2O
Molecular weight	44.02
Melting point	-90.81 °C
Boiling point	-88.5 °C
Density	1.53 times that of air
Solubility	Soluble in alcohol, water, ether, oils, sulfuric acid
Flammability	Nonflammable, supports combustion
Synonyms	Laughing gas, nitrogen oxide*, dinitrogen monoxide, hyponitrous acid anhydride, factitous air.

* Unfortunately, nitrous oxide has been confused with nitric oxide (NO) resulting in disastrous consequences.

1.8. Toxicology (5.7.)

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Information listed within this section is a synopsis of current knowledge of the physiological effects of N₂O and is not intended to be used as a basis for OSHA policy. More information regarding toxicity can be found in reference 5.7.

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Previously, N₂O was considered a simple asphyxiant. Current data indicates a causal relationship in producing in bone marrow depression and granulocytopenia, potential teratogenicity and spontaneous abortion. Nitrous oxide-induced bone marrow depression and granulocytopenia appear reversible. Nitrous oxide has been implicated in also producing neurotoxic, hepatic, and renal effects. Neurotoxic effects such as numbness, tingling, and weakness have been demonstrated in early studies and NIOSH has based their 25 ppm REL on decreased audiovisual performance noted when subjects were exposed to 50 ppm N₂O (5.1.). Biological systems most susceptible to N₂O toxicity are reproductive, hematologic, and the nervous system. Evidence for physiological risk to indicate short-term exposures warrant STEL or Ceiling Limits has not been adequately demonstrated (5.7.).

2. Sampling

2.1. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding usage. These should be provided to every user. Record sample start and stop times, and sample identification numbers.

2.2. A pump is not used and sampling commences as soon as the upper cap is removed. Remove the upper cap and place in the breathing zone of the employee.

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Note: The manufacturer has indicated that the monitor can be placed under the top layer of surgical gowns or scrubs without affecting the sampling uptake. Losses of approximately 10% have been noted under three layers of clothing placed in test chambers. This method has not evaluated the ability for the sampler to perform under such conditions; however, there is obviously a potential for bloodborne pathogen contamination of the dosimeter during sampling. Side-by-side sampling (placing a monitor inside and outside different surgical gowns for a statistically significant number of employees) during actual work procedures may need to be performed to assure the sample uptake rate is not adversely affected.

Individuals conducting sampling in areas where bloodborne pathogen exposure is possible will refer to OSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.60 (Office of Occupational Medicine, Directorate of Technical Support, Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Individuals will take universal precautions to avoid contamination of personnel and equipment. All equipment (this includes sampling devices) will be decontaminated prior to shipment to any facility as deemed necessary by the Office Director.

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2.3. Plan on sampling for a period of up to 8 hours to determine TWA exposures. Remove the dosimeter from the employee and place the cap tightly on the NITROX^® Dosimeter to cease sampling.

2.4. Write down any pertinent sampling information on the OSHA 91A and request analysis for nitrous oxide (N₂O).

2.5. Wrap sample seals lengthwise on each dosimeter tube after sampling and ship samples and paperwork to the OSHA Salt Lake Technical Center (SLTC) for sample tracking. Compliance officers for OSHA do not have to ship the dosimeters to Landauer, Inc. The OSHA-SLTC will track the samples and relay the results immediately after receipt to the compliance officer.

2.6. Always include a blank dosimeter with every set of N₂O samples.

2.7. Bulk and wipe samples are inappropriate for this method. Leak testing of the delivery systems for N₂O should be conducted using an appropriate direct-reading IR or other suitable instrument.

3. Analysis

Sample analysis is proprietary and is conducted by the manufacturer. Samples are thermally desorbed and analyzed by IR spectroscopy. Results are reported back to the person submitting samples as ppm TWA and ppm-hours N₂O.

4. Backup Data

This method has been validated for a concentration range of 10 to 500 ppm N₂O. The method validation was conducted near the ACGIH TLV of 50 ppm N₂O and the NIOSH REL of 25 ppm. In addition, a high concentration (500 ppm) expected in some operations was also examined.

The validation consisted of the following experiments and discussion:

1. A preliminary analysis of 20 active samples was performed (10 samples each at 0.5 × and 1 × TWA TLV) to evaluate and to check the generation system.

2. A sampling and analysis of 70 active samples (mixed concentration from 10 to 500 ppm N₂O) collected from dynamically generated test atmospheres at 60% RH to determine the precision and accuracy of the manufacturer.

3. A sampling and analysis of 38 passive monitors (mixed concentration from 10 to 500 ppm N₂O) collected from dynamically generated test atmospheres at 60% RH to determine precision and accuracy analyzed by the manufacturer.

4. An evaluation of storage stability at room (20 to 25 °C) temperature for 20 collected samples.

5. An evaluation of reverse diffusion for the monitors.

6. High humidity tests for Landauer active cartridges and Landauer passive monitors.

7. Comparison of sampling methods: Active cartridges versus passive monitors.

8. Summary.

Evaluation Protocol

Tests were performed on a minimum of six monitors for each concentration level evaluated at relative humidities of 60% and a temperature of 25 °C, which were considered typical environmental conditions for operating rooms. The evaluation consisted of the following major experiments: precision and accuracy, storage stability, reverse diffusion, high humidity and comparison of methods.

4.1. Preparation and Monitoring of Nitrous Oxide Concentrations

4.1.1. Concentration of cylinder of neat nitrous oxide:

A cylinder of neat N₂O was used for these experiments. The concentration of N₂O had been certified by the manufacturer as USP grade N₂O. This concentration was used as the "true" cylinder concentration, and was used to prepare known concentrations of N₂O.

4.1.2. Samples from the cylinder of N₂O (spikes were delivered to molecular sieve) were sent to Landauer Company for analysis and verification of the cylinder concentration. Landauer reported a concentration of 100.2% N₂O. (Refer to Table 1)

4.2. Generation Apparatus:

4.2.1 The generation apparatus used provided a means of generating dynamic test atmospheres. The block diagram of the major components in the dynamic generation system is shown in Figure 1. The system consists of six essential elements:

(1) a flow-temperature-humidity control system,
(2) a N₂O gas generating system (including a mass flow controller),
(3) a mixing chamber,
(4) an active sampling manifold,
(5) a monitor exposure chamber and
(6) an IR analyzer used as a continuous monitor.

A detailed description of the generation system can be found in references 5.8. and 5.9.

4.2.2 Preliminary experiments were conducted with two sets of active samplers in order to determine if the generation system was working properly. These results are reported in Table 2.

4.3. On-line Monitoring of Gas Concentrations

A MIRAN 103 gas analyzer was used as an on-line continuous monitor of generated N₂O gas concentrations. Calibration of the analyzer was performed by employing a closed-loop circulating system following the procedure described in the MIRAN 103 operating manual (5.10.). The calibration curve was obtained by plotting the N₂O concentration in ppm vs. peak height in mm (from the recorder connected to the IR. The IR used had a 4.5 micron nitrous oxide filter).

4.4. Sampling and Analysis

4.4.1. Sampling: Known (theoretical) concentrations of N₂O were prepared by dilution of the certified N₂O with purified compressed air using mass flow controllers, with a manufacturer's reported accuracy of ±2%. These theoretical concentrations (as calculated from the flow dilutions) were also independently verified by the manufacturer (R.S. Landauer, Jr. and Company) from active samples submitted for analysis. Good agreement was found between the active and theoretical sampling results (Table 3).

4.4.2. Analysis: All samples, (active cartridges and passive monitors) were collected, sealed and sent to the manufacturer for analysis.

4.5. Precision and Accuracy

The precision and accuracy data were obtained by exposing groups of at least six samples (both active cartridges and passive monitors) to known concentrations of N₂O. A broad range of concentrations and a variety of sampling periods were used. These test results are presented in Tables 3 and 4. The coefficients of variation, CV₂, and the average recoveries for exposed monitors for three ranges of the NIOSH and ACGIH proposed exposure limits from (1) 0.5 to 20 times the 25 ppm limit, (2) 0.5 to 2 times the 50 ppm limit, and (3) 0.5 to 10 times the 50 ppm limit. (Note: The 20 times concentrations were anticipated in actual workplace environments). These results were compared to active samplers taken side-by-side and recoveries were determined based on the active sampler results.

	CV2, %		Avg. Recovery, %
Conc. Range, ppm*	Active	Passive	Active	Passive
12.50 - 500.00	4.9	13.5	99.3	98.7
25.00 - 110.00	2.2	9.3	99.0	93.1
25.00 - 500.00	5.1	8.0	101.8	103.1
*(@ NTP = 25 °C, & 760 mmHg)

Using data derived from 5 sample sets (12.5, 25, 50, 110 ppm, and one 500 ppm set) the total pooled CV₂, Bias, and Overall Error are:

CV(pooled) = 0.084;

Bias = -0.047;

Overall Error = ±21.5%

4.6. Storage Stability

A study was conducted to assess the stability of the passive monitors when stored at laboratory ambient temperature. Four sets, each containing four to six passive monitors, were exposed to a N₂O concentration of 25 ppm. Each set was analyzed by the Landauer Company after various periods of storage ( 2, 7, 15, and 30 days). Table 5 presents the results of this study which according to the manufacturer's analysis shows that the mean of samples stored for 30 days are within ±10% of the mean of the passive monitors that were analyzed after 2 days.

4.7. Reverse Diffusion

Two sets of passive monitors were used for a reverse-diffusion study. The first set of six monitors was exposed at 500 ppm N₂O gas, 60% RH, and 25 °C for 2 hours. The second set of six monitors was exposed under the same conditions as the first set except that the monitors were exposed continuously for another four hours in air which contained no N₂O. As shown in Table 6, the difference between the means of the two sets in terms of ppm-hour is less than 8%. These results indicate that reverse diffusion would not be a significant problem for at least an 8-hour sampling period.

4.8. High Humidity

An experiment was conducted to determine if high humidity (90% RH, 25 °C) had an effect on sample collection by the passive monitors.

4.8.1. Procedure: Because the primary and back-up adsorbent cells in the passive monitor contained the same adsorbent material as the active cartridge, two separate tests were performed for active and passive samples.

4.8.2. Four sets of active samples were taken for a variety of sampling times at a flowrate of between 10 and 20 cc/min. Each set contained five samples.

4.8.3. Six passive monitors were simultaneously exposed for 7 hours according to the procedure described in Appendix A.

4.8.4. All active and passive samplers were sent to the manufacturer for analysis.

4.8.5. Results: The results of this high humidity study are shown in Tables 7 and 8 for active and passive samples, respectively. As can be seen, the results of all active samplers indicate that no significant changes are found among them for sampling times of 30, 60, 100, and 120 minutes. Table 8 also shows that passive monitors can accurately and precisely measure known N₂O challenges at relative humidities of 60 and 90% and N₂O concentrations as high as 500 ppm for an 8-hour shift.

4.9. Comparison of Landauer Active Sampling and Passive Monitor Methods for N₂O:

A study was conducted to compare the performance of Landauer active cartridge samplers with that of Landauer passive monitors for determining N₂O concentrations at 25 °C and 60% RH. All active cartridges and passive monitors were exposed simultaneously using the same environmental conditions. Table 9 summarizes the data for comparison of these two sampling methods. As shown, the pooled coefficients of variation CV₂ (pooled) are 4.9 and 13.5% with average recoveries in terms of percentage (%) over the concentration range studied of 99.3 and 98.7% for active cartridges and passive monitors, respectively.

4.10. Summary and Conclusion:

The Landauer N₂O monitors offer significant advantages over traditional methods, particularly in the area of convenience. The monitors show good accuracy and precision except at the lowest concentration of 12 ppm where the mass collected is very close to the detection limit claimed by the manufacturer. The CVs of monitors over concentrations from 25 to 500 ppm are less than ±10%. The average recoveries in comparison with the active cartridges are close to 100%.

The monitors show excellent stability after exposure. There were no significant differences between monitors analyzed after two days (Note: This is the minimum time required to send to the manufacturer for analysis) and monitors analyzed after 30 days. There is no evidence to show that the reverse diffusion and high humidity can affect the performance of the monitor over an 8-hour shift. One disadvantage is the manufacturer requirement to have monitors analyzed at the manufacturer's laboratory.

5. References

5.1. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): Criteria for a Recommended Standard - Occupation Exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gases and Vapors, (DHEW/NIOSH Pub. No. 77-140 77) Cincinnati, OH: NIOSH, 1977.

5.2. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: Recommendations for Occupational Safety and Health - Compendium of Policy Documents and Statements (DHHS/NIOSH Pub. No. 92-100). Cincinnati, OH: NIOSH, 1992.

5.3. Bishop, E.C. and M.A. Hossain: Field Comparison between Two Nitrous Oxide Passive Monitors and Conventional Sampling Methods, Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 45: 812 (1984).

5.4. Cassinelli, M.E., R.D. Hull, J.V. Crable, and A.W. Teass: Protocol for the Evaluation of Passive Monitors. In Diffusion Sampling, An Alternative Approach to Workplace Monitoring, edited by A. Berlin, R.H. Brown, and K.J. Saunders. London: Royal Society of Chemistry, 1987. pp. 190-202.

5.5. Sax, N.I. and R.J. Lewis, Sr.: Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 11th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987.

5.6. Thiemens, T.H. and Trogler, W.C.: Nylon production: An unknown source of atmospheric nitrous oxide. Science, 251, 932-934 (1991).

5.7. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices, 6th ed. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991, 445.1-445.4.

5.8. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Analytical Laboratory: Formaldehyde in Workplace Atmospheres ID-102. In OSHA Analytical Methods Manual 1st ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (Pub. No. ISBN: 0-936712-66-X), 1985.

5.9. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Analytical Laboratory: Evaluation of 3M Formaldehyde Monitors (Model 3751) by J.C. Ku (Product Evaluation no. ID-139). Salt Lake City, UT:OSHA Analytical Laboratory, 1982.

5.10. Wilks Scientific Corp: Miran 103 (Gas Analyzer) Operating Manual, South Norwalk, CT: Wilks Scientific Corporation, no publication date given.

Figure 1. Block Diagram of the Major Components in a Dynamic Generation System

    LIA = Lost in analysis

* Excluded from statistical analysis

** (@ NTP = 25 °C & 760 mmHg)

* Excluded from statistical analysis

** The environmental conditions of 90% RH and 25 °C were used.

*** (@ NTP)

* (@ NTP)

* (@ NTP)

* Excluded from statistical analysis
** (@ NTP)

Note:

(1) All samples, active cartridges and passive monitors, were analyzed by the manufacturer, R.S. Landauer, Jr. Co.

(2) The same environmental conditions were used for comparison

(3) The flowrates of 10 to 20 cc/min were used for active samples.

(4) The sampling times were varied from 30 to 120 minutes for active samples and from 120 to 420 minutes for passive samples.

(5) Recovery = Mean, ppm / Theoretical, ppm, e.g., for the sixth set Passive Monitor results above, Recovery = 569/500 = 114%

1. Adjust the total flow rate in the dynamic generation system to determine the theoretical generated N₂O concentration which is based on the flow rate controlled by the mass flow controller from the N₂O gas tank.

   For example:
   Total flow rate = 20 L/min

   N₂O flow rate = 2.0 cc/min

   Therefore, the theoretical N₂O concentration in the generation system is equal to 100 ppm.

2. Remove each monitor from the package and record the sample number.

3. Before exposing to the exposure chamber, attach (or hang) a minimum of six monitors on the Teflon sticker.

4. Remove each cap from the head of each monitor by using a "breaking" motion and store the cap by snapping it snugly onto the base of the monitor.

5. Open the top of the exposure chamber and put the Teflon sticker with the monitors into the chamber.

6. Close and tighten the top by using a metal U-clamp to prevent leakage between the top and the chamber.

7. Simultaneously expose the monitors and the active cartridges.

8. Remove the active cartridges after 30 or 60 minutes at a flow rate of between 10 and 20 cc/min, depending on the nitrous oxide concentrations.

9. At the conclusion of the sampling period, immediately remove the sticker from the chamber and the monitors from the sticker.

10. Record the end time and total exposure time.

11. Remove each cap from the base of each monitor by using a "breaking" motion and close the monitor by snapping the cap snugly to the head.

12. Seal and pack the monitors before sending to the manufacturer for analysis.

Note: This field study was conducted by Ed Zimowski, Senior Industrial Hygienist, OSHA Health Response Team (HRT), Salt Lake City, UT. The study was performed during 1983-84.

BACKGROUND

The adverse health effects of waste anesthetic gases and vapors have been documented for some time. Several epidemiological studies have shown an increased incidence of spontaneous abortions and congenital abnormalities in the children of both female workers and wives of male workers exposed to anesthetic gases. Studies show that exposed personnel have suffered damage to the liver and kidneys and demonstrated symptoms of possible central nervous system effects.

Although OSHA presently does not have a Permissible Exposure Limit for employees exposed to anesthetic gases, NIOSH has recommended a limit in Criteria for a Recommended Standard. . . Occupational Exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gases and Vapors published in March, 1977. NIOSH recommends that when used as the sole anesthetic agent, no worker be exposed to TWA concentrations of nitrous oxide greater than 25 ppm during anesthetic administration. With available technology, exposure levels of 50 ppm and less for nitrous oxide are attainable in dental offices. [After this study was performed the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) adopted in 1989 a TWA Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 50 ppm nitrous oxide.]

SAMPLING PROCEDURES

Until recently, the only procedure available for monitoring employee exposure to nitrous oxide was sampling in gas sampling bags and subsequent infrared (IR) analysis using a direct reading portable infrared analyzer (OSHA has used the MIRAN^® IA, 1B, or 103). This normally involved pre- and post-sampling calibration of the instrument in the laboratory and shipment of the equipment to the local area office requesting the equipment. Due to the potential of the instrument losing calibration during shipment and lack of trained field personnel familiar with the equipment, it was often necessary for an HRT member to travel to the local area office to perform training and to assist the compliance officer in the inspection.

Due to the difficulties involved with monitoring employee exposure to nitrous oxide, a field comparison of sampling procedures was performed. The methods chosen for comparison included: (1) gas sampling bag collection and analysis by IR spectrophotometry, (2) Siemens Gammasonics, Inc. nitrous oxide monitor, and (3) R.S. Landauer NITROX^® dosimetry system. During the evaluation Siemens withdrew their dosimeter from the market.

SAMPLING PROTOCOL

Area air samples were collected in the operatory rooms of a dental clinic by placing two Landauer dosimeters, one on either side of a piece of Tygon^® tubing. The Tygon tube was attached to the vacuum side of a Du Pont P125 sampling pump. The exhaust port of the pump was connected by Tygon tubing to the inlet of an evacuated 20-liter multi-layer sampling bag (Calibrated Instruments, Inc., Ardsley, NY). Area sampling was used because it allowed a wider range of concentrations to be studied. Due to the low sampling rate of the dosimeters, approximately 2 cc/min, starvation of the badges would not occur. Samples were collected for a minimum of 2 hours.

SAMPLE ANALYSIS

The Landauer dosimeters were returned to the manufacturer for analysis because the method of analysis is proprietary. The sampling bags were analyzed on-site using a MIRAN^® 103 portable IR with a 4.5 micron nitrous oxide filter. The MIRAN^® was pre- and post-calibrated at the OSHA HRT Laboratory in Salt Lake City, UT with a Teflon calibration loop by injecting known amounts of pure nitrous oxide into the cell with a gas-tight syringe. A calibration curve was plotted using the actual concentration of nitrous oxide in the calibration loop as the abscissa and the IR scale readings as the ordinate. Each sampling bag was analyzed by attaching the inlet port to the IR and recording the scale reading. The reading was then converted to ppm at Salt Lake City's altitude (640 mmHg) using the calibration curve. This value was then converted to ppm at 760 mmHg for comparison with the passive dosimeters.

RESULTS

The results of the comparison sampling with the passive dosimeters and the multi-layer sampling bags is shown in Figure 2. Data is shown below. The two dosimeter values represent the duplicate samples collected with each bag sample.

CONCLUSIONS

The Landauer NITROX^® passive dosimeter provides an acceptable alternative to bag sampling for monitoring employee exposure to nitrous oxide. Linear regression analysis applied to the comparison data using the sampling bag procedure as the reference provided the following information.

Correlation Coefficient	0.973
Slope	1.08
Std. Dev. of the slope	0.038
Intercept	-3.81
Std. Dev. of the intercept	3.17
Std. Dev. about the regression line	12.0

The correlation coefficient shows that the range of values studied was adequate to obtain comparison information although it could have been improved by sampling at higher levels. Because of the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit, it was necessary to obtain data at the low concentration values. Also, the badges are designed for 40-hour exposure monitoring of hospital and dental employees and therefore the comparative data for short term (2-4 hour) periods was important.

A full laboratory validation was performed in 1985 by the Inorganic Methods Evaluation Branch on the badges and included determination of detection limits, breakthough, accuracy, and stability.

[COMMENT1]Second revised on 08/15/85, okayed by Lee revision2 nitrousoxidepass rev2 11/14/85 from Kenison comments corrected by JCK on 12/19/85 pm