Workers in mining and industrial environments that involve manufacturing of silica-related materials and minerals are exposed to respirable size silica particles. Long-term inhalation of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can lead to major diseases, such as silicosis and lung cancer. A new technique that enables submicron (0.5 – 5 μm) IR spectroscopy in reflection mode was tested for the identification and quantification of RCS. Optical Photothermal Infrared Spectroscopy (O-PTIR) is a novel instrumentation that has the unique ability to provide IR and Raman spectra at the same time and at the same spot. Acquired information from IR and Raman will assist the recognition of possible interferences and strengthen the identification of RCS in complex workplace samples. In our study, we use three different methodologies to collect RCS on filters and identify and quantify RCS in low detection limits. A direct on filter detection of RCS and two different micro concentration techniques on filter are used for this purpose. We were able to quantitatively measure the O-PTIR response with increasing concentrations of RCS on filter. Preliminary results include successful acquisition of both IR and Raman spectra for RCS and demonstrate high potential applicability in the O-PTIR instrumentation for analysis of real workplace samples from mining and industrial environments.

Optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy for measurement and control of important aerosols in the workplace

ACS Spring 2022

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