Liquid Chromatography

In the laboratories of the Liquid Chromatography Section of the Chemical and Biological Hazards Department, a range of techniques are used for analysis of air and material samples for selected organic and inorganic constituents.

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is used for analysis of various classes of organic hazardous substances, either by diode array and fluorescence detection or in combination with a mass spectrometer.

Inorganic and organic hazardous substances are analysed by means of ion chromatography (IC) in conjunction with conductivity, electrochemical and mass spectrometric detection.

The range of services is complemented by infrared spectrometry (IR) analysis technology.

HPLC is used to analyse hazardous substances in classes such as the following:

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), lead substance benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)
• Isocyanates
• Aldehydes, e.g. formaldehyde
• Phthalates
• Organic acids
• Anhydrides
• Explosives

Examples of the uses of IC for analysis:

• Inorganic acids
• Alkali hydroxides
• Ammonia
• Amino alcohols
• Cyanides

IR is used for analyses on: 

• Cooling lubricants
• Bitumen and other mineral oil-based agents

Besides the above services, the section is able to provide technical consulting on the substances stated. It develops measuring methods and offers training for the German Social Accident Insurance Institutions regarding occupational diseases (BaP years). The research staff are also involved in the development of regulations and standards.