Scan4Work - Trimethylbenzene

Trimethylbenzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon primarily used as a chemical intermediate and industrial solvent. It exists in the form of three isomers: 1,2,3-trimethylbenzene (CAS 526-73-8), 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (CAS 95-63-6), and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (CAS 108-67-8). They are widely found in industrial solvents, fuels, and cleaning products. These compounds can cause respiratory tract irritation, headaches, and neurological disorders with prolonged exposure.

Regular monitoring of occupational exposure to trimethylbenzenes is a regulatory requirement and essential for protecting workers’ health and preventing occupational diseases.

What is included in the Scan4Work - Trimethylbenzene test kit?

• A Scan4Air VOC sampler
• Instructions for use
• A sample collection form to be completed and returned with your sample
• Laboratory analysis of the sample
• Analysis report sent by email to the address provided on the sample collection form

Shipping costs (both delivery and returns within mainland France) are included.

What are the main industrial uses of trimethylbenzene?

Trimethylbenzenes are commonly found in consumer products and are among the most widely used chemicals in the chemical and petrochemical industries, particularly as:

• Components of organic solvents and fuels (gasoline, kerosene)
• Manufacture of resins, paints, varnishes, and inks
• Raw materials for the synthesis of aromatic chemicals
• Used in the petrochemical and automotive industries

What are the occupational exposure limits (OELs) that employers must comply with?

According to OSHA, the OELs for xylene (8 hours TLV-TWA, Threshold Limit Value − Time-Weighted Average) is 25 ppm equivalent to 125 mg/m³ for the sum of concentration of the 3 trimethylbenzene isomers.

In accordance with current regulations in France, the 8-hour OELs and short-term OELs (15 minutes) are listed below for each isomer of trimethylbenzene.

• 1,2,3-Trimethylbenzene (CAS No. 526-73-8): 8-hour OEL 100 mg/m³ and 15 minutes OEL 250 mg/m³
• 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene (CAS No. 95-63-6): 8-hour OEL 100 mg/m³ and 15 minutes OEL 250 mg/m³
• 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene (CAS No. 108-67-8): 8-hour OEL 100 mg/m³ and 15 minutes OEL 250 mg/m³

The exposure limits for trimethylbenzenes are mandatory; that is, workers’ exposure must not exceed these limits.

How is your air sample collected and analyzed?

• Sampling: This is performed using a Scan4Air VOC sensor containing activated carbon, specifically designed for occupational exposure sampling.
  • For workplace air quality measurements, it is placed in the work environment for a period of 8 hours
  • For occupational exposure measurements, it is attached with the provided clip to the operator’s collar for 8 hours.
• Analysis: After extracting the activated carbon with a solvent, the extract is analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) for reliable and accurate detection.
• Turnaround time: Your analysis results are available within 15 business days.
• Report: Your analysis results are sent via email in the form of a detailed report in French.

Homogeneous Exposure Group (HEG)

The regulatory assessment of occupational exposure requires the simultaneous measurement of exposure for three workers (Homogeneous Exposure Group) and the measurement of ambient air at the workplace. The HEG version of this kit includes all the equipment needed to perform these four measurements.

This kit allows you to easily, quickly, and reliably measure workplace air quality or occupational exposure to ensure compliance with regulations and workplace safety.