Rubber particles, sometimes derived from used tires, are used on artificial turf athletic fields, on playgrounds and as mulch. These particles can off-gas and leach compounds into the environment and may present a contact or inhalation hazard. Recent news reports in the US and Europe indicate a growing concern regarding potential health effects in athletes using these artificial turf fields.

This study describes the use of the GERSTEL Dynamic Headspace Sampler (DHS) for the collection and analysis of compounds off-gassing from samples of rubber particles collected from local athletic fields and playgrounds. The DHS can be configured to analyze a single sample under set conditions, or collect samples from a single sample over time. Quantitative and qualitative results will be shown in this study.

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Dynamic Headspace (DHS)

Automated Dynamic Headspace (DHS) is available for the GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS). The DHS station efficiently extracts and concentrates VOCs from liquid or solid sample placed in standard Headspace vials (DHS) or in larger sample containers up to 1 L volume (DHSLarge). The sample is thermostated and agitated while the headspace is purged with a controlled flow of inert gas, providing controlled and efficient extraction conditions. Sample temperatures can be selected from 10oC to 200oC. Lowering the temperature provides a means of reducing the amount of water vapor released and ultimately retrapped. The DHS station additionally holds a replaceable adsorbent- or sorbent filled tube used for analyte concentration. The temperature of the adsorbent tube during the DHS process can be varied from 20oC to 70oC for optimal trapping of the analytes in question.

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