Evaluation of the applicability of fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for quantitation of the components of airborne solvent vapors in air.

Monitoring of solvent vapors can be performed by a variety of methods. Recent studies by this research group have shown that Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) can be a useful method for monitoring mixtures of vapors in air. The use of FTIR for the quantitation of individual components in a stimulated 12-component paint solvent mixture is demonstrated, and optimal conditions for instruments use are detailed. The limit of detection (LOD) for each component is well below the threshold limit value (TLV), although there is a significant degradation of LOD in the mixture when compared to the values obtained for individual compounds. Accurate quantitation is obtained through the use of a least squares fit program.