title: A method for determining crystalline silica in bulk samples by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry.
abstract: A method for determining crystalline silica (alpha-quartz) in bulk samples has been developed. This procedure requires the bulk sample to be homogenized and sieved down to particle sizes <10 micro m in diameter. The obtained fraction is analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry. Method validation was carried out using 55 real-world bulk samples, containing between 1 and 75% (w/w) alpha-quartz. The method is capable of quantifying alpha-quartz down to 1% (w/w) in routine analysis. However, the method is unlikely to allow routine quantification at 0.1% (w/w) as currently mandated by regulations.
authors.affiliation: Occupational and Environmental Health Laboratory, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada. vermadk@mcmaster.ca
authors.forename: Dave K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Verma
authors.forename: Diane M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Des Tombe
mesh_terms: D010316:Particle Size; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis*; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
chemical_list: D012822:Silicon Dioxide