The use of a solid sorbent as a collection medium for TNT and RDX vapors

A method is presented for sampling atmospheric vapors of the military explosives, TNT and RDX, with sorbent tubes containing Tenax-GC resin. Vapors were produced by placing TNT and RDX in a heated glass chamber and pulling the generated vapors on to the Tenax with an air sampling pump. Collection efficiencies were determined for concentrations of 2,1,0.5, 0.25, and 0.1 times the Threshold Limit Values recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Electron capture gas chromatography was used for the analyses and quantitation of the collected explosives.