Analysis of Chemical Accident-Causing Substances Using a Proton Transfer Reaction-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer

Abstract

In Korea, a total of 556 chemical accidents occurred from 2012 to 2018 caused by adverse reactions of two or more chemicals, which required significant amounts of time to identify the causative chemicals. Rapid analysis is required for effective incident response and probing. In this study, a quantum transition time-of-flight mass spectrometer was used to identify the causative agents of chemical accidents caused by adverse reactions. The analyzer enabled fast real-time analysis without the need for sample collection and pretreatment. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of most volatile organic compounds with high hydrogen affinity was performed to investigate the cause of the chemical accidents. In fact, in the month of 201○, methanol and toluene were detected as causative agents of the accident using a quantum transition time mass spectrometer, and were also the cause of the reported odor.