ASTM Standard helps detect chemical weapon agent breakdown.
Press Release Summary:
ASTM International Committee E54 on Homeland Security Applications developed single-laboratory validated standard ASTM E2787, Test Method for Determination of Thiodiglycol in Soil Using Pressurized Fluid Extraction Followed by Single Reaction Monitoring Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). In wake of chemical weapon attack, ASTM E2787 could be used to detect chemical weapon agent breakdown product to identify agent and ensure proper cleanup of involved area.
Original Press Release:
Recently Approved ASTM Homeland Security Standard to Be Used for Detection of Chemical Weapon Agent Breakdown
W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.-ASTM International Committee E54 on Homeland Security Applications has developed a new single-laboratory validated standard, ASTM E2787, Test Method for Determination of Thiodiglycol in Soil Using Pressurized Fluid Extraction Followed by Single Reaction Monitoring Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The new standard was developed by Subcommittee E54.03 on Decontamination.
ASTM E2787 could be used to support Homeland Security Presidential Directive 9, which "requires the development of a nationwide, interconnected network of federal and state laboratories that integrate resources and use standardized analytical procedures when supporting responses to homeland security incidents," according to an article [1] on standardized analytical methods on the EPA website (www.epa.gov/nhsrc/sam.html). This collection of labs is known as the Environmental Response Laboratory Network.
In the wake of a chemical weapon attack, ASTM E2787 could be used to detect the chemical weapon agent breakdown product to identify the agent and ensure proper cleanup of an involved area, according to Lawrence Zintek, national organic methods development expert, U.S. EPA Region 5 Chicago Regional Laboratory, and an E54 member.
"Thiodiglycol is a Schedule 2 compound under the Chemical Weapons Convention," says Zintek. "Schedule 2 chemicals include those that are precursors to chemical weapons, chemical weapons agents or have a number of other commercial uses."
These uses for Schedule 2 chemicals include insecticides, herbicides, lubricants and some pharmaceutical products, according to Zintek.
Users of ASTM E2787 could include the Environmental Response Laboratory Network as well as EPA, state and contract labs. Zintek notes that the following multi-laboratory validated standards, under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D19.06 on Methods for Analysis for Organic Substances in Water, which is part of ASTM International Committee D19 on Water, cover information related to Homeland Security:
The following single-laboratory validated standards, under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D19.06 also cover information related to Homeland Security:
For more information from EPA on standardized analytical methods, go to www.epa.gov/nhsrc/sam.html. More on the Environmental Response Laboratory Network can be found at http://www.epa.gov/oemerln1.
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View this release on the ASTM Web site at www.astmnewsroom.org.
ASTM Committee E54 Next Meeting: January 30 - February 1, 2012, January Committee Week, Atlanta, GA.
Technical Contact: Lawrence Zintek, U.S. EPA Region 5 Chicago Regional Laboratory, Chicago, Ill., Phone: 312-886-2925; zintek.lawrence@epa.gov
