Specific determination of benzene in urine using dynamic headspace and mass-selective detection

A method for the determination of benzene in urine was developed, based on dynamic headspace and preconcentration of the analyte on a solid sorbent. T he subsequent analysis by thermal desorption of the sorbent, capillary gas chromatography and mass-selective detection ascertained a low Limit of dete ction (6.5 ng/l) and a highly specific determination. The limit of detectio n is an order of magnitude lower than that reported earlier and allows reli able quantitation of occupational exposure and of most environmental exposu res. Samples could be stored frozen for at least a month without significan t loss. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.