PSS – Assessing exposure to platinum

Industrial hygiene sampling and analysis of soluble platinum

Historically, measurements of levels of soluble platinum in workplaces have used various sampling methods and analytical techniques. To achieve consistent, reliable measurements at the low levels of exposure required, IPA in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin developed a harmonised method for use across the industry.

A review of available equipment and procedures followed by testing of select combinations yielded a standard method for the sampling and analysis of soluble platinum with improved limits of detection.
The method is described in the IPA Guidance Document IPA Harmonised Methodology for the Sampling of Platinum in Workplace Atmospheres.

Further information about the project can be found in the paper published by the University of Wisconsin researchers in the scientific literature:
Shafer MM, Overdier JT, Schauer JJ (2022) An improved method for sampling and analytical measurement of aerosol platinum in ambient air and workplace environments. Science of The Total Environment, 814, 152657

Laboratories used by IPA member companies to analyse soluble platinum by the harmonised method participate in regular analytical testing exercises to confirm proficiency.

Good Practice Guidance – Platinum Biomonitoring

Various approaches may be used to monitor workplace exposure to chemicals. Monitoring of occupational exposure to chloroplatinates is most commonly achieved through sampling and analysis of workplace air for total soluble platinum. This is required to demonstrate compliance with Occupational Exposure Limits.

Surface wipe sampling is also commonly conducted to verify housekeeping (cleaning) standards, and dermal wipe sampling may additionally be conducted to measure direct skin exposure. Each of these techniques can provide useful information that aids in the understanding and control of workplace exposure to chloroplatinates. 

Some companies may additionally wish to undertake exposure biomonitoring. While traditional occupational exposure monitoring techniques measure levels of chemicals in the workplace, biomonitoring measures the chemical or a surrogate chemical within a biological specimen of exposed workers – typically, urine, blood, or hair. Hence, biomonitoring provides a measure of actual total exposure to a particular chemical or group of chemicals of an individual worker.

Through its Health and Environment Science Committee, the IPA has prepared a Good Practice Guidance document on Biomonitoring of platinum in urine of workers. The guidance is intended to assist companies in designing and implementing biomonitoring schemes for workers exposed to chloroplatinates. Note that Pt-urine biomonitoring provides insight only into workers’ exposure to platinum; it does not provide any insight into the current or future health of those workers.