3,3 Dichlorobenzene

WHAT IS 3,3-DICHLOROBENZIDINE?
3,3-Dichlorobenzidine (3,3-DCB) is a synthetic aromatic amine manufactured through the alkaline reduction of o-nitrochlorobenzidine with rearrangement in the resulting hydrazo compound. Aromatic amines are suspected carcinogens and should therefore be monitored in aquatic environments. 3,3-DCB is used primarily in the production of pigments for printing inks, textiles, paints, plastics and crayons. It is also used as a curing agent for polyurethane elastomers and for testing for the presence of gold. Synonyms for 3,3-Dichlorobenzidine include: 3,3-dichloro-4,4-diaminobiphenyl, 4,4-diamino-3,3-dichlorobiphenyl, and o,o-dichlorobenzidine.

HEALTH CONCERNS

• In Canada, the Ministry of Environment and National Health and Welfare consider 3,3-DCB to be “toxic” as defined under section 11 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).
• EPA has classified 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.
• The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established permissible exposure limits for 3,3-DCB and has classified it as a carcinogen. Under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know  Act of 1986, releases of more than one pound of 3,3-DCB into the air, water and land must be reported annually.  

HOW CAN SGS HELP?
The current Toronto Sewer By-law 81-2001 for Sanitary/Combined and Storm Sewer requirements has listed 3,3-DCB discharge limits of 2 µg/L (Sanitary/Combined) and 0.8 µg/L (Storm). Currently under EPA 625 Base/Neutral methodology, 3,3-DCB is not effectively quantified at low levels. The analysis of aromatic amines, particularly benzidines, at trace levels in aquatic media has long been problematic. SGS Minerals Services has developed a modified method for detecting low levels of 3,3-DCB in industrial wastewater. Using liquid/liquid extraction, derivatization and GC/ion trap/MS/MS technology, recoveries of 0.2 to 100µg/L levels of 3,3-DCB are routinely between 85 and 100 percent.

ACCREDITATION
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WHY SGS?
SGS is dedicated to providing a complete approach to all your analytical needs. In addition to satisfying your analytical requirements, SGS is also able to provide additional support and services either in conjunction with analytical testing or as a separate project. Our team of technical staff and chemists, hydrogeologists and professional engineers are able to offer guidance on regulatory and compliance issues while providing the level of technical support required to meet objectives.