National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

“ Average recoveries of capsaicin after fortification of 13-mm glass fiber filters with 0.13-, 0.28-, 0.58-, 1.1-, 2.9-, and 17-μg quantities of the compound were 1.02, 0.95, 0.98, 0.99, 1.04, and 1.00, respectively; precision (Š) was 0.042 (35 samples, pooled) . After 28 days storage at 5 °C, the average recovery of 0.99-μg quantities of capsaicin from glass fiber filters was 0.96; Sr was 0.023 (6 samples) . In addition, the average recovery of 0.99μg quantities of capsaicin from glass fiber filters after 28 days storage at room temperature was 0.92; Sr was 0.052 (6 samples) . ”

“ Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin are toxic, are classified as mutagens, and can destroy certain sensory nerve cells [9,10] . Inhalation of aerosols of these compounds will result in prolonged coughing or sneezing. Exposure by inhalation can take place during weighing operations; thus, a dust mask is recommended. Skin contact will cause a burning sensation. Ingestion can cause intolerable burning and gastrointestinal disorders. Acetonitrile is toxic and is a fire hazard (flash point = 12.8 C) . ”

“ Prepare working standards from calibration stock solution in acetonitrile. NOTE: Working standards may be stored in tightly sealed vials at 5 C for at least 9 weeks. b. Analyze together with samples and blanks (steps 12 and 13) . c. Prepare calibration graphs for capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin (peak area or height vs. μg of analyte) . 10. Determine recoveries (R) at least once for each lot of glass fiber filters in the calibration range (step 9) . ”