These deviations result in underprediction of observed service lives. In addition to estimating breakthrough times, useful information on isotherm slope and adsorption wave dynamics was derived from the breakthrough curves. This approach provides industrial hygienists with a useful tool for estimating service lives of organic vapor cartridges. The Effectiveness of Respirator Cartridge and Other Carbons in Removing Vapors of Nitric Acid from Air. G. Wood, R. Kissane, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM Industrial and laboratory workers can be exposed to vapors of nitric acid, especially in accidents, such as spills.
Nitric acid can also be a product of incineration for energy production or waste disposal.
Most of these carbons were impregnated by manufacturers with various chemicals for enhancing the collection of acid vapors and other air contaminants. The nitric acid vapor was generated from concentrated acid solutions and detected by trapping a water bubbler for pH measurements. Both low and moderate relative humidity conditions were used. All carbons were efficient at vapor contact times representative of air-purifying respirator use. Capacities were also high.