Interference of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)‐containing inhalers with measurements of volatile compounds using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry

Abstract

Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) is a sensitive technique capable of measuring volatile compounds (VCs) in complex gas mixtures in real time; it is now being applied to breath analysis. We investigated the effect of inhalers containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on the detection and measurement of haloamines in human breath. SIFT-MS mass scans (MS) and selected ion monitoring (SIM) scans were performed on three healthy non-smoking volunteers before and after inhalation of the following medications: Combiventtrade mark metered-dose inhaler (MDI) (CFC-containing); Ventolintrade mark MDI (CFC-free); Atroventtrade mark MDI (CFC-free), Beclazonetrade mark MDI (CFC-containing); Duolintrade mark nebuliser. In addition, the duration of the persistence of the mass/charge ratios was measured for 20 h. Inhalers containing CFCs generated large peaks at m/z 85, 87, 101, 103 and 105 in vitro and in vivo, consistent with the predicted product ions of CFCs 12, 114 and 11. No such peaks were seen with Duolintrade mark via nebuliser, or CFC-free MDIs. We conclude that measurement of VCs, such as haloamines, with product ions of similar m/z values to the ions found for CFCs would be significantly affected by the presence of CFCs in inhalers. This issue needs to be accounted for prior to the measurement of VCs in breath in people using inhalers containing CFCs.

Progress in SIFT‐MS: Breath analysis and other applications

“…One example is the use of inhalers by asthmatics that results in the presence of chlorofluorocarbons in exhaled breath as was observed using SIFT-MS in New Zealand (Epton et al, 2009). …”

Monitoring chloramines and bromamines in a humid environment using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry

“…Contrary to the findings in our earlier paper,1 these higher temperature measurements do not show the presence of haloamines in the breath of individuals at detection limits in the mid pptv range. The observation of chlorofluorocarbons from some inhalers used by asthmatics does not therefore cause a problem from haloamines in breath as predicted in a recent paper 18. The results of this investigation are, however, directly relevant to the monitoring of chloramines in real time in swimming pools,7 drinking water8, 19 and food processing plants 20…”

A comparison of spectroscopic techniques for human breath analysis

“…Personal/medical issues: The difference in concentration levels of some types of exhaled molecules can vary across gender, age, diet, drug and other medical conditions [14,60,64]. The fact that some patients are less able to offer full exhalation should be taken into account.…”