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Title: A comparison of methods for the determination of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) in air samples

Journal Article · · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)

Three different methods - a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method, a colorimetric method and a continuous tape monitoring method were used to determine the concentrations of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) in the air of different environments. Isocyanates are widely used as raw material in the production of polyurethane foam insulation, coatings, paints, and elastomers. Comparisons of the methods showed that neither the colorimetric nor the tape monitoring method are sensitive enough to determine trace concentrations of MDI. Tests showed that HPLC is a fairly precise method as to both sampling and analysis. The concentration of MDI in the atmospheres of the studied workplaces were all well below the current threshold limit value of 0.2 mg/m/sup 3/. (JMT)

Research Organization:
Inst. of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
OSTI ID:
6787290
Journal Information:
Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Vol. 43:3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English