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Dialkylnitrosamines in elastomers.
F W Yeager1, N N Van Gulick, B A Lasoski
1E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., Inc., Elastomer Chemicals Department, USA.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|February 1, 1980
Summary
Heating rubber materials containing dialkylamines can release dialkylnitrosamines. Effective ventilation significantly reduces operator exposure to these potentially harmful compounds in the workplace.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Dialkylamines are common additives in natural and synthetic rubber processing, acting as accelerators and stabilizers.
- These compounds can degrade upon heating, forming potentially hazardous byproducts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emission of dialkylnitrosamines from rubber materials during heating.
- To determine effective methods for reducing operator exposure to these emissions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of raw polymers, uncured elastomers, and cured rubber parts containing dialkylamino compounds.
- Measurement of dialkylnitrosamine concentrations in the air under various ventilation conditions.
Main Results:
- Heating rubber materials containing dialkylamino compounds was found to emit low concentrations of dialkylnitrosamines (R2N-N=O).
- Ventilation with velocities of approximately 50 ft/min. effectively reduced airborne dialkylnitrosamine levels below 50 parts per trillion by volume.
Conclusions:
- Rubber processing involving dialkylamino compounds can lead to the formation of dialkylnitrosamines.
- Implementing adequate ventilation is crucial for minimizing occupational exposure to these emissions.