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Published on: February 23, 2020
Determination of airborne isocyanates
Hartmut Henneken1, Martin Vogel, Uwe Karst
1Department of Chemical Analysis and MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands.
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|November 15, 2006
Summary
Accurate monitoring of airborne isocyanates requires sensitive analytical methods. This review covers chemical derivatization and advanced air sampling techniques, focusing on passive diffusive sampling for improved workplace safety.
Area of Science:
- Industrial Hygiene and Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Monitoring
Background:
- Isocyanates pose significant health risks, including acute toxicity and sensitization.
- Effective workplace monitoring necessitates analytical methods with high sensitivity (ppb to ppt range) and sampling efficiency.
- The high reactivity of isocyanates requires stabilization through derivatization before analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate chemical derivatization methods for airborne isocyanates.
- To summarize and critically discuss recent advancements in air sampling strategies for isocyanates.
- To focus on the application and development of passive diffusive sampling techniques.
Main Methods:
- Review of chemical derivatization agents (primarily nucleophilic amines) for isocyanate stabilization and enrichment.
- Evaluation of analytical techniques including chromatographic separation coupled with spectroscopic, electrochemical, or mass spectrometric detection.
- Analysis of active (pumped) and passive (diffusive) sampling methods, including impingers, coated filters, sampling tubes, and denuder systems for simultaneous collection of different isocyanate forms (vapor, aerosol, adsorbed).
Main Results:
- Various derivatization reagents and procedures have been developed to address isocyanate reactivity.
- Different sampling strategies (active vs. passive) offer distinct advantages depending on the specific application.
- Denuder sampling enables comprehensive collection of diverse airborne isocyanate forms.
- Recent developments highlight the growing importance and effectiveness of diffusive sampling techniques.
Conclusions:
- The choice of derivatization and sampling method is critical for accurate isocyanate monitoring.
- Passive diffusive sampling represents a promising and evolving approach for isocyanate air monitoring.
- Continued research into sensitive and efficient analytical methods is essential for industrial hygiene.
