Development and use of a sampling and analytical method for azodicarbonamide

Azodicarbonamide is a medium temperature blowing agent used in the production of foamed polymers. Because of worker concern over health effects associated with its use, researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted two health hazard evaluations. This paper describes the health concerns, the sampling and analytical method used, the environments sampled and the results of these surveys. Environmental samples were collected on Teflon filters for total dust and airborne concentration of azodicarbonamide. Analysis was accomplished by high performance liquid chromatography with identification and quantitation by UV detector response ratioing. Use of this method provided the sensitivity and specificity to analyze airborne azodicarbonamide concentrations and allowed evaluation of a workplace environment for a respiratory health hazard.