OSHA Analytical Laboratory Salt Lake City, Utah 1. General Discussion
Two of the earliest procedures to determine atmospheric
diisocyanate concentrations were developed by Ranta and Marcali
(Ref. 5.1.).
Both of these procedures are inconvenient as they use a bubbler for
sampling and their colorimetric analyses are
1) The high boiling liquid is retained on a glass fiber filter. 2) Aromatic diisocyanates react rapidly and exothermically with
3) The derivative has a higher molar absorptivity in the UV region than the one formed with nitro reagent (Ref. 5.5.). Additional work was performed on this procedure as a result of
changes made in Title 29 CFR 1910.1000, Table 1.1.2. Toxic effects (This section is for information only and should not be taken as a basis for OSHA policy.) MDI vapor is a potent respiratory sensitizer. It also is a strong irritant of the eyes, mucous membranes, and skin and can cause pulmonary edema. Exposure of humans to high concentrations causes cough, dyspnea, increased secretions, and chest pains. MDI and other diisocyanates cause pulmonary sensitization in susceptible individuals; should this occur, further exposure should be avoided, since extremely low levels of exposure may trigger an asthmatic episode; cross sensitization to unrelated materials probably does not occur. The liquid in contact with the eyes may cause irritation (Ref. 5.8.). 1.1.3. Operations where exposure may occur The manufacture of polyurethane foams, coatings and elastomers potentially expose approximately 100,000 workers to diisocyanates. MDI is used in the manufacture of rigid foams, fire retardants, coated fabrics, automobile bumper components, and hundreds of other applications. Over 300 million pounds of MDI were produced in 1975 (Ref. 5.2.). Workers using polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate (PAPI) (which is a polymer of MDI) may also be exposed to MDI because PAPI can contain up to 30% MDI. 1.1.4. Physical properties
1.2. Limit defining parameters (The analyte air concentrations listed throughout this method are based on an air volume of 15 L and a solvent extraction volume of 4 mL.)
The detection limit of the analytical procedure is 0.06 ng per injection of MDI (derivatized) with the fluorescence detector. This is the amount of analyte which will give a peak whose height is about 5 times the height of the baseline noise. (Section 4.1.) 1.2.2. Detection limit of the overall procedure The detection limit of the overall procedure is 12 ng per sample (0.8 µg/m3). This is the amount of MDI (derivatized) spiked on the sampling device which allows recovery of an amount of analyte equivalent to the detection limit of the analytical procedure. (Section 4.2.) 1.2.3. Reliable quantitation limit The reliable quantitation limit is 39.5 ng per sample (2.6 µg/m3). This is the smallest amount of MDI (derivatized) which can be quantitated within the requirements of a recovery of at least 75% and a precision (±1.96 SD) of ±25% or better. (Section 4.3.)
The reliable quantitation limit and detection limits reported in the method are based upon optimization of the instrument for the smallest possible amount of analyte. When the target concentration of an analyte is exceptionally higher than these limits, they may not be attainable at the routine operating parameters.
The sensitivity of the analytical procedure over a concentration range representing 0.5 to 2 times the target concentration based on the recommended air volume is 168000 area units per µg/mL. This is determined by the slope of the calibration curve. (Section 4.4.) The sensitivity will vary with the particular instrument used in the analysis. 1.2.5. Recovery The recovery of MDI derivative from samples used in a
1.2.6. Precision (analytical method only) The pooled coefficient of variation obtained from replicate determinations of analytical standards at 0.5, 1, and 2 times the target concentration is 0.013. (Section 4.4.) 1.2.7. Precision (overall procedure) The precision at the 95% confidence level for the
1.2.8. Reproducibility Six samples, spiked by liquid injection, and a draft copy of this
procedure were given to a chemist unassociated with this evaluation.
The samples were analyzed after three days of storage at
1.3. Advantages
1.3.2. The collection system is less cumbersome than the use of a bubbler. 1.3.3. 1.4. Disadvantage Glass fiber filters coated with 2. Sampling Procedure
2.1.2. A 2.1.3. Coated filters should be stored in a closed jar at reduced
temperature as a precaution to prevent decomposition of the
2.2. Reagents No sampling reagents are required. 2.3. Sampling technique
2.3.2. Attach the cassette to the sampling pump with flexible tubing and place the cassette in the breathing zone of the employee to be monitored. 2.3.3. The recommended air volume and flow rate is 15 L at 1
L/min. Valid analytical results can be obtained for MDI when it is
collected simultaneously with 2.3.4. After sampling for the appropriate time, remove the sampling device and replace the small plug and top cover. 2.3.5. Wrap each sample 2.3.6. With each set of samples, submit at least one blank sample. The blank should be handled the same as the samples except that no air is drawn through it. 2.3.7. Bulk samples submitted for analysis must be shipped in sealed vials and in a separate container from air samples. 2.4. Retention efficiency
Due to present laboratory limitations, controlled test atmospheres of MDI cannot effectively be generated. Because MDI has a tendency to polymerize, the derivative of MDI was liquid spiked onto coated filters for this test. An amount of MDI derivative equivalent to 4.3 µg of MDI was spiked onto the filter and 20 L of humid air were pulled through the sampling cassette. Retention efficiency was defined as the percent of the analyte remaining on the coated filter after air had been pulled through the cassette. 2.4.2. Retention results The retention efficiency of MDI derivative was found to be 97%
after 20 L of air at about 80% relative humidity and
2.5. Extraction efficiency The average extraction efficiency for MDI derivative from filters spiked at the target concentration was 96.3%. (Section 4.6.) 2.6. Recommended air volume and sampling rate
2.6.2. The recommended air sampling rate is 1 L/min. 2.7. Interferences (sampling) Any compound that could react with the 2.8. Safety precautions (sampling) The sampling equipment should be attached to the worker in such a manner that it will not interfere with work performance or safety. 3. Analytical Procedure
3.1.2. HPLC column capable of separating MDI from any
interferences. The columns employed in this study were a
3.1.3. An electronic integrator, or some other suitable method of determining peak areas. 3.1.4. Vials, 3.1.5. Volumetric flasks, pipets and syringes for preparing standards, making dilutions and making injections. 3.1.6. Suitable glassware for preparation of MDI urea derivative. 3.1.7. pH Meter for adjusting the mobile phase. 3.2. Reagents
3.2.2. Water, HPLC grade. A commercially available filtration system was used to prepare of HPLC grade water. 3.2.3. 1-(2-Pyridyl)piperazine ( 3.2.4. MDI, Eastman. 3.2.5. Ammonium acetate, HPLC grade. 3.2.6. Glacial acetic acid. 3.3. Standard preparation
3.3.2. Preparation of working standards A stock standard solution is prepared by dissolving the MDI derivative into DMSO. To express the derivative as free MDI, the amount of MDI urea weighed is multiplied by the conversion factor 0.4339.
All dilutions of the stock solutions are made with ACN to arrive at the working range. 3.4. Sample preparation
3.4.2. Four milliliters of the extracting solution, 90/10 (v/v) ACN/DMSO, are added. 3.4.3. A cap equipped with a Teflon liner is installed. 3.4.4. The vial is shaken to remove large air bubbles from between the filter and the glass. Let the vial sit for 1 h. 3.5. Analysis
3.5.2. Alternate conditions
3.5.3. An external standard procedure is used to prepare a calibration curve using at least two stock solutions from which dilutions are made. The calibration curve is prepared daily. The samples are bracketed with analytical standards. 3.6. Interferences (analytical)
3.6.2. Retention time on a single column is not proof of chemical identity. Analysis by an alternate column system, absorbance response ratioing, and mass spectrometry are additional means of identity. (See UV spectrum for MDI derivative. Figure 4.10.) 3.7. Calculations The concentration in µg/mL of MDI present in a sample is determined from the area response of the analyte as measured by an electronic integrator or peak heights. Comparison of sample response with a least squares curve fit for standards allows the analyst to determine the concentration of MDI in µg/mL for the sample. Since the sample volume is 4 mL, the results in µg/m3 of air are expressed by the following equation:
3.8. Safety precautions (analytical)
3.8.2. Wear safety glasses at all times. 3.8.3. Avoid exposure to the MDI standards. 4. Backup Data
The detection limit of the analytical procedure was 0.06 ng. This
amount produced a peak whose height was about 5 times the height of
the baseline noise. The injection size recommended in the analytical
procedure 4.2. Detection limit of the overall procedure The detection limit of the overall procedure was extrapolated to be
11.6 ng/sample for MDI or 27 ng/sample for MDI derivative. The
equivalent air concentration was 0.8 µg/m3
for MDI. The injection size recommended in the analytical procedure
MDI Recoveries Near the Detection Limit
4.3. Reliable quantitation limit The reliable quantitation limit was determined by liquid spiking
nine coated glass fiber filters with 39.5 ng of MDI (91 ng of MDI
derivative). The samples had 15 L of humid air pulled through them and
were extracted in 4 mL of extracting solution. The injection size
recommended in the analytical procedure
Extraction Efficiency at the Reliable Quantitation Limit
4.4. Sensitivity and precision (analytical method only) The following data were obtained from multiple injection of analytical standards. The data are also presented graphically in Figure 4.4. The pooled coefficient of variation for MDI was 0.0127. The sensitivity for MDI was 168000 area counts per µg/mL.
MDI Derivative Sensitivity and Precision Data
4.5. Retention efficiency
Retention efficiency samples were generated by liquid spiking 9.9 µg of MDI derivative on each of six coated glass fiber filters. The filters then had 20 L of air (at approximately 80% relative humidity) pulled through them.
Retention of MDI Derivative
4.5.2. Retention efficiency for a TWA sample The following data are presented to show that 12.3 µg of MDI derivative, liquid spiked, onto the glass fiber filter is retained after 240 L of humid air is drawn through the sampler at 1 L/min.
Retention of MDI Derivative
4.6. Extraction efficiency The following data represent the analysis of 14 coated glass fiber filters liquid spiked with MDI derivative.
Extraction Efficiency of MDI Derivative
4.7. Storage data Storage samples were generated by liquid spiking 6.94 µg of MDI derivative on coated glass fiber filters. The filters then had 15 L of air (at approximately 80% relative humidity) pulled through them. For the set of 33 samples, three samples were analyzed immediately after generation, fifteen were stored in a freezer at -20°C and fifteen were stored in a closed drawer at ambient temperature. The results of recovery versus storage time are given below and shown graphically in Figures 4.7.1. and 4.7.2.
Storage Tests
4.8. Reproducibility data Six samples, liquid spiked with 6.78 µg of MDI derivative, had 15 L of humid air drawn through them. The cassettes were given to a chemist unassociated with this work. The samples were analyzed after 3 days storage at ambient temperature. The results are corrected for extraction efficiency.
Reproducibility Results
4.9. Thermostability The data presented in this section were collected to test the ability of the derivative of MDI to withstand thermal decomposition. Glass fiber filters were spiked with 6.94 µg of MDI derivative and then heated for 7.5 to 8 h, cooled to room temperature and analyzed. The MDI derivative is not significantly affected by temperatures below 105°C.
Thermostability
4.10. UV Spectra Figure 4.10.
is the UV Spectra of the
4.11. Revision of filter coating procedure The procedure for coating the glass fiber filters with
5.2. "Criteria for a Recommended Standard...Occupational Exposure to Diisocyanates"; Department of Health, Education and Welfare, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: Cincinnati, OH, 1978; DHEW (NIOSH) Publ. (U.S.), No. 78-215. 5.3. Kormos, L.H.; Sandridge, R.L.; Keller, Anal. Chem. 1981, 53, 1125. 5.4. Sango, C.; Zimerson, E. J. Liq. Chromatog. 1980, 3, 971. 5.5. Hardy, H.L.; Walker, R.F. Analyst 1979, 104, 890. 5.6. Ellwood, P.A., Hardy, H.L.; Walker, R.F. Analyst 1981, 106, 85. 5.7. Goldberg, P.A.; Walker, R.F.; Ellwood, P.A.; Hardy, H.L. J. Chromatogr. 1981, 212, 93. 5.8. "Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards" NIOSH/OSHA, Jan. 1981, DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No.81-123. 5.9. Dharmarajan V. Mobay Chemical Corporation, 1985, written communication.
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