Laboratory Test: Di-Isocyanates Air Sampling and Analysis Using the OSHA 42/47 Method

4’4′-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate

Ensure workplace safety with accurate air sampling and analysis for di-isocyanates using the trusted OSHA 42/47 method.

Why Test for Di-Isocyanates in Workplace Air? Di-isocyanates, commonly used in polymer, rubber, and automotive paint production, are highly toxic chemicals that pose significant health risks to workers. Exposure to di-isocyanates can cause severe allergic reactions and respiratory sensitization, even at low concentrations. Ontario regulations mandate that workplace air must not exceed 5 ppb of di-isocyanates (TWA, Ontario Regulation 490/09, 2013). Regular air monitoring is essential to ensure compliance with safety standards and to protect workers from exposure risks.

Technical Details of the Testing Process

Our di-isocyanate air sampling and analysis service includes:

- Collect between 60 to 240 litres of air at a flow rate of 1 L/min.
- Di-isocyanates in the air react with the derivatizer on the filter, forming stable, nonvolatile compounds.
- The samples should be returned to our laboratory within 2 weeks from the sampling date.
- Once in our laboratory, the filters are extracted, and di-isocyanates are analysed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to provide precise quantification.
  - The analysis identifies concentrations of any of 4 common di-isocyanates:
    - Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI)
    - Toluene diisocyanate (TDI)
    - Hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)
    - Isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI)
Reporting:
- Receive a formal laboratory report detailing the concentration of di-isocyanates in your work environment.

Benefits of Our Service.

Air Sampling Equipment.
- LCS Laboratory has the largest fleet of air sampling pumps, filters and adsorbent tubes in Canada. We can supply equipment for projects of any size.
- We offer portable, battery-operated air sampling pumps, pre-calibrated and ready to use.
- Sampling cassettes with glass fibre filters spiked with a derivatizer for stable and accurate collection of isocyanates.
- Cassette holders for secure placement of media during sampling.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure workplace air meets strict provincial and federal exposure limits.
Worker Protection: Identify and mitigate airborne di-isocyanates to reduce health risks.
Convenience: Fully prepared sampling kits delivered to your site, complete with pre-charged and calibrated equipment.
Customised Solutions: Tailor the number of samples collected to your facility’s production size and worker exposure.
Accurate Results: High-sensitivity testing using industry-standard OSHA 42/47 methods.