Facilities that use polyurethane systems, automotive coatings, elastomers, or related intermediates often face a recurring challenge: di‑isocyanates are present in small quantities, highly reactive, and capable of causing respiratory sensitization at very low concentrations. Yet many laboratories do not maintain validated methods for quantitative airborne di‑isocyanate analysis. As a result, consultants may struggle to obtain defensible data for compliance assessments or exposure investigations.
LCS Laboratory Inc. developed this service to provide a reliable, method‑based option for projects requiring precise measurement of airborne di‑isocyanates. The method is performed in‑house and follows OSHA 42/47.
Scope of analysis
- Quantitative determination of four common di‑isocyanates:
- Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI)
- Toluene diisocyanate (TDI)
- Hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)
- Isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI)
- Reporting suitable for comparison with occupational exposure limits, including the 5 ppb TWA limit referenced in Ontario Regulation 490/09 (2013)
Applicable sample types
- Personal air samples
- Area air samples in production, coating, curing, or maintenance environments
Sampling and Analytical Requirements
- Recommended air volume: 60–240 L
- Typical flow rate: 1 L/min
- Collection media: glass‑fibre filters pre‑spiked with derivatizer
- Samples should be returned to the laboratory within two weeks of collection
- Analytical technique: HPLC for quantification of derivatized di‑isocyanates
When This Service Is Most Appropriate
This method is well‑suited for:
- Exposure assessments in polyurethane, rubber, and automotive finishing operations
- Engineering‑control evaluations where sensitizers may be present
- Compliance‑driven monitoring requiring method‑based defensibility
- Investigations of worker symptoms potentially linked to isocyanate exposure
Practical Considerations
- Di‑isocyanates are highly reactive; proper handling of sampling media is essential
- Pre‑spiked filters must be used to ensure derivatization at the point of capture
- Multi‑analyte sampling may not be compatible with this method; planning is recommended
- LCS Laboratory Inc. can supply pumps, cassettes, and holders for projects of any scale
Service Availability
This OSHA 42/47 di‑isocyanate air‑analysis service is validated and performed exclusively by LCS Laboratory Inc. All sampling media preparation, analytical work, and technical support are provided directly by our laboratory.
Discuss Your Project
If di‑isocyanates may be relevant to an upcoming assessment, we welcome early technical discussion. We can help you evaluate sampling strategy, determine appropriate sample volumes, and assess whether this method aligns with your project objectives.
Contact LCS Laboratory Inc. to discuss potential applications. ©
