Occupational health and safety professionals (industrial hygienists) use chemical sampling and analysis to assess workplace chemical concentrations and associated worker exposures. The validity of an assessment is based, in part, on the procedures used for sample collection and analysis, and, in part, on data interpretation. In many instances, the industrial hygienists use approaches that have been refined over many years and are accepted by professionals as good practice. However, the multitude of variables within a specific workplace requires the professional to exercise judgment in the design of a particular assessment. The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry's technical bulletin provides an overview of industrial hygiene air monitoring methods for MDI and TDI.
The following provides links to sampling and analytical methods for MDI and TDI that have been developed by various government agencies and private standard-setting organizations:
OSHA Sampling & Analytical Methods
ASTM Standards
NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods
EPA Test Methods
OSHA Sampling & Analytical Methods
The following methods have been fully validated by OSHA:
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ASTM Standards
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed several standards for testing of TDI. The following links are to summaries of test standards; the ASTM website provides information on how to order the full documents:
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NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods
The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) has developed a manual of analytical methods that it has evaluated. Chapter K of the manual discusses issues concerning sampling and analysis of airborne diisocyanates. In addition, the manual provides the following analytical methods:
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EPA Test Methods
EPA has published various test methods relating to environmental monitoring and stack testing. These tests can be used to supplement information during specific evaluations of occupational exposures. The following methods for MDI and TDI are included on EPA's website - Emissions Measurement Center Test Methods:
EPA proposed this method on 12/08/97 as a recommended method for measurement of constituents from an emission source (40 C.F.R. Part 51, Appendix M). The method has not yet been finally promulgated.
The following two methods are listed as conditional test methods:
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