Analysis of Isocyanates Using the ASSET™ EZ4-NCO Dry Sampler

Introduction

Isocyanates are used as a raw material to produce a number of products such as automotive paints, rigid and spray foam insulation and furniture, to name a few. Personal exposure can occur while the products made with isocyanates are being applied, or when the materials are removed by grinding or thermal degradation. Workers who are exposed to these compounds are at risk for respiratory disorders and asthma. The highly reactive nature of the isocyanate compounds and the low occupational exposure limits put high demands on both sampling and analytical techniques for monitoring of isocyanates in air.