IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Development of analytical methods for high-sensitivity detection of isocyanates in the workplace

Abstract

Isocyanates remain the main cause of occupational asthma in Québec. A worker suffering from occupational asthma may react to very low concentrations of isocyanates, but existing analytical methods do not adequately evaluate workplace quality in order to be able to safely reintegrate a sensitized worker. The aim of this research was to respond to a need expressed by CSST inspectors to develop an overall approach sufficiently sensitive to determine isocyanate monomers at very low concentrations. With an analytical method developed by the authors, combined with a modified sampling strategy, air concentrations in the order of 0.0002 ppb can be measured, which are 200 times lower than those determined by the IRSST method used up to now. This method is also applicable to the quantification of residual monomers in materials. With this new approach, isocyanates at very low concentrations can be determined, making it possible to follow the dispersion profile of these substances in the company, while supporting CSST inspectors in the safe reintegration of sensitized workers.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0099-1920
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2005
Team:
  • Jacques Lesage (IRSST)
  • Claude Ostiguy (IRSST)
  • Huu Van Tra (Université du Québec à Montréal )
  • Yves Cloutier (IRSST)