Emission of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and methylene dianiline during use of cure-in-place methylene diphenyl diisocyanate-based consumer products

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide realistic isocyanate and amine emission data when using different methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI)-based polyurethane consumer products. Emission testing (air sampling) of diisocyanates and corresponding diamines was performed in a full-scale controlled-environment chamber during different work operations, such as gluing, mixing and foaming. The polyurethane products used were construction glue, one-component foam and two different two-component adhesives used in parquet flooring. Air sampling for isocyanates and amines was performed in the breathing zone of the worker and at different positions inside the controlled-environment chamber while the work operations were performed. Air sampling was also performed after the application, at different positions inside the chamber, to cover the post curing phase. Low air concentrations (0.1–0.7 μg MDI/m3, 0.03–0.2 μg isocyanate group (NCO)/m3) were found in the breathing zone and close to the work operation for some of the gluing applications. No methylene diphenyl diamine (MDA) concentrations above the limit of quantification were found for any of the applications in the breathing zone air. These results indicated that inhalation exposure to MDA or MDI would be expected to be minimal during application of do-it-yourself consumer products containing MDI.