Aromatic Isocyanates SafeAir Badge (382001-50)

Color change for Aromatic Isocyanates (TDI and MDI) is from off-white to red.

The SafeAir Aromatic Isocyanates badge may be used for personal or area monitoring for exposure times ranging from 15 minutes to 24 hours. For higher resolution when monitoring for TDI, the SafeAir aromatic isocyanates badge may be used in conjunction with the SafeAir TDI color comparator (part number: 383005). For exposure times less than 30 minutes, it is recommended to allow the exposed badge to stand for at least 30 minutes before reading the exposure dose with the color comparator. It is not recommended to use the badge to monitor TDI or MDI in aerosols.

Introduction

Repeated exposures or a single large dose may cause sensitization. Chronic overexposure has also been reported to cause lung damage including fibrosis. OSHA and NIOSH exposure limit for TDI is 0.02 ppm (TWA), the OSHA exposure limit for MDI is 0.02 ppm (ceiling) and the NIOSH exposure limit for MDI is 0.005 ppm (TWA).

Aromatic diisocyanates, such as toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), are commonly used to make various polymers such as polyurethanes. Polyurethanes have significant application in the manufacture of rigid and flexible foams. They are also used in the production of adhesives, coatings, and elastomers. Polyurethane coatings are preferred in the automotive refinishing industry where high-performance coatings are required.

Principle of Operation

The SafeAir aromatic isocyanates badge is a monitoring system designed to indicate the presence of TDI and/or MDI at concentrations below the permissible exposure limit. The SafeAir aromatic isocyanates badge is designed to detect the presence of TDI and/or MDI by forming a color change in the shape of an exclamation mark inside the triangle. This exclamation mark is produced by a color-forming reaction, which occurs when TDI and/or MDI reacts with a flat indicator layer.

Operating Instructions

1. Remove the pouch from the refrigerator and allow it to warm to room temperature.

2. Remove the badge from its protective pouch.

3. For personnel monitoring, attach the badge near the user’s breathing zone (i.e. the collar) with the front side exposed to the surrounding atmosphere.

4. For area monitoring, attach the badge to a stand and mount in a centralized area with the front side exposed to the surrounding atmosphere.

5. The exclamation mark appears within the triangle when TDI and/or MDI are present. Please note that the exclamation mark will appear on the front of the badge.

6. To obtain the average concentration, divide the exposure dose (ppb∙hr) by the exposure time in hours (hr).

Storage

The ChromAir aromatic isocyanates monitor should be refrigerated in its sealed bag at all times.

Sampling Parameters

Downloads and Links

382001 Manual

Aromatic Isocyanate Information