Fiberoptic Diisocyanate Personal Monitoring Device

LightLine Technologies, Inc., plans to develop a highly sensitive fiber optic personal monitoring device, similar to a sampling badge, targeted for the simple and convenient measurement of total isocyanate and diisocyanate (I&DCY) airborne exposure. With very modest sampling processing (controlled heating), sensing of all types of I&DCYs will be possible and is the primary goal of this research project. The same derivatization reagent can be used to provide simultaneous fiber pad adsorbent sampling for further conventional analysis so that identification and individual quantification of specific I&DCYs and exposure levels is enabled. Diisocyanates and isocyanates are highly toxic and are used worldwide and on a very large scale in the production of polyurethane and related chemical products. They have been directly associated with the incidence of occupational asthma. Because most exposure occurs as the chemical vapors are transported by air, an air sampling-based method of high sensitivity is required. Current measurement methods fail to provide adequate sensing of all I&DCY species simultaneously. It is anticipated that this project will result in: (1) the determination of an optical fiber-based sensor fabrication process, use procedure, and readout process that provides high sensitivity and high confidence evaluation of all isocycanate and diisocyanate vapor species in air; and (2) the design, building, and testing of a prototype personal exposure sensor and readout package that accurately provides sensing capabilities for human exposure determination in industrial environments. The commercial application of this technology is primarily as a personal sensor directed at assuring the safe use of these chemicals during the production and use of a wide range of polyurethane products. The largest potential user group is associated with automotive painting and auto repair (auto body shops).