TITLE
Laboratory Development and Field Evaluation of a Generic Method for
Sampling and Analysis of Isocyanates

AUTHOR(S)
J.F. McGaughey, S.C. Foster, and R.G. Merrill, Radian Corp. RTP, NC
27709; F. Wilshire and J. Knoll, USEPA/NERL/AMRD/MB; RTP, NC 27711

PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Radian Corp.  
Research Triangle Park, NC  27709

SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
National Exposure Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC  27711

ABSTRACT
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under the authority of
Title III of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, requires the
identification and evaluation of a sampling and analysis method for
the following isocyanates: methyl isocyanate; hexamethylene 1,6
diisocyanate; 2,4toulene diisocyanate; and methylene diphenyl
diisocyanate.  A laboratory study was performed to develop the
sampling and analysis method.  This effort was followed by three
field validation tests using the approach specified in the EPA
Method 301 protocol.  The sampling method employed was a
modification of the EPA Method 5 sampling procedure, using a
derivatizing agent to stabilize the isocyanates for subsequent
analysis.  Samples were analyzed by high performance liquid
chromatography under conditions adequate to separate and quantify
all four compounds.  The method bias, precision, and sample spike
recoveries, all met the EPA Method 301 criteria for an acceptable
method, as tested at the specified source types.