Grantee Research Project Results
Fiber Optic Diisocyanate Personal Monitoring Device
EPA Contract Number: EPD05018Title: Fiber Optic Diisocyanate Personal Monitoring Device
Investigators: Lis, Steven A.
Small Business: LightLine Technologies, Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2005 through August 31, 2005
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2005) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , Hazardous Waste/Remediation , SBIR - Waste
Description:
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).
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, fiber optic, personal monitoring device, isocyanate, diisocyanate, I&DCY, fiber pad adsorbent sampling, polyurethane, occupational asthma, personal exposure sensor, automotive paint, automotive repair, auto body shops, EPA, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Environmental Chemistry, Health Risk Assessment, Monitoring/Modeling, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Engineering, atmospheric measurements, monitoring, field portable monitoring, air pollution, detection system, human exposue, fiber optics, polyurethane production, isocyanate, portable detection system, field detection, portable chemical analyzer, diisocyanate, auto body shop, air quality assessments, personal sensor, aerosol analyzers, real-time monitoringProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.