MEASUREMENT OF AIRBORNE CYANOACRYLATES

The behaviour of common alkyl-2-cyanoacrylates in air has been investi gated. Increasing humidity was found to increase the rate of polymeris ation, although polymerisation is not instantaneous, even at high humi dities. Sampling methods for these compounds have been studied and we are able to recommend a pumped Tenax sampling tube, although certain s ampling limitations apply, notably that specified flow rates most be a pplied and that a maximum sampling time of four hours is recommended. Significant errors can occur if sampling is performed outside the rang e of conditions specified. Upon completion of sampling the tube is des orbed into 0.2% phosphoric acid in acetonitrile, The resulting solutio n is analysed by HPLC, Crown Copyright (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of British Occupational Hygiene Society.