An investigation into the composition of products evolved during heating of hot melt adhesives.
The major chemical components generated by a selection of fourteen hot melt adhesives during heating have been identified. This information is required so that the possible health consequences of occupational exposure can be assessed and advice on controls developed. Details are also given of the test apparatus and standard testing procedure devised for this investigation. Analysis of the evolved material indicates the presence of a wide range of chemical compounds, including resin acids, volatile terpenes, aliphatic aldehydes, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and isocyanates. Some components, including resin acids and formaldehyde, are common to several types of adhesive, whereas others, such as acrolein and isocyanates, are specific to just one. There is no component which is characteristic of fume from all fourteen adhesives. Concentrations of individual chemical components show significant variation, both between different types of adhesive, and between samples of the same adhesive heated to different temperatures or for different periods of time. For individual adhesives, concentrations of evolved material tend to increase as the temperature of the glue is raised, with the highest levels being observed in samples taken directly after commencement of heating.
Pengelly
I
I
Health and Safety Laboratory, Sheffield, U.K.
Groves
J
J
Northage
C
C
D000269:Adhesives / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D002623:Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / Q000379:methods; D006361:Heating; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control
D000269:Adhesives; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational