January 28, 2004—The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has added a page to its Web site concerning Isocyanates, a family of highly reactive, low molecular weight chemicals widely used in the manufacture of flexible and rigid foams, fibers, coatings such as paints and varnishes, and elastomers, and increasingly used in the automobile industry, autobody repair, and building insulation materials. Spray-on polyurethane products containing isocyanates have been developed for a wide range of retail, commercial, and industrial uses to protect cement, wood, fiberglass, steel and aluminum, including protective coatings for truck beds, trailers, boats, foundations, and decks, according to NIOSH.
Isocyanates are powerful irritants to the mucous membranes of the eyes and gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Direct skin contact can also cause marked inflammation. Isocyanates can also sensitize workers, making them subject to severe asthma attacks if they are exposed again. Death from severe asthma in some sensitized subjects has been reported.
NIOSH says that preventing exposure to isocyanates engineering controls such as closed systems and ventilation should be the principal method in eliminating the health hazard. Other controls such as worker isolation and personal protective clothing and equipment may also be necessary.
