Isocyanates are the raw materials for all polyurethane products. Jobs that may involve exposure to isocyanates include painting, printing and foam-blowing, as well as the manufacture of surface coatings, car seats, packaging materials, shoes, laminated fabrics, polyurethane rubber, adhesives and other polyurethane products.
Health effects of isocyanate exposure can include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, chest tightness and difficulty with breathing. The main effects of overexposure are occupational asthma and other lung problems, as well as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin.
Isocyanate use generally requires health surveillance and monitoring of your employees’ exposure levels, as described in Monitoring exposure and Health surveillance above. Both will need to be conducted by competent occupational hygienists and occupational health professionals, as appropriate.
In November 2005 the HSE issued publications P45, P46 and P47 for the printing industry (although the guidance also applies to other industries). They cover the latest recommendations for biological monitoring and health surveillance for users of isocyanates.
P45 - Health surveillance - dermatitis
P46 - Health surveillance - asthma
P47 - Biological monitoring.
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