Exposure to isocyanates in industrial situations is one of the leading causes in development of occupational asthma. Isocyanates comes in many forms and are mainly used in coatings, adhesives or foams. In this project I have assessed the employees’ exposure to isocyanates during foam packaging production process.
The factory in question was producing fire protection components and consisted of a machines shop, paint shop, welding shop, testing shops and offices. There were approximately 20 employees working in the main fabrication area. Two employees were dedicated to packaging of the produced components for transportation to the end clients.
The operatives were working in a large open plan area where a small section was dedicated to packaging. The foam packing area consisted of one foam generating and packing machine which was fed from two metal drums, one of which contains polymetric isocyanates. The drums were fully sealed. Operatives working in this area activated the machine which produced a fully formed foam pack. The foam packs were then used for packing of products. The operatives working in this area were potentially exposed to isocyanates from the storage drums and isocyanates released during foam production.
I have collected the samples for Isocyanates using 1-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazine treated filters in accordance with MDHS 25/4 “Organic isocyanates in air”.
Following the assessment the review of the existing engineering and administrative control measures and through provision of reliable test data I was able to demonstrate that the foam packaging operatives were unlikely to be exposed to levels of isocyanates above the workplace exposure limits.
I have therefore concluded that the risk from isocyanate exposure is low and formal health surveillance program was not necessary. I have concluded that no further engineering controls are required to reduce the employees exposure to isocyanates and the employees do not need to use respiratory protection while working with the foaming machine.
Health Effects from Isocyanate Exposure
Isocyanates are highly reactive chemicals used in the manufacture of many different materials such as paints, varnishes, glues, lacquers, and more. They are commonly used in the automotive industry for body repair, and numerous construction materials.
Isocyanate exposure can result in numerous health effects. One of these health effects is respiratory sensitisation, breathing in isocyanates can cause you to develop sensitisation which is an allergic reaction. Sensitisation can develop due to large single exposure, or repeated exposure at lower levels. Once you have become sensitised it can cause asthma like symptoms which is called “Occupational Asthma”. You can go years before these symptoms begin to show.
Early signs of respiratory sensitisation to isocyanates can be;
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Consistent cough
- Breathlessness
- Blocked or runny nose
- Sore and/or watery eyes
To prevent exposure to isocyanates you must identify and assess who is at risk and implement appropriate and effective control measures to null the use of isocyanates. You can contact Sysco Environmental to carry out a exposure monitoring program which fully evaluates employees’ exposure levels and effectiveness of current controls. Sysco will carry out the following
- Assessment of all potential exposure sources
- Evaluation of employees working and exposure patterns
- Air samples for assessment
- Collection of skin samples for skin exposure
- Urine samples for total biobruden if required
For more information regarding Sysco Environmentals services visit our Services. Alternatively contact us for a free quotation.
