Chemicals in the Plastics, Synthetic Textiles, and Rubber Industries

Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of chromium, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, and isocyanate exposures in an aircraft refinishing plant.

“…Some of these effects could be caused or exacerbated by short-term exposures to isocyanates, metal (chromium) dust, or organic solvents present in this workplace [Nemery 1990;NIOSH 1996NIOSH , 2013. The most frequent respiratory effect associated with isocyanate exposure is asthma due to sensitization [Lockey 2015;Markowitz 2005;NIOSH 2006]. After sensitization, any exposure, even to levels below OELs, can produce an asthmatic response that may be life threatening [NIOSH 1978[NIOSH , 1996[NIOSH , 2006.…”

Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-2008-0058-3108, crystalline silica and isocyanate exposures during parking garage repair, Aduddell Restoration and Waterproofing, Inc., Arlington, Virginia.

“…Appendix A: oCCupAtionAl exposuRe limits And HeAltH effeCts (Continued) Exposure to isocyanates can be irritating to the skin, mucous membranes, eyes, and respiratory tract [NIOSH 1978[NIOSH , 2005. The most frequent respiratory effect associated with isocyanate exposure is asthma due to sensitization [Markowitz 2005;NIOSH 2005]. Contact dermatitis (both irritant and allergic forms) is less common and can result in symptoms such as rash, erythema, and itching [Goossens et al 2002].…”

“…An employee with isocyanate-induced asthma exhibits the traditional symptoms of acute airway obstruction such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and nocturnal awakening [NIOSH 1978[NIOSH , 1986. Isocyanate-induced asthma occurs with variable latency following the initial exposure, although characteristically the asthma develops within 2 years of exposure [Markowitz 2005]. The asthmatic reaction may occur minutes after exposure (immediate onset) and/or several hours after exposure (delayed onset) [Chan-Yeung and Lam 1986;NIOSH 1986].…”

Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of lead and isocyanate exposure in a maintenance facility with small arms repair and vehicle painting shops.

“…The most frequent respiratory effect associated with isocyanate exposure is asthma due to sensitization [Lockey et al 2015;Markowitz 2005]. Sensitization can occur from inhalation and from skin exposure [Arrandale et al 2012;Heederick et al 2012;Lummus et al 2011;Redlich 2010;Wisnewski 2007].…”

“…An employee with isocyanate-induced asthma exhibits the traditional symptoms of acute airway obstruction such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and nocturnal awakening [NIOSH 1978[NIOSH , 1986. Isocyanate-induced asthma occurs with variable latency following the initial exposure, although characteristically the asthma develops within 2 years of exposure [Markowitz 2005]. The asthmatic reaction may occur minutes after exposure (immediate phase), several hours after exposure (late phase), or both (dual phase) [Lummus et al 2011].…”