HBM4EU Diisocyanates Study—Research Protocol for a Collaborative European Human Biological Monitoring Study on Occupational Exposure

Abstract

Diisocyanates have long been a leading cause of occupational asthma in Europe, and recently, they have been subjected to a restriction under the REACH regulations. As part of the European Human Biomonitoring project (HBM4EU), we present a study protocol designed to assess occupational exposure to diisocyanates in five European countries. The objectives of the study are to assess exposure in a number of sectors that have not been widely reported on in the past (for example, the manufacturing of large vehicles, such as in aerospace; the construction sector, where there are potentially several sources of exposure (e.g., sprayed insulation, floor screeds); the use of MDI-based glues, and the manufacture of spray adhesives or coatings) to test the usability of different biomarkers in the assessment of exposure to diisocyanates and to provide background data for regulatory purposes. The study will collect urine samples (analysed for diisocyanate-derived diamines and acetyl–MDI–lysine), blood samples (analysed for diisocyanate-specific IgE and IgG antibodies, inflammatory markers, and diisocyanate-specific Hb adducts for MDI), and buccal cells (micronucleus analysis) and measure fractional exhaled nitric oxide. In addition, occupational hygiene measurements (air monitoring and skin wipe samples) and questionnaire data will be collected. The protocol is harmonised across the participating countries to enable pooling of data, leading to better and more robust insights and recommendations.

HET-CAM test in evaluation of irritating action of adhesives used in shoe making industry

“…The increase in the irritating effect of adhesive Bonycol Ter is due to the addition of an isocyanate solution to its composition, which is confirmed by researchers [18,19], SBS and SBR adhesives -styrene and methacrylic acid [20]. Irritating action of the components of shoe adhesives is confirmed by their inclusion into the ChemSkin DB [19].…”

FAIR environmental and health registry (FAIREHR)- supporting the science to policy interface and life science research, development and innovation

“…Examples of designs include: cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, prospective designs, and retrospective studies. Cross-sectional designs may aim at comparing biomarkers across populations using well-standardized methods of sample collection and analysis ( Santonen et al, 2019 ; Scheepers et al, 2021 ; Silva et al, 2021 ; Jones et al, 2022 ). HBM studies may follow populations prospectively such as in birth cohorts ( Andersen et al, 2016 ; Nakayama et al, 2019 ) or follow populations impacted by chemical incidents and disasters ( Scheepers and Smolders, 2014a ).…”

The Use of Human Biomonitoring to Assess Occupational Exposure to PAHs in Europe: A Comprehensive Review

“…Future development of a proposal for a biomonitoring strategy of PAHs to be used in occupational settings, including a specific flowchart considering the exposure scenarios specificity, can be defined based on the information presented here. The approach followed in previous papers for other chemicals of concern [104][105][106] is a good example to consider for PAHs. In addition, effect biomarkers, e.g., indicators of genotoxic and carcinogenic effects or of cardiovascular effects may help early identifying biological alterations and thereby a risk of disease that can be prevented through risk management measures before disease development.…”