Isocyanates and Human Health

Abstract

Objective Outline the knowledge gaps and research priorities identified by a broad-base of stakeholders involved in the planning and participation of an international conference and research agenda workshop on isocyanates and human health held in Potomac, Maryland in April 2013. Methods A multi-modal iterative approach was employed for data collection including pre-conference surveys, review of a 2001 consensus conference on isocyanates, oral and poster presentations, focused break-out sessions, panel discussions and post-conference research agenda workshop. Results Participants included representatives of consumer and worker health, health professionals, regulatory agencies, academic and industry scientists, labor, and trade associations. Conclusions Recommendations were summarized regarding knowledge gaps and research priorities in the following areas: worker and consumer exposures; toxicology, animal models, and biomarkers; human cancer risk; environmental exposure and monitoring; and respiratory epidemiology and disease, and occupational health surveillance.

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].…”

“…Diisocyanates and polyisocyanates (isocyanates) are a group of highly reactive, lowmolecular-weight aromatic and aliphatic compounds [Lockey et al 2015]. The most common isocyanates include the aliphatic compounds HDI and IPDI, and the aromatic compounds toluene diisocyanate and MDI.…”

“…Exposure to isocyanates can be irritating to the skin, mucous membranes, eyes, and respiratory tract [Lockey et al 2015;NIOSH 1978NIOSH , 2006. The most frequent respiratory effect associated with isocyanate exposure is asthma due to sensitization [Lockey et al 2015;Markowitz 2005].…”

“…Skin exposure might even be more effective at causing sensitization than inhalation [Heederick et al 2012;Redlich 2010]. Less common health effects of isocyanate exposure include contact dermatitis, rhinitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis [Lockey et al 2015].…”

The role of isocyanates in fire toxicity

“…There is also limited evidence that dermal contact may result in human respiratory sensitisation (Pronk 2006). The high chemical reactivity of isocyanates are reflected in their toxicity, as exposure to isocyanates is one of the most common causes of occupational asthma in developed countries (Redlich & Karol 2002;Lockey et al 2015). Additionally, low concentrations of airborne isocyanates are acutely toxic following inhalation, and the production of isocyanates and products containing isocyanates is therefore heavily regulated from a health and safety at work perspective (Mishra et al 2009), particularly polyurethane (PU) based foams, fillers and coatings.…”