Is isocyanates a hazardous material?

Isocyanates are hazardous chemicals. Isocyanates are widely used in manufacturing materials like polyurethane foams, rubbers, plastics, varnishes, adhesives and paints. Isocyanates should not be confused with cyanates, isocyanides or cyanides which have different properties and health effects.

Under which conditions does OSHA require a workplace medical surveillance program?

Under the occupational health standard for inorganic lead, a program of biological monitoring and medical surveillance is to be made available to all employees exposed to lead above the action level of 30 ug/m(3) TWA for more than 30 days each year.

Is isocyanate a VOC?

Isocyanates are a class of compound that includes a functional group of elements -N=C=O. The logical difference between VOCs and isocyanates is the fact that VOCs are logical and include a vast array of molecules and compounds where Isocyanates are exact in form.

What is medical surveillance OSHA?

Medical surveillance, as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is a program of medical examinations and tests designed to detect and monitor potential health effects from hazardous chemical or physical exposures in the workplace to enable early treatment or other steps to protect …

Does OSHA require vision testing?

Response: OSHA does not have any standards that require normal color vision for electricians or any other occupation. However, some industry consensus standards may have requirements for normal color vision.

Is medical surveillance required?

Currently, 28 Cal/OSHA standards require employers to offer their employees medical surveillance exams and other medical services on a specified schedule when employees may be exposed to certain workplace hazards above an action level.

Is isocyanate a carcinogen?

Isocyanates include compounds classified as potential human carcinogens and known to cause cancer in animals. The main effects of hazardous exposures are occupational asthma and other lung problems, as well as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.

What is the purpose of medical surveillance?

The fundamental purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment of the individual and thus has a clinical focus. The fundamental purpose of surveillance is to detect and eliminate the underlying causes such as hazards or exposures of any discovered trends and thus has a prevention focus.

Are isocyanates carcinogenic?

What are the occupational exposure standards for isocyanates?

Exposures to airborne isocyanates may also occur from the melting or burning of polyurethane foams during fire fighting. Occupational exposure standards for isocyanates are based on respiratory irritation and sensitization and carcinogenesis. Only the exposure standards for TDI and MDI are outlined here.

Is it safe to use isocyanates at work?

Isocyanates:Working Safely Isocyanates are chemicals used in many products, including polyurethane foams and automotive paint. Exposure to isocyanates at work can cause asthma. Occupational asthma has overtaken asbestosis as the leading cause of new work- related lung disease.

How to prevent asthma and death from diisocyanate exposure?

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) requests assistance in preventing asthma, other respiratory disease, and death from diisocyanate exposure. This Alert summarizes seven case reports of disease and deaths following occupational exposure to diisocyanates.

What does the International Isocyanate Institute do?

International Isocyanate Institute Contains a description of the Institute and its activities, as well as information on Institute scientific studies. Alliance for Polyurethanes Industry – Environmental Health and Safety API promotes the sustainable growth of the polyurethane industry,…