What Is Isocyanate Exposure Testing?
Reducing exposure to isocyanates is crucial to eliminate potential workplace-related health issues, especially in the automobile and building industries.
They are commonly found in construction products including paints, building insulation, and other materials used in retail, commercial and industrial spaces.
Isocyanates are a family of highly reactive, low molecular weight chemicals that are known to cause illnesses such as asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In turn, those persistently exposed to these dangerous molecules are likely to experience cold-like symptoms.
Although workers are encouraged to seek professional advice regarding these symptoms, organisations must conduct Isocyanate Exposure Testing to monitor the workplace exposure limits set by authorities regarding isocyanate groups.
What Are Isocyanates?
Isocyanates are a group of organic compounds that react with alcohol groups to produce polyurethane products. These are components of polyurethane foams, thermoplastic elastomers, spandex fibres and polyurethane paints.
As isocyanates are the raw material that makes up all polyurethane products, exposure to them can cause significant damage to the mucous membranes of the eyes and gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts.
Why Test for Isocyanate Exposure?
When placed in contact with isocyanates, workers are exposed to a range of health problems. These irritants have become one of the leading causes of occupational asthma in the UK, rendering it essential to keep exposure levels within or below workplace limits.
In some cases, isocyanate exposure can cause long-term illnesses like lung disease. As the molecules are respiratory sensitisers, workplace exposure should remain as low as possible to reduce the risk of workers developing symptoms such as eye irritation and breathing difficulties.
Health and Safety England (HSE) suggests that workplaces should undertake regular testing for air and biological monitoring. This should be carried out by professionals who understand the principles of Occupational Monitoring and Health Surveillance.
What Are the Workplace Exposure Limits of Isocyanates?
The UK’s current exposure limit for isocyanates is 0.02 milligrams per cubic metre of air (mg/m3) with an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA). The short-term exposure limit is 0.07 mg/m3.
What Are the Main Health Effects of Isocyanates?
While there are many different effects that exposure to isocyanates can have on an individual’s health, some are more common and severe than others.
Irritation
Isocyanates can cause severe irritation to the skin, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts and eyes. Respiratory irritation can progress to chemical bronchitis with severe bronchospasm. Research also suggests that direct contact with TDI can cause marked inflammation of the dermis.
Sensitisation and Asthma
The substance can also sensitise workers, subjecting them to severe asthma attacks, even if the concentration levels are lower than the recommended exposure limit.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Sporadic cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) have been reported in workers working close to isocyanates. Those with acute HP typically develop symptoms 6-8 hours after exposure to the material.
Individuals with chronic HP often experience difficulty breathing, fatigue and weight loss.
How to Test for Isocyanates?
Testing for isocyanates requires specialist equipment that collects air samples from within the breathing zones of working environments. These samples are analysed to determine the level of contaminants present.
Depending on the results of these tests, recommendations can be made regarding the most effective ways to reduce exposure levels within the workplace.
Alongside health surveillance, HSE suggests that environments where isocyanates are used must undergo occupational exposure monitoring. These results are then compared to relevant workplace exposure limits to determine the risk to employees.
How to Identify the Risk Level of Isocyanates
By considering those in close contact with isocyanates, it is easy to determine who will most likely be affected by the molecule. It is also important to understand which variation of isocyanate is being used and identify the volume included in the products; this can be found on packaging and safety sheets.
The risk level of isocyanates can also be determined by the area where the work is being carried out and whether it is an enclosed or open space. Sprays and mists that contain the molecule will create a higher risk in small spaces, so ventilation is crucial in such areas.
How to Control Isocyanate Exposure?
Whilst the threat of isocyanate is low, simple and inexpensive measures can help to manage the risk levels. Methods such as ventilation, along with protective and respiratory equipment can be used to help keep employees safe in exposed conditions.
Ventilation
By securing adequate ventilation in the workspace, there is a reduced risk of employee overexposure to isocyanates. Installing ventilation systems and keeping doors and windows open allows fresh air to circulate, helping to keep workers safe.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Investing in PPE such as gloves and goggles can prevent isocyanates from coming into contact with the skin.
These products should be made from suitable materials to ensure they do not become damaged when they come into contact with the molecule. Some jobs may require a gauntlet-style glove to prevent further exposure to the skin.
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
RPE may be required where ventilation control does not provide adequate air quality control. Products such as air filters are especially important when protecting employees from exposure to isocyanates. For example, P3 Particulate Filters provide protection against spray mists, which is particularly helpful for those who work around toxic paints.
Control Your Air Quality with Workplace Exposure
Here at Workplace Exposure, we create bespoke plans for air quality monitoring to investigate, reduce and find solutions to health concerns raised within your organisation. There’s a variety of measures that can determine the potential source of the problem, including identifying harmful levels of isocyanate in your workplace. For information, advice or to arrange an appointment, contact our team today.
WE Are Here to Help
Assessing and managing exposure to harmful substances are specialist fields and if you lack the right training, knowledge and experience then you risk making mistakes.
At Workplace Exposure, we support employers in their efforts to protect employees, visitors and customers from exposure to substances hazardous to health, as well as offer professional solutions and expert advice.
Find out more about our health & safety consultancy work or get in touch with us today.
Our approach
Get in touch with Workplace Exposure. Either give us a call on 0800 689 4386, or fill in our enquiry form to discuss your monitoring or consultancy requirements.
We’ll then provide you with a no-obligation proposal, we can often give an initial idea of fees whilst we discuss your needs.
Once you’ve accepted our proposal, we can then schedule the work.
Following our site visit we’ll provide you with a comprehensive report giving you advice, recommendations and control measures where appropriate. Implement the outcomes for compliance and a happier healthier workplace.