Prevent Work-Related Asthma from Isocyanate Exposure in SPF- Spray Polyurethane Foam Applications for Insulation in the Construction Industry

Details

• Corporate Authors:
  Michigan State University
• Description:
  The ability of isocyanates to quickly turn from liquid to an expanded solid form and to provide a competitive insulation factor allows its use in the insulation of homes and other buildings. In the construction industry, a process called "spray polyurethane foam (SPF)" is commonly used to insulate buildings. A two-component system that contains MDI, a type of isocyanate, is sprayed into attic spaces, wall spaces and anywhere else insulation is needed, potentially exposing workers applying the SPF, coworkers and the residents of the home who are in the area during the application. Exposure occurs from breathing isocyanate fumes or absorbing isocyanate through the skin. Over-spray, incorrect application, spray gun malfunction or entering the area prior to complete curing can all result in increased exposure. Individuals who develop work-related asthma (WRA) from exposure to isocyanates may continue to have their asthma even after they stop working with SPF. It is important for workers to cease any exposure to isocyanates once they develop symptoms so as to increase the chance that their WRA will completely cease. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Asthma, Occupational Construction Industry Isocyanates Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Construction Industry Hazards Occupational Asthma Polyurethane Foams Sprays
• Publisher:
  Michigan State University
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Lay Publication
• Place as Subject:
  Michigan ; OSHA Region 5
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  1-2
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20066716
• Citation:
  East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University, 2017 May; :1-2
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2017
• Performing Organization:
  Michigan State University
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  Prevent work-related asthma from isocyanate exposure in SPF- spray polyurethane foam applications for insulation in the construction industry
• End Date:
  20260630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:048f5119d697f8909e6e97541fcba6a911b16aacd911685d461bdae45549ba812b09025116cfcdfe2af71acc96eb93e40c6adda1f298d0d6a6dab469acda0d49
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/230998/cdc_230998_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 335.59 KB ]