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What do painters and furniture makers have in common?
Exposure to isocyanates—the raw materials from which all polyurethane products are made.
Isocyanatesare used in paint and in several other manufactured products like foam cushions. When inhaled into the lungs, isocyanates cause skin, eye, nose, and throat irritation, breathing difficulties, and occupational asthma, and have also been linked to cancer in animals. If workers are repeatedly exposed to them, isocyanates work like sensitizers, affecting workers for the rest of their lives.
Workers in most industries are at risk of exposure to isocyanates—especially those in construction and manufacturing.
Workers are at higher risks for isocyanate exposure when engaged in the following work:
- Painting
- Applying spray foam insulation
- Manufacturing of chemicals, polyurethane foam, insulation materials, surface coatings, car seats, furniture, foam mattresses, under-carpet padding, packaging materials, shoes, laminated fabrics, polyurethane rubber, adhesives, and others
If you are considering doing a story on the dangers of isocyanates…
WorkSafeBC media relations can provide resources, statistics, and arrange for interview with subject matter experts on occupational diseases and exposure prevention.
For more information on this or other topics, please contact:
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Megan Johnston |
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