Biological monitoring to assess exposure from use of isocyanates in motor vehicle repair

Citation
Nr. Williams et al., Biological monitoring to assess exposure from use of isocyanates in motor vehicle repair, OCC ENVIR M, 56(9), 1999, pp. 598-601
Citations number
18
Categorie Soggetti
Envirnomentale Medicine & Public Health","Pharmacology & Toxicology
Journal title
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
ISSN journal
13510711 → ACNP
Volume
56
Issue
9
Year of publication
1999
Pages
598 - 601
Database
ISI
SICI code
1351-0711(199909)56:9<598:BMTAEF>2.0.ZU;2-D
Abstract
Objectives-To develop a method for the measurement of a maetabolite of hexa methylene diisocyanate (HDI), an isocyanate, and use it to assess the expos ure of sprayers employed in motor vehicle repair shops. Methods-Urine samples were taken from sprayers wearing personal protective equipment and spraying in booths or with local exhaust ventilation, from by standers, and from unexposed subjects. Samples were analysed for a metaboli te of HDI, hexamethylene diamine (HDA), by gas chromatogaphy-mass spectrome try (GC-MS). Results-HDA was detected in four sprayers and one bystander out of 22 worke rs. No NDA was detected in the urine of unexposed subjects. Conclusions-Exposure to isocyanates still occurs despite the use of persona l protective equipment and the use of a booth or extracted space. Health su rveillance is likely to be required to provide feedback an the adequacy of controls even if such precautions are used and to identify eases of early a sthma. Biological monitoring can provide a useful additional tool to assess exposure and the adequacy of controls in this group of exposed workers.