OSHwiki — isocyanates

This OSHwiki article provides information on the hazards, uses, exposures and risks from isocyanates and outlines prevention strategies at the workplace.
Isocyanates are used in a wide range of industrial products, including paints, glues and resins. They are potent respiratory and skin sensitisers and a common cause of asthma and allergic contact dermatitis (see the OSHwiki article on occupational allergens). A range of other adverse health effects are also associated with isocyanate exposure including cancer. Where isocyanates are used or unintentionally generated, for example when polyurethanes are heated, it is important that workers’ exposures are properly controlled. There are various ways of achieving this, and the way that the isocyanate is used or generated often dictates which control strategy is needed. All exposure control strategies must be reviewed regularly if they are to remain effective, and the article provides information on how to achieve this for isocyanates.