Isocyanates (eye-so-sigh-a-nates)
are chemicals that can cause asthma and cancer, irritate the skin, eyes, nose
and throat, and even cause death. It is important for medical providers
to know the health risks associated with isocyanates and be aware that patients
who work in certain industries are in danger of being exposed. The risks
are so well documented that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) has announced an emphasis program to protect workers from exposure to
isocyanates.
Patients potentially exposed to
isocyanates may have:
- Persistent or recurring eye
irritation
- Nasal congestion
- Dry or sore throat
- Cold-like symptoms
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest-tightness
Direct skin contact can cause:
- Sensitization
- Inflammation
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling
Isocyanates are found in the
following compounds:
- Paints
- Varnishes
- Foams
- Sealants
They are used in the following
industries:
- Residential/commercial
construction to coat cement, wood, fiberglass, steel and aluminum
- Automotive painting and spray on
bed-liners
- Commercial manufacturing of
ridged and flexible foams
- Boatbuilding coatings to protect
boats
When dealing with a patient,
medical providers should consider that patient's occupation and work
environment. Isocyanates are powerful irritants to the eyes, gastrointestinal,
and respiratory tracts. Isocyanates can sensitize a patient through skin
contact which means a patient could be subject to a severe asthma attack if
they come into contact again (death from severe asthma in some sensitized
subjects has been reported). Isocyanates cannot easily be washed off skin
or clothing because they are not water soluble. OSHA is hoping that by
focusing on this problem it will raise physician awareness of the risk, reduce
employee exposure, and lessen the overall negative health effects associated
with isocyanates.
For more on the National Emphasis
Program, visit: http://go.usa.gov/Zp7h (See appendix C for
a patient questionnaire.)
