Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (한국산업보건학회지)

Korean Industrial Hygiene Association (한국산업보건학회)
권호 표지

Assessment of Worker's Diisocyanates Skin Exposure at Polyurethane Foam Manufacturing Companies

우레탄 폼 제조 사업장 작업자의 디이소시아네이트 피부노출 평가

  • Published : 2013.06.30
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Abstract

Objectives: Skin exposure to diisocyanates may be an important risk factor for respiratory sensitization to leading asthma. However little is known about the extent of worker's diisocyanates skin exposure and the effectiveness of personal protective equipments in polyurethane foam manufacturing companies. This study provides data on diisocyanates skin exposure, surface diisiocyantes contamination of foams and the effectiveness of personal protective gloves in five polyurethane foam manufacturing companies. Materials and methods Colorimetric SWYPE pads are used for the determination of diisocyanates on surfaces of workers skin and polyurethanes foams. Results: The forearms, necks and faces of workers in polyurethane foam manufacturing companies were found to be contaminated with diisocyanates. Heavy contamination with uncured diisocyanates at large block foams surfaces were found. Personal gloves of workers for skin protection showed significant penetrations by diisocyanates. Conclusions: We found that all workers in polyurethane foam manufacturing companies could be exposed to diisocyanates by skin exposure. Also further researches which would better quantify skin exposure are needed.

Keywords

References

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