• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.281-292
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• 2014

Objectives: The aim of this case study is to verify the chemical exposure reductions for various chemicals by substituting the ingredients of raw materials in a polyurethane(PU) foaming industry. The PU foaming process was making various passenger car seats from chemicals such as toluene diisocinate(TDI), methylene bisphenyl isocyanate(MDI) and polyols. Methods: Basic process data and workers' health effects could be gathered by interviewing managers and reviewing previous exposure monitoring data. Amine, aldehyde and isocyanate chemicals were analyzed following the NIOSH-NMAM. Area sampling methods rather than personal sampling were introduced for this field investigation. Results: Two amines, triethylene diamine(TEDA) and N,N,N',N'-Tetramethyl-1,6- hexanediamine(TMHDA) were identified in raw polyol, cured PU foam and air. The average concentrations of TEDA and TMHDA showd less than 1 ppm by area sampling; however, that caused halovision among workers in PU-PAD process. Aldehydes and isocyanates were detected in the air while the concentrations were relatively low compare to occupational exposure limits. Successful raw material substitution from nonreactive amine to reactive amine could reduces air-borne amine and aldehyde levels by about 70%. Halovision had been disappeared successfully in the process. Conclusions: Several amines caused halovision among workers in PU-PAD process, especially during summer season in spite of relatively low levels. Combination of reactive amines into urethane foam could reduced vapor generation into air, which resulted in the elimination of eye troubles in the process.