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Int. J. Occup. Med. Environ Health 2007;20(3):287-290

DOI 10.2478/v10001-007-0029-x

ISOCYANATE EXPOSURE IN BATHTUB REFINISHING: À PROPOS A CASE OF OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA

ANDERS I. SELDÉN1, LENNART ANDERSSON1, GEORGIOS BARLAS2, and H?KAN WESTBERG1 1 Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden 2 Section of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Central Hospital, Väster?s, Sweden; current address Department of Lung Medicine, Drama General Hospital, Drama, Greece

Abstract

Work-related asthma in a bathtub refinishing technician prompted measurements of isocyanate exposure in this operation. Very high levels of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) oligomer, up to 8500 Ąg/m3 NCO, were found during top varnish spray-painting, whereas the levels of HDI monomer were substantially lower. The results suggest that only full-piece, self-contained respirators would suffice to protect technicians from serious pulmonary disease.