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Author
de Benedicto Barba, Agustín
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Isocyanates are highly reactive, low molecular weight chemicals. Are used for all types of products today, such as paints, glues and foams polyurethane. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) these compounds are dangerous to inhale in the form of vapors, mists or smoke as they are potent irritants to the mucous membranes of the eyes and gastrointestinal tract and respiratory, it can also cause inflammation or irritation upon contact with the skin.
Prevention of exposure to isocyanates is a fundamental step in eliminating the danger to the health of workers. Engineering controls, such as systems enclosures or ventilation, should be the primary method of minimizing exposure to isocyanates in the workplace. Other measures can also be carried out such as the isolation of workers, the automation of processes where they intervene these substances or the use of personal protective equipment, such as respirators and protective clothing personal protection to avoid dermal exposures. Rapid detection and prompt and rapid elimination of exposures is very important to reduce the risk of future long-term or permanent respiratory problems for workers who have sensitized. In order to measure the degree of concentration to which workers are exposed, Measurements have been made in the processes that have been identified as critical. The samples have been analyzed by laboratory analysis following the method NIOSH No. 5521, which determines the concentration of specific diisocyanates in air, and Honeywell's SPM Flex machine has also been used, which extracts gas samples locally by air absorption to an optical detection system.
After the analysis of the samples, the degree of exposure to which they are exposed workers and improvement projects are proposed to comply with the regulations current and future regulations on exposure to isocyanates.
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