Daniel Lefkowitz1, Elise Pechter2, Kathleen Fitzsimmons2, Margaret Lumia1, Alicia C Stephens1, Letitia Davis2, Jennifer Flattery3, Justine Weinberg4, Robert J Harrison3, Mary Jo Reilly5, Margaret S Filios6, Gretchen E White6,7, Kenneth D Rosenman5. 1. Environmental & Occupational Health Surveillance Program, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, New Jersey. 2. Occupational Health Surveillance Program, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts. 3. Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California. 4. Public Health Institute, Contractor to California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California. 5. Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. 6. Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia. 7. University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Isocyanates remain a leading cause of work-related asthma (WRA). METHODS: Two independent data systems were analyzed for the period 1993-2008: (1) State-based WRA case surveillance data on persons with isocyanate-induced WRA from four states, and (2) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) isocyanate air sampling results. RESULTS: We identified 368 cases of isocyanate-induced WRA from 32 industries and 678 OSHA isocyanate air samples with detectable levels from 31 industries. Seventeen industries were unique to one or the other dataset. CONCLUSION: Isocyanate-induced WRA continues to occur in a wide variety of industries. Two data systems uncovered industries with isocyanate exposures and/or illness. Improved control measures and standards, including medical surveillance, are needed. More emphasis is needed on task-specific guidance, spill clean-up procedures, skin and respiratory protection, and targeted medical monitoring to mitigate the hazards of isocyanate use.
BACKGROUND:Isocyanates remain a leading cause of work-related asthma (WRA). METHODS: Two independent data systems were analyzed for the period 1993-2008: (1) State-based WRA case surveillance data on persons with isocyanate-induced WRA from four states, and (2) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) isocyanate air sampling results. RESULTS: We identified 368 cases of isocyanate-induced WRA from 32 industries and 678 OSHAisocyanate air samples with detectable levels from 31 industries. Seventeen industries were unique to one or the other dataset. CONCLUSION:Isocyanate-induced WRA continues to occur in a wide variety of industries. Two data systems uncovered industries with isocyanate exposures and/or illness. Improved control measures and standards, including medical surveillance, are needed. More emphasis is needed on task-specific guidance, spill clean-up procedures, skin and respiratory protection, and targeted medical monitoring to mitigate the hazards of isocyanate use.
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Authors: Jennifer M Thomasen; Kenneth W Fent; Carolyn Reeb-Whitaker; Stephen G Whittaker; Leena A Nylander-French Journal: J Occup Environ Hyg Date: 2011-03 Impact factor: 2.155
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Authors: Dhimiter Bello; Christina A Herrick; Thomas J Smith; Susan R Woskie; Robert P Streicher; Mark R Cullen; Youcheng Liu; Carrie A Redlich Journal: Environ Health Perspect Date: 2006-11-28 Impact factor: 9.031