Evaluation of Disposable Protective Garments against Isocyanate Permeation and Penetration from Polyurethane Anticorrosion Coatings.

Background: Polyurethanes are a class of isocyanate-based organic coatings commonly used to control corrosion on high-value metallic structures. Despite their widespread use, dermal exposure to these isocyanate-containing coatings presents a significant occupational health risk to workers, including the development of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis and systemic sensitization. At present, little is known about the effectiveness of the protective garments commonly used to prevent dermal exposure to polyurethane coatings in construction trades.

Testing of Disposable Protective Garments Against Isocyanate Permeation From Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation.

Background: Diisocyanates (isocyanates), including methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), are the primary reactive components of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation. They are potent immune sensitizers and a leading cause of occupational asthma. Skin exposure to isocyanates may lead to both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis and possibly contribute to systemic sensitization.