This presentation covers isocyanates - how to identify products containing
isocyanates and the health effects of exposure to isocyanates.
Part 2 covers how to control exposure to isocyanates, including the use of
personal protective equipment.
1
Isocyanates are chemicals used as hardeners or curing agents in two-part
paint systems.
They react with other chemicals to create a hard surface that gives paint
durability and flexibility.
Isocyanates are found in all two-part clear coats.
They may also be present in primers, sealers, and color coats.
Waterborne systems are NOT isocyanate free. Most often, only the color
coat is water-based. Clear coat might still contains isocyanates.
To find out if a product contains isocyanates, look for the word “isocyanate”
on a product label or Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Notice that the word isocyanate may be part of a much longer chemical
name.
A common isocyanate is hexamethylene diisocyanate.
4
This SDS is for a Chroma Premier System product. Notice that one of the
ingredients is an isocyanate.
This product contains Aliphatic polyisocyanate resin.
Isocyanates do not have a specific smell. The ONLY way to know if you are
exposed to isocyanates is by checking the SDS of the products you use!
5
Isocyanates enter your body through inhalation and skin contact.
Several operations in the shop generate exposure to isocyanates:
• Mixing paint
• Spraying paint
• Cleaning spills
• Sanding partially cured coats
• Removing masking tape, paper, or plastic sheets
6
Isocyanates can cause sensitization. When this happens, an individual
becomes unusually susceptible to these chemicals – s/he becomes allergic
to isocyanates.
From then on, an allergic reaction in the lungs or to skin can be triggered by
exposure to very small amounts of isocyanates.
When this happens, most people cannot go back into collision shops. The
only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to STOP further exposure or
contact with isocyanates.
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Asthma is the most common type of isocyanate sensitization.
Symptoms may include:
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Cough – especially at night and early morning
This picture shows a comparison between lungs with normal airways and
when an asthma attack occurs.
• The airway on the left is wide and open.
• The airway on the right is small and closed, making breathing difficult.
9
In addition to exposure to isocyanates, asthma can be caused or aggravated
by:
• Exposure to epoxy resins
• Cigarette smoking
• Using bleach or other cleaners
10
Exposure to isocyanates without wearing proper protective equipment will
result in:
• Burning sensation in the nose or throat
• Redness and eye irritation
• Skin rash
11
In summary:
� Isocyanates are found in paint systems.
� Even small exposures can cause sensitization.
• Sensitization to isocyanates is permanent.
• You may not be able to return to work in a collision shop.
� Asthma is the most common type of isocyanate sensitization.
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