Having had a quick look at them I am seriously concerned
about the quality of the advice given in these documents. They appear to ignore
the effect of these paints on the skin. There is abundant evidence now that
skin exposure to isocyanates can trigger sensitisation that can result in
asthma. So merely providing respiratory protection – and health
surveillance for respiratory effects – is inadequate. Furthermore, the
recommendation that single use nitrile gloves can be worn is again completely
wrong. These will have a permeation breakthrough time of at most a few minutes,
after which skin uptake inside the occlusive gloves will be accelerated
compared with unoccluded skin. The statement that: “Isocyanate paint mist is invisible and breathing it in can
cause occupational asthma. It is not absorbed through the eyes or skin
(although liquid paint on the skin can cause dermatitis)” runs counter to
the presentations and documentation that I have and the presentations that I
have seen at several skin conferences.
“Although respiratory
exposures have been the primary concern with isocyanates, skin exposure can
also occur and may contribute to sensitization and asthma.” Skin
Exposure to Aliphatic Polyisocyanates in the Auto Body Repair and Refinishing
Industry: A Qualitative Assessment, Liu Y et al, Annals of Occupational
Hygiene, 2007, 51, 429-439
Evidence for absorption through
the skin in causing (respiratory) sensitization has recently been
confirmed. International Consensus Report of Isocyanates – Risk
assessment and management – meeting organised by The Norwegian Labour
Inspection, Norway, Nov. 2001
I have several more similar
references. One of our experts in this field is Prof. Ian Kimber at Manchester
University. I have heard him speak on several occasions explaining the
physiology that is involved and have had a number of discussions with him on
this. To my mind the evidence is clear. Indeed, skin penetration leading to
systemic effects is vastly underrated by many, despite the evidence.
I have on several occasions contacted
the HSE pointing out errors regarding skin management but on no occasion have I
have a proactive response.
“Skin absorption can occur
without being noticed by the employee and in some instances may be a more
significant route than the respiratory system. This is particularly true for
non-volatile chemicals that are hazardous and that remain on work surfaces for
long periods of time.” -
and
“Biological monitoring
results of coke oven workers coupled with air monitoring of the
employees’ exposure demonstrated that 51% of the average total dose of
benzo[a]pyrene absorbed by coke oven workers occurred via skin contact.”
Both the above are from the OSHA
Technical Manual, Section II, Chapter 2
If anyone wishes to learn more on
this drop me an e-mail off the forum.
Chris
Chris
Packham
FRSPH, FIIRSM, FInstSMM, MCMI, RSP, MBICSc
EnviroDerm
Services
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10, Building 11, The Mews, Mitcheldean, GL17 0SN
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