Occupational exposure to airborne isocyanates during brush/roller application of 2-pack polyurethane paints in a tropical climate

Abstract

Shipboard and laboratory trials were conducted to determine airborne occupational exposure to isocyanates by brush/roller application of 2-pack polyurethane paints. Airborne concentrations in the breathing zones of the operators were found to be <0.1 lg/m 3 during the paint application to a vessel deck, in a tropical climate, in the open air. Similarly, brush/roller application of the paints in an enclosed space generated airborne isocyanate concentrations <3 lg/m 3 . The dust generated during light sanding of the polyurethane paint, 24 h after curing, did not show detectable levels of isocyanates.