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

• Published in: Journal of Coatings Technology and Research Vol. 7; no. 2; pp. 201 - 208
• Main Authors: DeNola, G., Kibby, J., Hanhela, P. J., Gan, T.-H., Mazurek, W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01-03-2010
• Subjects: Chemistry and Materials Science; Corrosion and Coatings; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Materials Science; Polymer Sciences; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Tribology; Isocyanates; Air sampling; Analysis; Roller; Occupational exposure; Polyurethane paints; Brush
• ISSN: 1547-0091; 1935-3804
• DOI: 10.1007/s11998-009-9179-z

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 μg/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 μg/m
3
. The dust generated during light sanding of the polyurethane paint, 24 h after curing, did not show detectable levels of isocyanates.