Isocyanates are a group of low molecular weight, highly reactive compounds with a functional isocyanate group. The main human exposure route is via inhalation of airborne isocyanates, although dermal exposure has also been reported. The inhalation of isocyanates is associated with severely adverse health effects such as asthma, inflammation in the respiratory tract and cancer. During thermal de...

We conducted a pilot qualitative and quantitative assessment of residual isocyanates and their potential initial exposures in neonates, as little is known about their contact effect. After a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stockroom inventory, polyurethane (PU) and PU foam (PUF) devices and products were qualitatively evaluated for residual isocyanates using Surface SWYPE™. Those containing...

In addition to their use in the polyurethane and pesticide industries, isocyanates have proven to be useful probes for the exploration of protein structure. This paper focuses on three aspects of isocyanates: their broad reactivity, their reversible interaction with cholinesterases, and the relative hydrolysis rates of alkyl and aryl isocyanates. The broad reactivity of isocyanates as well as t...

OBJECTIVES To compare the outcome of occupational asthma (OA) induced by isocyanates in Ontario (where a surveillance programme for exposed workers has been in place for over 15 years), with the outcome of OA induced by other work agents. METHODS Compensated OA claims during the period 1984-88 in Ontario were retrospectively reviewed in a standardised way. RESULTS 136/235 compensated claims...

This thesis presents methods for air sampling and determination of isocyanates, amines, aminoisocyanates and anhydrides. These organic compounds are generated during production or thermal degradation of polymers such as polyurethane (PUR) or epoxy. Isocyanates, amines and anhydrides are airway irritants known to cause occupational asthma. Some of the isocyanates and diamines are listed as human...

Isocyanates are used for the large scale production of polyurethane polymers, which have an almost endless variety of applications in the manufacture of flexible and rigid foams, elastomers, adhesives, and surface coatings.' Acute or chronic exposure to high concentrations of isocyanates can result in respiratory health hazards through a direct irritant effect.23 Isocyanates are of special inte...

BACKGROUND Little is known about the extent of human isocyanate skin exposure in auto body shops and the effectiveness of personal protective equipment. Animal studies have suggested that skin exposure to isocyanates may be an important risk factor for respiratory sensitization leading to asthma. This study provides initial data on hexamethylene diisocyanate skin exposure in three auto body sho...

A simple and mild procedure for the conversion of anilines into aryl isocyanates is described using the 3-hydroxypropylammonium acetate (HPAA) ionic liquid as a novel and efficient media has been explored in the synthesis of aryl isocyanates from the reaction of substituted urea with sodium nitrite in a water immiscible solvent. This ionic liquid can be easily recovered and reused for many time...

A simple and mild procedure for the conversion of anilines into aryl isocyanates is described using the 3-hydroxypropylammonium acetate (HPAA) ionic liquid as a novel and efficient media has been explored in the synthesis of aryl isocyanates from the reaction of substituted urea with sodium nitrite in a water immiscible solvent. This ionic liquid can be easily recovered and reused for many time...