The Development of Best Practice Toolkits for the Polyurethanes Industry - Spray Polyurethane Foam Applications

摘要

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) workgroup, working in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) is concerned about potential health effects that may result from worker and consumer exposures to polyurethane (PU) products containing uncured methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and/or related compounds. The SPF workgroup is also concerned about incidental exposures of the general population while such products are used in or around buildings, including homes and schools. Use of polyurethane products, such as SPF sealants or insulation, may result in eye, skin, and inhalation exposures to its key ingredient, isocyanates, as well as to other chemicals used in SPF products, if proper health and safety practices are not followed. Exposure to vapors, aerosols, and dusts during SPF installation can cause: 1. Sensitization and asthma, a potentially life-threatening disease 2. Respiratory problems and other breathing difficulties 3. Skin and eye irritation 4. Other potential adverse health effects The SPF workgroup has worked closely with the polyurethanes industry and other interested parties to address the following: 1. Improve the availability of accurate and comprehensive hazard and risk information 2. Develop and communicate "Best Practices" to prevent exposure to isocyanates, including applicator training 3. Address the widespread use of inaccurate or misleading marketing claims 4. Address exposure assessment data gaps EPA has initiated the development a draft best practices tool kit to educate professional PU product applicators on potential hazards and assist them in following workplace precautions to prevent exposure to diisocyanates and other potentially harmful chemicals. Promoting safer work practices not only protects applicators and job helpers, but can also protect building residents and bystanders. Hazard communication and the adoption of health and safety practices are essential to the safe handling and use of polyurethane products.