Isocyanates

Hazard Overview

What are isocyanates?

Isocyanates are a group of highly reactive, low molecular weight compounds used in the production of urethane and polyurethane compounds, respectively. Isocyanates are the raw materials that make up all polyurethane products. Jobs that may involve exposure to isocyanates include painting, foam-blowing, and the manufacture of many polyurethane products, such as chemicals, polyurethane foam, insulation materials, surface coatings, car seats, furniture, foam mattresses, under-carpet padding, packaging materials, shoes, laminated fabrics, polyurethane rubber, and adhesives, and during the thermal degradation of polyurethane products.

Unless otherwise specified, the term "isocyanate" will be used interchangeably to include diisocyanates.

What are the hazards associated with isocyanates?

The concern with occupational exposure to isocyanates arises from the health effects, which include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, chest tightness, and difficult breathing. Isocyanates include compounds classified as potential human carcinogens and known to cause cancer in animals. However, the main effects due to hazardous exposures are occupational asthma and other lung problems, as well as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin.

Is there a special emphasis program associated with this topic?

Occupational exposure to isocyanates falls within the OSH Division health hazards special emphasis program.

Solutions

What can I do to protect myself?

Employees working with isocyanate-containing materials should always work in a well ventilated area and, whenever possible, use local exhaust ventilation. When this is not feasible, the employer must provide the appropriate type of respiratory protection in conjunction with an effective respiratory protection program. In addition, be sure to wear the appropriate type of gloves to prevent absorption of isocyanates into the skin.

What resources are available to assist employers?

Training and Outreach Services

Presentations that may be customized to the worksite include hazard communication, respiratory protection, and personal protective equipment. In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request. Further, the following pre-recorded webinars can also be used to assist with employee training: hazard communication, health hazards: special emphasis programs, occupational noise exposure and respiratory protection.

Lastly, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).

Safety and Health Programs

Example programs for hazard communication, hazardous chemicals and respiratory protection can be downloaded and customized to fit the workplace. A PPE hazard assessment should also be conducted to ensure that all PPE has been identified to protect the employee from exposure.

A-Z Safety and Health Topics

Other relevant information pertaining to hazard communication, personal protective equipment, eyewash stations and emergency showers and respiratory protection can be found on the applicable A-Z safety and health topics page. 

Consultation Services

The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.

Regulations

Which standards apply?

OSH has adopted the following standards for occupational exposure to isocyanates in North Carolina. Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic. 

General Industry

• 29 CFR 1910.1000, Table Z-1 - air contaminants

• 29 CFR 1910.132 - personal protective equipment - general requirements

• 29 CFR 1910.133 - eye and face protection

• 29 CFR 1910.134 - respiratory protection

• 29 CFR 1910.138 - hand protection

• 29 CFR 1910.1200 - hazard communication

Maritime, Shipyard Employment

• 29 CFR 1915.1000 - air contaminants

• 29 CFR 1915.152 - personal protective equipment - general requirements

• 29 CFR 1915.153 - eye and face protection

• 29 CFR 1915.154 - respiratory protection

• 29 CFR 1915.157 - hand and body protection

• 29 CFR 1915.1200 - hazard communication

Construction

• 29 CFR 1926.55 - gases, vapors, fumes, dusts, and mists

• 29 CFR 1926.59 - hazard communication

• 29 CFR 1926.95 - criteria for personal protective equipment

• 29 CFR 1926.102 - eye and face protection

• 29 CFR 1926.103 - respiratory protection

Other Applicable Standards

The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite.

Learn More

Where can I learn more?

Industry Guides

• Additional information on isocyanates and diisocyanates can be found in IG #046, A Guide to Occupational Exposure to Isocyanates.

• Industry Guide 48 - OSHA Construction Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to occupational exposure to isocyanates in construction.

• Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to occupational exposure to isocyanates in general industry.

• Industry Guide 53 - OSHA Shipyard Employment Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training highlights the requirements of standards related to occupational exposure to isocyanates in shipyard employment.

Compliance Documents

• Operational Procedure Notice: OPN 135, Special Emphasis Program for Exposure to Health Hazards, establishes enforcement policy and provides an explanation of how occupational exposure to isocyanates will be investigated to ensure uniform enforcement.

Technical Assistance

If you would like to receive interpretive guidance on this or any other OSH standard or topic, you can submit your questions using the Ask OSH web form, by e-mail to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov or by calling 919-707-7876.