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Isocyanates and work‐related asthma: Findings from California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey, 1993–2008

Year: 2015
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Isocyanates remain a leading cause of work-related asthma (WRA). METHODS: Two independent data systems were analyzed for the period 1993-2008: (1) State-based WRA case surveillance data on persons with isocyanate-induced WRA from four states, and (2) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) isocyanate air sampling results. RESULTS: We identified 368 cases of isocyanate-induced WRA from 32 industries and 678 OSHA isocyanate air samples with detectable levels from 31 industries. Seventeen industries were unique to one or the other dataset. CONCLUSION: Isocyanate-induced WRA continues to occur in a wide variety of industries. Two data systems uncovered industries with isocyanate exposures and/or illness. Improved control measures and standards, including medical surveillance, are needed. More emphasis is needed on task-specific guidance, spill clean-up procedures, skin and respiratory protection, and targeted medical monitoring to mitigate the hazards of isocyanate use.
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22527
Authors: Daniel Lefkowitz, Elise Pechter, Kathleen Fitzsimmons, Margaret Lumia, Alicia C. Stephens, Letitia Davis, Jennifer Flattery, Justine Weinberg, Robert J. Harrison, Mary Jo Reilly, Margaret S. Filios, Gretchen E. White, Kenneth D. Rosenman
Institutions: New Jersey Department of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, California Department of Public Health, Michigan State University, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, University of Pittsburgh
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1781546979
FWCI: 1.959
Cites: 71
Cited by: 25
Related to: 10