Isocyanates and work-related asthma: Findings from California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey, 1993-2008.
Ontology highlight
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.
SUBMITTER: Lefkowitz D
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4697263 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Isocyanates and work-related asthma: Findings from California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey, 1993-2008.
Lefkowitz Daniel D Pechter Elise E Fitzsimmons Kathleen K Lumia Margaret M Stephens Alicia C AC Davis Letitia L Flattery Jennifer J Weinberg Justine J Harrison Robert J RJ Reilly Mary Jo MJ Filios Margaret S MS White Gretchen E GE Rosenman Kenneth D KD
American journal of industrial medicine 20150909 11
<h4>Background</h4>Isocyanates remain a leading cause of work-related asthma (WRA).<h4>Methods</h4>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.<h4>Results</h4>We identified 368 cases of isocyanate-induced WRA from 32 industries and 67 ...[more]
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