Biological monitoring to assess exposure from use of isocyanates in motor vehicle repair.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a method for the measurement of a metabolite of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), an isocyanate, and use it to assess the exposure of sprayers employed in motor vehicle repair shops.


METHODS
Urine samples were taken from sprayers wearing personal protective equipment and spraying in booths or with local exhaust ventilation, from bystanders, and from unexposed subjects. Samples were analyzed for a metabolite of HDI, hexamethylene diamine (HDA), by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).


RESULTS
HDA was detected in four sprayers and one bystander out of 22 workers. No HDA was detected in the urine of unexposed subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to isocyanates still occurs despite the use of personal protective equipment and the use of a booth or extracted space. Health surveillance is likely to be required to provide feedback on the adequacy of controls even if such precautions are used and to identify cases of early asthma. Biological monitoring can provide a useful additional tool to assess exposure and the adequacy of controls in this group of exposed workers.
Williams
N R
NR
Health and Safety Executive, Birmingham, UK.
Jones
K
K
Cocker
J
J
D001336:Automobiles; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D003485:Cyanates / Q000378:metabolism*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D017953:Isocyanates; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D016272:Occupational Health; D010150:Paint; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011481:Protective Clothing
D015415:Biomarkers; D003485:Cyanates; D017953:Isocyanates; C015262:1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate