Personnel Exposure to Airborne Isocyanates and Solvents During Shipboard Painting With 2-Pack Polyurethane Paints
Abstract
Shipboard and laboratory trials were conducted to determine personnel exposure to airborne solvents and isocyanates during the application, by roller and brush, of 2-pack polyurethane paints. Airborne concentrations in the breathing zones of the operators were found to be <1/200th (<0.1 microgram/m3) of the 8 h time-weighted average (TWA) exposure limits for isocyanates during the application of Interthane 987 LSALGP and Interthane 864 LSANSP on a RAN vessel, in the open air, on a hot day with a slight wind. Similarly, brush and roller application of the paints in a simulated enclosed space produced airborne isocyanate concentrations <3 microgram/m3. The dust produced during light sanding of the polyurethane paint, 24 h after curing, did not show quantifiable levels (<0.1 microgram/m3) of isocyanates. Although it appeared that respiratory protection from airborne isocyanates was not required with brush/roller applications, personnel should be protected from dermal exposure to the liquid paints. There appeared to be a greater risk from paint solvent respiratory exposure than from airborne isocyanates.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA502525
Entities
People
- G. Denola
- J. Kibby
- P. J. Hanhela
- W. Mazurek