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MDI Exposure for Spray-On Truck Bed Lining
Don J Lofgren1, Terry L Walley, Phillip M Peters
1WISHA Services, Department of Labor and Industries, State of Washington, Tacoma, WA, USA.
Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
|September 10, 2003
Summary
Workers in the sprayed-on truck bed lining industry face significant exposure risks to methylenediphenyl isocyanate (MDI). Many worksites exceeded exposure limits, indicating a need for improved engineering controls and respiratory protection programs to prevent MDI-related illnesses.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Industrial Hygiene
- Environmental Science
Background:
- The sprayed-on truck bed lining industry utilizes methylenediphenyl isocyanate (MDI) for urethane coatings.
- Application involves handheld spray guns at elevated temperatures and pressures, posing potential exposure risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess worker exposure to MDI in the sprayed-on truck bed lining industry.
- To identify specific risks and deficiencies in current safety practices.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Washington State OSHA inspection files and industrial insurance records.
- Screening of agency laboratory databases for MDI sampling inspections.
- Extraction and review of data from 13 employers within the industry.
Main Results:
- Seven of the inspected worksites exceeded the MDI exposure limit of 0.200 mg/M(3).
- Deficiencies were noted in existing respirator programs and engineering controls for MDI.
- Five MDI-related industrial insurance claims were identified, including two cases of new-onset asthma.
Conclusions:
- Workers in this industry are at an elevated risk of developing MDI-related illnesses.
- There is a critical need for enhanced hazard assessment and implementation of effective engineering and respiratory protection programs.