Toluene diisocyanate exposures in the flexible polyurethane foam industry

A 3-year survey of toluene diisocyanate exposure in two flexible polyurethane foam manufacturing facilities has been conducted. The geometric mean time-weighted average exposures were 2.36 ppb, 1.10 ppb, and 1.50 ppb for the foam line workers, finishing workers, and maintenance personnel, respectively. The OSHA ceiling standard of 20 ppb was exceeded by 1.3% of the short-term (12 min) exposure measurements taken. Exposures were shown to be predominantly to the 2,6 isomer of TDI.