Isocyanate-induced asthma in a car factory

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Medicine
• Toxicology

Background:

• A car factory introduced a new seat cover fabric, cropped nylon backed with flame-bonded polyurethane foam (CNPF).
• Following its introduction, an increase in respiratory symptoms among female machinists was reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the new CNPF fabric and respiratory symptoms in female machinists.
• To assess the impact of CNPF fabric exposure on lung function and the development of occupational asthma.

Main Methods:

• Two studies were conducted involving 68 and 192 female machinists, respectively.
• Peak flow rates and respiratory symptoms (wheezing, shortness of breath) were monitored.
• Laboratory challenges with CNPF fabric and toluene di-isocyanate were performed.
• Air monitoring for toluene di-isocyanate and IgE antibody testing were conducted.

Main Results:

• A significantly higher incidence of wheezing and/or shortness of breath was observed.
• Machinists working with CNPF fabric showed reduced peak flow rates compared to those who did not.
• One subject developed asthma linked to CNPF exposure and toluene di-isocyanate.
• Airway resistance increased in three workers after laboratory exposure to CNPF.
• Low concentrations of toluene di-isocyanate were detected around the fabric, with some symptomatic workers having IgE antibodies to it.

Conclusions:

• The new CNPF fabric is associated with increased respiratory symptoms and occupational asthma in female machinists.
• Toluene di-isocyanate, present in the CNPF fabric, is a likely causative agent for these adverse respiratory effects.
• Further investigation and control measures are warranted to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances in automotive textiles.