Premium
Isocyanates and work‐related asthma: Findings from California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey, 1993–2008
Author(s) -
Lefkowitz Daniel,
Pechter Elise,
Fitzsimmons Kathleen,
Lumia Margaret,
Stephens Alicia C.,
Davis Letitia,
Flattery Jennifer,
Weinberg Justine,
Harrison Robert J.,
Reilly Mary Jo,
Filios Margaret S.,
White Gretchen E.,
Rosenman Kenneth D.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.22527
Subject(s) - medicine , asthma , gerontology , occupational asthma , environmental health , family medicine , occupational exposure
Background Isocyanates remain a leading cause of work‐related asthma (WRA). Methods Two independent data systems were analyzed for the period 1993–2008: (1) State‐based WRA case surveillance data on persons with isocyanate‐induced WRA from four states, and (2) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) isocyanate air sampling results. Results We identified 368 cases of isocyanate‐induced WRA from 32 industries and 678 OSHA isocyanate air samples with detectable levels from 31 industries. Seventeen industries were unique to one or the other dataset. Conclusion Isocyanate‐induced WRA continues to occur in a wide variety of industries. Two data systems uncovered industries with isocyanate exposures and/or illness. Improved control measures and standards, including medical surveillance, are needed. More emphasis is needed on task‐specific guidance, spill clean‐up procedures, skin and respiratory protection, and targeted medical monitoring to mitigate the hazards of isocyanate use. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:1138–1149, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.