Organic isocyanates exist as liquids or solids at room temperature and are soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrobenzene, acetone, ethers and esters. They are highly reactive compounds, and react exothermally with water, alcohols and amines.
Examples include toluene (used in the production of flexible elastomers and polyurethane foams), and 4,4’-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) used to make rigid foams and is employed in the foundry industry as a core binder.
Isocyanates are found in some printing inks, paints and adhesives.
The critical health effect associated with isocyanates is respiratory sensitisation. In higher doses, isocyanates can cause irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory system. After periods of exposure, the worker may become responsive to extremely low
concentrations. The inhalation of isocyanates has been associated with a range of complaints, including coughing, wheezing, chest discomfort, acute oedema and interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, as well as covert decrement of lung function.
Reference
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment