Primary |
Petsonk |
2000 |
USA |
LMW |
Diisocyanates |
Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) |
Workers in a new wood products manufacturing plant |
New-onset asthma like symptoms |
Newly constructed plant designed and operated with goal to minimize exposure: engineering controls, personal protection program, respiratory protection using positive pressure air-supply hoods, medical screening program |
144 of 277 eligible subjects (Participation rate: 52%) |
Despite efforts to protect subjects, new-onset asthma-like symptoms during the first 2 years of operation was reported in 15 of 56 subjects in areas with highest potential exposures to liquid MDI, versus 0 of 43 subjects in the lowest potential exposure areas (p<0.01). Skin contact and clean-up activities were cited as a significant risks. Limitation: no comparison group. |