ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN EXPOSURE TO TOLUENE DIISOCYANATE
OLIVIA ANCA RUSU, CRISTINA NEAGU, IRINA DUMITRASCU, IULIA NEAMTIU, ALEXANDRU
ZEIC, EUGEN GURZAU
ABSTRACT. – Assessment of human exposure to toluene diisocyanate. Toluene
diisocyanate (TDI), an aromatic compound, may be dangerous for human health.
Diisocyanates have wide industrial use in the fabrication of flexible and rigid
foams, fibers, elastomers, and coatings such as paints and varnishes.
Isocyanates are known skin and respiratory sensitizers, and proper engineering
controls should be in place to prevent exposure to isocyanate liquid and vapor;
exposure to TDI vapors is well documented to increase asthma risk. The study
focused on the exposure of workers and nearby populations to toluene
diisocyanate in a Polyurethane Foam Factory located in Baia Mare, Romania.
Workplace air measurements were performed in different departments of the plant,
after sampling either in fixed points or as personal monitoring. Sampling in
four different locations of Baia Mare town was carried out, - during and after
the foaming process. TDI sampling was performed on silica cartridge followed by
GC-MS analysis. TDI concentration at workplace was lower than 0,035 mg/m³, which
represents the permissible exposure limit, while in the city the TDI
concentration had shown values below 0,20 μg/m³. Health assessment of a group of
49 workers was based on questionnaire interview, determination of TDI antibodies
and lung function tests. Data collected until this stage do not show any
negative effects of TDI on the employees health. Since this plant had only
recently begun operating, continuous workplace and ambient air TDI monitoring,
along with workers health surveillance, is deemed necessary.
Key words: toluene diisocyanate, exposure assessment, environment, professional
environment, health.