Isocyanate

[dmm]

Hi, I called the info line yesterday to ask about a dermal exposure I had to casting tape containing a potentially dangerous chemical isocyanate. I was told it was not a risk for breastfeeding since it was it is not absorbed through the skin. I have read many articles since stating that it is in fact absorbed through the skin so my question is: if this is absorbed into my body will it get into my breast milk and how long will it stay there?

Thank you

[admin]

dmm:

Isocyanates are in virtually every plastic or foam material manufactured today. Those who manufacture these substances, may have some workplace hazard, but this is only due to chronic prolonged exposure. Your exposure from a casting tape would be absolutely minuscule, and I can see no overt risk from this kind of exposure.

It is the people who make foams, etc that have problems after chronic exposure directly to the pure forms of isocyanate.


Check out this OSHA website for more information.

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/isocyanates/

Tom Hale Ph.D.

----------from OSHA ------------------------------

Isocyanates are compounds containing the isocyanate group (-NCO). They react with compounds containing alcohol (hydroxyl) groups to produce polyurethane polymers, which are components of polyurethane foams, thermoplastic elastomers, spandex fibers, and polyurethane paints. Isocyanates are the raw materials that make up all polyurethane products. Jobs that may involve exposure to isocyanates include painting, foam-blowing, and the manufacture of many Polyurethane products, such as chemicals, polyurethane foam, insulation materials, surface coatings, car seats, furniture, foam mattresses, under-carpet padding, packaging materials, shoes, laminated fabrics, polyurethane rubber, and adhesives, and during the thermal degradation of polyurethane products.

Health effects of isocyanate exposure include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, chest tightness, and difficult breathing. Isocyanates include compounds classified as potential human carcinogens and known to cause cancer in animals. The main effects of hazardous exposures are occupational asthma and other lung problems, as well as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.