For
many health reasons, painters should wear a supplied-air respirator
when spraying paints containing highly toxic chemicals such as isocyanates. (Isocyanates are a family of
highly reactive, low molecular weight chemicals. Isocyanates
are powerful irritants to the mucous membranes of the eyes and
gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Direct skin contact can also
cause marked inflammation. Isocyanates can also sensitize workers,
making them subject to severe asthma attacks if they are exposed again.
Death from severe asthma in some sensitized subjects has been
reported.)
In fact, some paint
manufacturers say painters must wear supplied-air respirators when
spraying isocyanate-containing paints. Although painters have
complained that conventional supplied-air respirators lack comfort,
visibility, and convenience, the newer designs and models, are
changing many painters' attitudes and
behaviors. Most importantly, they consider supplied-air the best way to
protect their health from the toxic chemicals in paint coatings.
Did
you know..?
Diisocyanates
can cause serious or fatal respiratory disease and are the leading
cause of occupational asthma. For more information on potential
hazards, see the NIOSH Alert on
Diisocyanate Exposure and A
Guide to Preventing Asthma and Death when Applying Spray-On Truck Bed
Liners. See also
the NIOSH
isocyanates topic page.
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Supplied
Air Paint Hood
Basic One-Man System
Half Mask Supplied
Air System |
