Isocyanate Exposure Lawsuits

Occupations at Risk of Isocyanate Exposure

Any worker exposed to toxic products that contain Isocyanate chemicals like adhesives, spray-on foam insulation, decomposition products, and urethane foams could be at risk of developing a serious respiratory illness. Occupations associated with heavy Isocyanate exposure include the following positions:

• Insulators
• Painters
• Miners
• Car mechanics
• Body shop workers
• Millworkers
• Door manufacturing
• Transportation services
• Welders
• Railroad maintenance crew

Tasks Associated with Toxic Isocyanate Exposure

• Spray Painting
• Spray Foam Insulating
• Welding
• Sanding
• Grinding
• Resurfacing
• Masking
• Demasking
• Mixing
• Cleaning

Isocyanate-Related Illnesses

Isocyanates are the leading chemical cause of occupational asthma in the United States. Symptoms of exposure often continue after exposures have been terminated. Minor respiratory irritation may progress to chronic respiratory symptoms. Affected workers often have to leave their jobs because of a building respiratory condition.

Exposure to Isocyanates can cause issues related to the irritation of the skin, mucous membranes, eyes, and respiratory tract. The most common adverse health outcomes associated with Isocyanate exposure are respiratory-related. As little as a few hours of exposure to the chemicals can initiate certain symptoms. Potential symptoms of an Isocyanate exposure condition include:

• Hypersensitivity
• Contact dermatitis
• Rashes and hives
• Inflammation of the extremities
• Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
• Fever and nausea
• Tightness in the chest
• Nocturnal awakening
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Industrial Isocyanate Materials

A wide variety of manufactured goods and common materials used at home and the workplace contain hazardous chemicals  Some of the most common Isocyanate-containing products may include:

• Spray-on polyurethane products
• Industrial foams
• Wood coatings
• Varnishes
• Adhesives—Rock glue
• Rubber sealants
• Molding compounds
• Surface coatings
• Industrial valves
• Cooling and Freezing Appliances
• Automobile parts
• Truck bed liners
• Aircraft components
• Brass and copper castings
• Paints—Epoxy and polyeruthane paints
• Processed wood products
• Surgical instruments

Toxic Polyurethane Foam Spray

Spray polyurethane foam is widely used as a building material, known for its ability to improve energy efficiency. It insulates better per inch than fiberglass, which translates to energy savings in heating and cooling.

But polyurethane spray foam’s chemical makeup includes substances that are toxic and hazardous. Spray polyurethane foam contains isocyanates, polyol, flame retardants and amine catalysts. These chemicals create hazardous fumes and if the chemicals are not mixed properly, they can remain toxic.

Employer Exposure Prevention

Due to thousands of American workers falling ill after Isocyanate exposure, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published several studies that reveal the serious consequences of toxic chemical exposure to certain groups of workers.

For years the health agency has urged chemical companies and employers to improve toxic exposure prevention in the workplace.

If companies ignore the safety of their workers, they are acting irresponsibly and are liable for the Workplace Ventilation Risks sustained by their employees. The federal agency recommends the following prevention measures:

• Engineering controls, such as closed systems and ventilation
• Use of personal protective equipment—respirators and protective clothing
• Early recognition and elimination of exposures
• Proper disposal and cleaning of protective clothing
• Face-shield and apron use when there is a possibility of liquid splash or spill
•  Periodic medical surveillance programs for all exposed workers
  

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Isocyanate Injury Lawsuits

Employers that fail to provide safe working environments and protect employees may face personal injury claims if they knew the dangers of potential toxins and still took no action. Corporations that manufacture dangerous Isocyanate chemicals and other hazardous substances are also targets for victims and their attorneys.

Four large chemical companies, including BASF Corporation, Bayer, Dow Chemical Company and Huntsman International, have recently been named in a multi-billion dollar lawsuit that claims the companies have been selling harmful Isocyanate chemicals, and intentionally concealing their inherent dangers to consumers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

By endangering the public, attorneys claim the companies have committed fraud, negligence, breach of express and implied warranty, and breach of consumer protection statutes. Lawsuits filed against chemical corporations and reckless employers help ensure consumer and workplace safety in the years to come.