Determining the Exposure Routes and Risk Assessment of Isocyanates in Indoor Environments

Abstract

Isocyanates are used as raw materials for polyurethane foams, paints, and building materials. The isocyanates can cause acute adverse health effects such as irritation of the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes, and induce asthma and sick house syndrome. However, investigations into the potential sources and risk assessments of indoor isocyanates are limited. Thus, this study aimed to determine the sources and exposure routes of isocyanates and to assess their risk in indoor environments. The results showed that household products, such as infant chairs, mattresses, and polyurethane foam spray, used in indoor environments are potential sources of atmospheric isocyanic acids (ICA). Toluene diisocyanate and methyl isocyanate pose relatively high risks to indoor environments. Total concentrations of isocyanates ranged from 38.2 to 1570 ng g⁻¹ in infant chairs, mattresses, and spray polyurethane foams. The indoor products can be indoor sources of ICA because emission rates of ICA from household products were observed in all products (0.0536–1.37 ng g⁻¹ d⁻¹). Field observations showed that isocyanate concentrations in house-dust samples ranged from 0.194±0.126 (ethyl isocyanate) to 70.1±67.8 (ICA) ng g⁻¹. Atmospheric isocyanate concentrations ranged from 0.0030±0.020 (propyl isocyanate) to 26.0±14.3 (ICA) ng m⁻³. An estimation of human exposure demonstrated that air inhalation was the major route of isocyanate exposure. The minimum margin of exposure values of methyl isocyanate and toluene diisocyanate were 523 and 655, respectively, for children, indicating that they may pose a relatively high risk.