Isocyanates are a family of highly reactive chemical compounds that are often the raw materials found in polyurethane products, including many vehicle paints. ISO’s as they are generally termed are a superior harding agent and protectant. Because of this they are found commonly in automotive coatings. Therefore, you can expect to see some Isocyanates in your bodyshops.
Negative side effects of isocyanates are noticeable.
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Anemia Syndrome (bleeding in the lungs)
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Isocyanates are even suspected to cause cancer.
However, minimum testing thresholds are not breached in laboratories, so they are not labeled cancer causing in MSDS or other technical references for this family of reactants.
Because the short term side effects can be contributed unknowingly to others environmental factors, people can be exposed to ISO vapors for prolonged periods before isolating them as the root cause of failing health conditions. Some of the short term effects of ISO exposure include:
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Impotency
- Respiratory infections
If you are getting exposed, so are other people. These types of situations need to be avoided at all costs due to the long term effects on the body. These ISOs work in a way that cause the body to become allergic at even the smallest amount of exposure.
