|
|
|
|
Moisture Cure Urethane (Moisture Cured Urethane)
(Moshe) wrote in message . com...
Exposure to the chemicals in Moisture Cure Urethane (MCU) products can
lead to a variety of health effects depending upon the level and
duration of exposure. Brief exposures to elevated levels of these
materials can result in headaches, respiratory irritation, and
exacerbation of asthma; while very high and/or long-term exposures can
lead to more serious health effects such as organ damage, reproductive
effects, chemical allergies, and possibly cancer.
Moisture cure urethanes contain a variety of solvents depending upon
their formulation, and typically contain xylene, ethylbenzene and
acetates. Many solvents, including xylene and ethylbenzene, have
strong odors that can be smelled at very low levels. Short-term
exposure to elevated levels can cause reversible irritation of the
skin, eyes, nose, and throat; exacerbate asthma; and cause health
effects such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. In occupational
settings and in animal studies, exposure to very high levels of
solvents has been shown to cause neurological, kidney, and liver
damage, and can impact developing fetuses. , The International Agency
for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists ethylbenzene as a possible human
carcinogen. IARC lists xylene as not classifiable as a human cancer
agent.
In September of 2002 the New York City Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene (DOHMH), Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology
Program (EODE) began receiving reports that Moisture Cure Urethanes
(MCUs), which are used to coat wood floors in homes, were generating
strong odors and raising health concerns for building residents. In
response to these concerns, EODE reviewed material safety data sheets
on various MCU products, researched the known health effects
associated with chemical ingredients of these products, and consulted
with the New York State Department of Health. Additionally, EODE,
with assistance from the Office for Environmental Investigations
(OEI), conducted an inspection during an MCU application at an
apartment building in Brooklyn, New York on March 7, 2003, that
included sampling for airborne ingredients of MCUs.
Environmental sampling at the Brooklyn apartment building detected
several MCU chemical ingredients in the air. These chemicals produced
noticeable odors throughout the building. The presence of the
chemicals found in the common hallways of the building may result in
irritation of the respiratory system, exacerbation of asthma in some
individuals, and headaches. In an occupied residential building these
conditions represent a nuisance.
|