Evaluation of worker exposure to isocyanates in the construction sector: Prevention of the risk associated with methylene-4,4’-diphenyl diisocyanate during the spraying of rigid polyurethane-based foam in the construction sector Abstract Construction workers are exposed to 4,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) when they spray a mixture of MDI polymers and a resin compound, which form a rigid polyurethane foam used as thermal insulation for buildings. Studies have shown that this process releases significant concentrations of MDI. The Regulation respecting occupational health and safety indicates that this substance is a sensitizer. This study documented the practices relating to occupational health and safety (OHS) under a variety of conditions under which insulation work is done, and evaluated the MDI concentrations in the work areas. The workers run a risk of exposure to MDI in aerosol form, particularly when they do this work indoors. The report’s authors note that nothing indicates that OHS practices are completely respected on Québec construction sites and recommend that the subject of respiratory and skin protection be integrated into the continuing training of workers. Produced Under this Project Scientific Reports 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) - Safety practices and concentrations during the spraying of polyurethane foam Research Report: R-606, R-629 Guide and Tools Polyurethane foam spraying - Best practices guide Technical guide: Téléchargement externe Scientific Publications MDI (4,4'-Diphenylmethane diisocyanate) concentrations during polyurethane foam spraying during thermal insulationDrolet D., Roberge B.Source : in New Frontiers in Science and Practice : American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exhibition / AIHCE (May 22-27, 2010 : Denver, USA), 2010Isolation à la mousse de polyuréthane sur les chantiers de construction : bonnes pratiques SST et exposition au MDIRoberge B., Drolet D.Source : in Au-delà de nos perceptions... une culture de prévention : Congrès de l'Association québécoise pour l'hygiène, la santé et la sécurité du travail / AQHSST (32e : 12-14 mai, 2010 : Lévis, Canada), 2010Polyurethane foam spraying : best practices guide (Poster)Roberge B., Teasdale B.Source : in New Frontiers in Science and Practice : American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exhibition / AIHCE (May 22-27, 2010 : Denver, USA), 2010 Additional Information Type: Project Number: 0099-0520 Status: Completed Year of completion: 2009 Research Field: Chemical and Biological Hazard Prevention Team: Brigitte Roberge (IRSST)Daniel Drolet (IRSST)Laurent Gratton (IRSST)Bernard Teasdale (Association paritaire pour la santé et la sécurité du travail, secteur Construction)Rodrigue Gravel (IRSST)