The ill-effects of exposure to isocyanates are well-known. Of these, occupational asthma, a recognized occupational disease, is certainly the most frequently encountered disease in workers with hypersensitivity to isocyanates.

Previous IRSST research on paint booths in the automobile sector demonstrated the existence of significant exposure to solvents and isocyanate paints, even when collective protective equipment was used. Cartridge masks used by painters were also found to provide inadequate protection.

This project will develop a respiratory protection system which uses derivatization to capture isocyanates while maintaining conventional cartridges' effective capture of other contaminants. A patent was obtained this year, and prototypes incorporating the new capture technique will be produced.