At CabinetWare we are committed to informing our customers of safety concerns in the use of certain products. Polyurethane coatings are a two component system in which a diisocyanate (catalyst) is mixed with a pigmented resin. The resin and the diisocyanate react to form a high performance, durable and color-fast coating. One of the health hazards associated with these coatings is the potential for some individuals to become sensitized to the diisocyanate catalyst resulting in allergic respiratory symptoms (painter’s asthma). When these coatings are spray-applied, the mist will contain unreacted diisocyanate that can be inhaled, absorbed through the eyes and mucous membranes, and the skin. The users must be prepared to protect themselves from exposure during application. It is strongly recommended that supplied-air respirators (sar) with a full face shield and a paint suit be used for the application of diisocyanate coatings. These items will provide complete protection for the applier. CabinetWare can quote and supply these items. OSHA has approved the use of air-purifying respirators for diisocyanates if all requirements of 29 cfr 1910.134 are met and other health hazards of diisocyanates are addressed. This means that a particulate pre-filter in combination with an organic vapor cartridge will provide protection for limited use of these applications. Employers must implement a change schedule for the cartridges. The change schedules must be included in a written respiratory protection program which must also address such things as hazard evaluation, fit testing, proper use of respirators, employee training, maintenance and storage, and recordkeeping. Eye and skin protection would still be required. A spray booth in these cases is highly recommended. CabinetWare can supply air-purifying respirators from two of the leading suppliers in the world, 3m and msa. We can also supply paint suits that are machine washable or disposable. We hope that the above information will help you make a safe decision in the use of polyurethane coatings. More information can be found about the OSHA respiratory protection standard at www.osha.gov, or from NIOSH at www.cdc.gov/niosh/pdfs/sap_0101.pdf. There is other significant health and safety hazards associated with all solvent based coating products. In addressing these other hazards consult the MSDS and label for specific information. This document is issued as a reference guide only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for reviewing regulations, providing classroom training, or consulting with an expert in this field.