WASHINGTON, April 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it will take action on potential health risks of two chemicals consumers may encounter in construction products.
Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate and related compounds are used in certain applications such as spray foam insulation, sealing concrete or finishing floors, an EPA release said Wednesday.
"There has been an increase in recent years in promoting the use of foams and sealants by do-it-yourself energy-conscious homeowners, and many people may now be unknowingly exposed to risks from these chemicals," said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.
Diisocyanates are known to cause severe skin and breathing responses in workers who have been repeatedly exposed to them, the EPA said, and have been documented as a leading cause of work-related asthma. In severe cases, fatal reactions have occurred, the agency said.
Actions contemplated by the EPA include requiring exposure monitoring studies for consumer products, improved labeling and product safety information, and if necessary possibly banning or restricting consumer products containing uncured MDI or TD, the agency said.
