Health Effects:
During surfboard production there are three main processes when hazardouspollutants will be emitted. First, when making the foam blank, second, whenshaping the blank and third when coating the blank with an epoxy.
The production of polyurethane foam blanks involves diisocyanate. Becauseisocyanates are so reactive, they are extremely harmful to skin and other livetissues. Toxic through touch and inhalation, isocyanates are particularlyharmful to the mucus membranes of the eyes and respiratory tracts and have beenproven to cause asthma. Toluene diisocyanate (TDI), though more volatile thanthe other widely used methylene diisocyanate (MDI), is the most often utilizedisocyanate in polyurethane manufacturing because it is relatively inexpensiveand easier to cut and shape once molded. In its liquid form, dermal contactwith TDI makes the skin swell and redden. It will cause extreme irritation andmake the eyes water if it comes in contact with them. Isocyanate vapor, even atlow concentrations, will also make the eyes burn and throb with pain. InhalingTDI can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and breathing problems. Too muchof it may lead to a burning sensation in the throat causing deep fits ofcoughing and choking. Workers can become sensitized to isocyanates by repeatedexposure over long periods of time, decreasing their lung capacity andincreasing their likelihood of becoming asthmatic. At least four people havebeen reported as dying from inhalation of TDI.
Polystyrene blanks are also hazardous to one’s health duringproduction, but to a lesser extent than polyurethane. Acute exposure causesmucous membrane irritation, eye irritation and gastrointestinal effects.Chronic exposure results in negative effects on the central nervous system likeheadaches, fatigue, weakness, depression, CNS dysfunction and hearing loss.Oral exposure has been proven to cause CNS, liver, kidney, eye, and nasalirritation. Several studies are linking styrene exposure to increased risks ofleukemia and lymphoma, though evidence is often inconclusive due to multiplechemical exposures.
When shaping the polyurethane blanks and during the final sanding, shavingsand other particles are released into the air. These can cause respiratory andnasal irritation and problems in the lungs.
The epoxy coating that seals the board and creates a smooth finish isanother source of pollutants. Epoxy resin is most dangerous inhaled orswallowed but can also cause harm if it comes in contact with skin before theresin is cured. The main effects of long-term exposure to epoxy resin areasthma, skin allergies, and irritation of the eyes, throat, nose and skin. Thevapors and mist given off by sprayed epoxy can cause respiration problems; numerouscases of asthma developing from the epoxy curing agent have been recorded. Skinallergies can take mere days to form with symptoms including redness, swelling,flaking and itching in the area of contact. When the skin becomes sensitized,it can become inflamed, blistered and extremely itchy from even brief contactwith the resin. If the resin is inhaled or absorbed through the skin, thesolvent can affect your brain in ways similar to alcohol causing dizziness,nausea, slurred speech, headache, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Bisphenol A is a chemical used in the production of epoxy resins and isthought to be an endocrine disruptor. It can block hormonal action, alter thechemical messages sent by hormones, inhibit the production of hormones andhormone receptors and act as imposters of naturally occurring hormones.Bisphenol A has been shown to cause changes in hormone levels, menstrual cycleirregularities, delays in reproductive development and act as an endocrinedisruptor for breast cancer cells.
Epichlorohydrin, another chemical given off in the production of epoxyresins has copious amounts of health hazards. Short-term inhalation exposurehas caused irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Nausea,vomiting, cough, labored breathing, lung inflammation, pulmonary edema andrenal lesions were observed on humans after high levels of exposure. Contactwith the skin can cause irritation and burns. Chronic occupational exposure ofhumans to airborne epichlorohydrin has been proven to cause high levels ofrespiratory tract illness and hematological effects. Long-term inhalationexposure causes pulmonary effects including extreme lung congestion, pneumoniain animals and inflammation and degerative changes in the nasal epithelia. Myocardialchanges and damage to the central nervous system was also seen in chronicallyexposed rats. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classifiedepicholorhydrin as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen. Also increased tumorconcentration was observed in the nasal cavity and the forestomach whenepicholorhydrin was inhaled and consumed orally, respectively.
As a seasoned expert in environmental health and occupational safety, my extensive knowledge in the field allows me to shed light on the critical issues surrounding the health effects of surfboard production. With a wealth of firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the relevant concepts, I can provide valuable insights into the hazardous processes and substances involved in the manufacturing of surfboards.
The production of surfboards involves three main processes that emit hazardous pollutants: the creation of the foam blank, shaping the blank, and coating it with epoxy. Let's delve into the key concepts and substances mentioned in the article:
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Polyurethane Foam Blanks:
- Diisocyanate: This chemical is used in the production of polyurethane foam blanks. Isocyanates, particularly toluene diisocyanate (TDI), are highly reactive and harmful to the skin and respiratory system. Workers exposed to TDI may experience skin swelling, eye irritation, and respiratory issues, including asthma. Chronic exposure can lead to decreased lung capacity and increased susceptibility to asthma.
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Polystyrene Blanks:
- Acute exposure to polystyrene blanks can cause mucous membrane irritation, eye irritation, and gastrointestinal effects. Chronic exposure may result in negative effects on the central nervous system, such as headaches, fatigue, weakness, depression, and hearing loss. Styrene exposure is also linked to increased risks of leukemia and lymphoma.
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Shaping and Sanding:
- Shaping and sanding polyurethane blanks release particles into the air, causing respiratory and nasal irritation. This poses a risk to the respiratory system and may lead to lung problems.
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Epoxy Coating:
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Epoxy Resin: The epoxy coating used to seal the board emits pollutants. Long-term exposure to epoxy resin can lead to asthma, skin allergies, and irritation of the eyes, throat, nose, and skin. Inhaled or absorbed through the skin, epoxy resin solvent can affect the brain, causing dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, headache, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
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Bisphenol A: A chemical used in epoxy resin production, Bisphenol A, is considered an endocrine disruptor. It can alter hormone levels, menstrual cycles, and reproductive development, and has been linked to breast cancer cell disruption.
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Epichlorohydrin: Another chemical emitted during epoxy resin production, epichlorohydrin, poses significant health hazards. Short-term exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, while chronic exposure has been linked to respiratory tract illness, hematological effects, pulmonary issues, myocardial changes, and central nervous system damage. The EPA classifies epichlorohydrin as a probable human carcinogen.
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In conclusion, the production of surfboards involves various hazardous processes and chemicals that can have severe health implications for workers and the environment. Addressing these concerns is crucial for promoting a safe and sustainable surfboard manufacturing industry.
