PMA’s MbOCA Study Reveals Member Companies’ Practices Yield Similar or Better Protection

The PMA MbOCA study is finally out!

Proudly, PMA members are leading best practices in the industry to reduce MbOCA exposure in the workplace. The study showed that voluntary measures by PMA member companies yielded a similar or better level of protection in their MbOCA handling practices than the regulatory approach defined by the British Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The primary goal of the study was to see if PMA’s voluntary member guidelines were sufficient in reducing the exposure to 4, 4’-methylene-bis (2-chloroaniline) [MbOCA], a chemical curing agent. In recent years, MbOCA has been debatably linked to human carcinogenicity (see our previous post on MbOCA).

Secondly, we looked at the success behind new corporate technology that has dramatically reduced an employees’ risk and exposure to the chemical curing agent. According to historical urinalysis data, member companies who are regularly performing tests have kept their exposure levels below both the British and California recommendations in recent years.
To continue to stay on top of evolving MbOCA handling practices, researchers have recommended the following actions:

· Processors should be educated on the importance of proper spill response and periodic wipe sampling of potentially contaminated surfaces.

· Periodic urinalysis must be done by all processors using MbOCA.

· The PMA Guidance should be updated to reflect the findings of this study and to address changes in technology that have the potential to reduce MbOCA exposure.

· Members should participate in this process to identify industry best practices.

· Additional urinalysis should be done to detect potential MbOCA dermal exposures from handling partially cured polyurethane articles.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the MbOCA study! We appreciate your help in developing best practices to create a safer work environment.