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Why do I Need A Supplied Air Respirator? The simple answer to this question is because it is the most effective way to protect your lungs from exposure to dangerous elements that will drastically reduce or even prevent their ability to function. Diseases such as silicosis, isocyanate poisoning, emphysema, and even cancer can be directly attributed to breathing air that is contaminated with toxic vapors and mists. Polyurethane paint, for example, is formulated to produce a hard, shiny finish with the ability to last a long time. Isocyanates are produced as a by-product of catalysation. When isocyanate vapors are released from this paint and are allowed to enter our lungs and other parts of our body, they can harm them. Sandblasting with silica sand is another potential lung destroyer. Exposure to this fine sand material can cause silicosis, which is a form of cancer. An air supplied sandblasting hood is the only sure way to protect your lungs. Won’t a charcoal filtered facemask work just as well? It depends on what type of contaminant you are exposing your lungs to and how frequently you are replacing the filters. When isocyanates are present, only a supplied-air respirator will protect you! Once you start using the HOBBYAIR respirator system, you will find that there is no reason to substitute another type of respirator when you are working on any project that conflicts with your breathing of fresh air. When you feel the cool fresh air flowing into your lungs provided by the HOBBYAIR system, we feel confident that you will agree with thousands of satisfied users that your purchase of a HOBBYAIR system will be one of the best investments that you’ve ever made! The PRO AIR and HOBBYAIR respirator system was designed to keep your lungs safe and healthy— why take a chance with anything less? Protect Your Lungs - You Only Get One Set! NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Isocyanates Isocyanates are a family of highly reactive, low molecular weight chemicals. They are widely used in the manufacture of flexible and rigid foams, fibers, coatings such as paints and varnishes, and elastomers, and are increasingly used in the automobile industry, auto body repair, and building insulation materials. Spray-on polyurethane products containing isocyanates have been developed for a wide range of retail, commercial, and industrial uses to protect cement, wood, fiberglass, steel and aluminum, including protective coatings for truck beds, trailers, boats, foundations, and decks. Isocyanates are powerful irritants to the mucous membranes of the eyes and gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Direct skin contact can also cause marked inflammation. Isocyanates can also sensitize workers, making them subject to severe asthma attacks if they are exposed again. Death from severe asthma in some sensitized subjects has been reported. Workers potentially exposed to isocyanates who experience persistent or recurring eye irritation, nasal congestion, dry or sore throat, cold-like symptoms, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness should see a physician knowledgeable in work-related health problems. Preventing exposure to isocyanates is a critical step in eliminating the health hazard. Engineering controls such as closed systems and ventilation should be the principal method for minimizing isocyanate exposure in the workplace. Other controls, such as worker isolation and personal protective clothing and equipment may also be necessary. Early recognition of sensitization and prompt and strict elimination of exposures is essential to reduce the risk of long-term or permanent respiratory problems for workers who have become sensitized. The most widely used compounds are diisocyanates, which contain two isocyanate groups, and polyisocyanates, which are usually derived from diisocyanates and may contain several isocyanate groups. The most commonly used diisocyanates include methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI), toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). Other common diisocyanates include naphthalene diisocyanate (NDI), methylene bis-cyclohexylisocyanate (HMDI) (hydrogenated MDI), and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). Examples of widely used polyisocyanates include HDI biuret and HDI isocyanurate courtesy of  http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/