Reduced Isocyanate Release Using a Waterproof, Resin-Based Cast Alternative Relative to Fiberglass Casts

Kristen Stefanescu, Claire L. Timlin, Ashley S. Moy*, Grzegorz Zapotoczny

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The effects of occupational isocyanate exposure range from asthma and contact dermatitis to neurotoxicity and cancer. Respiratory sensitization due to orthopedic cast application has been well documented. This study aims to compare the safety of standard-of-care fiberglass casts and a novel waterproof cast alternative by measuring the amount of isocyanate released during off-gassing over time. A 3D-printed arm simulator with comparable casing material amounts was placed in a sealed chamber. An isocyanate-sensing color-changing (SafeAir) tag was used to measure the levels of toxic exposure. Triplicate trials were conducted across all time periods (15 min, 1 h, and 24 h) and conditions. The bare arm simulator and freshly opened tags served as negative controls. Normalized pixel intensity indexes and isocyanate release estimates in ppb were derived from ImageJ-analyzed SafeAir tag photos. Fiberglass casts exhibited greater isocyanate release than both the waterproof alternative (p = 0.0002) and no-cast controls (p = 0.0006), particularly at 24 h. The waterproof alternative and no-cast control did not statistically differ (p = 0.1603). Therefore, the waterproof alternative released less isocyanate than the fiberglass casts. Waterproof cast alternatives may be safer than fiberglass by limiting medical professionals’ exposure to toxic isocyanates and, thus, decreasing their risk of suffering occupational asthma.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number1002
JournalToxics
Volume11
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2023

Funding

The research and publication of this article was funded by Cast21 Inc., which was involved in manuscript approval, the decision to publish, and the funding of the article APC. There is no associated grant number.

Keywords

  • cast
  • isocyanate
  • orthopedic

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
  • Chemical Health and Safety

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