Isocyanates and Human Health: Multistakeholder Information Needs and Research Priorities

OBJECTIVES:To outline the knowledge gaps and research priorities identified by a broad base of stakeholders involved in the planning and participation of an international conference and research agenda workshop on isocyanates and human health held in Potomac, Maryland, in April 2013. METHODS:A multimodal iterative approach was used for data collection including preconference surveys, review of a 2001 consensus conference on isocyanates, oral and poster presentations, focused break-out sessions, panel discussions, and postconference research agenda workshop. RESULTS:Participants included representatives of consumer and worker health, health professionals, regulatory agencies, academic and industry scientists, labor, and trade associations. CONCLUSIONS:Recommendations were summarized regarding knowledge gaps and research priorities in the following areasworker and consumer exposures; toxicology, animal models, and biomarkers; human cancer risk; environmental exposure and monitoring; and respiratory epidemiology and disease, and occupational health surveillance.