Are heart attacks associated with nickel plating work or other chemical exposures?
Two chemicals in the work place are known to stress the cardiovascular system: methylene chloride and carbon monoxide. Methylene chloride affects the cardiovascular system because it is converted to carbon monoxide in the body . Carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin in the body to produce carboxyhemoglobin. Carboxyhemoglobin displaces oxygen from the red blood cell resulting in hypoxia (lack of oxygen to tissues). Individuals with heart conditions may not be able to tolerate the stress of elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels. Methylene chloride and carbon monoxide overexposure may lead to angina and heart attacks in compromised individuals. (101) • Could asthma, chronic lung disease and nasal polyps be associated with stripping paint of aircraft? Paint stripping creates a variety of exposures including: solvents, paints, paint strippers, and dust produced by the process. Polyurethane paints, generally used on aircraft, also contain isocyanates. Some paints may also contain lead. Isocya
