Isocyanate TDI
Route Of Exposure
Other topics
Isocyanates are widely used in the production of polyurethane plastics, glues and paints. Individuals at risk are polyurethane foam makers, upholsterers, spray painters, wire coating workers, plastic molders, rubber workers, fabric coaters, metal rod coaters, truck body insulators and persons applying artificial turf and others.Isocyanates have been mentioned in relation to the Sick Building Syndrome. Any workplace where isocyanates are used in significant amounts.
Clinical Relevance
IgE-mediated reactions
A wide spectrum of potentially allergic respiratory symptoms have been described and up to 5% of exposed workers have been reported to have developed asthma at work.IgE antibodies to isocyanates have been found in 14-19% of sensitised workers.
Other reactions
Non-immunological, irritative mechanisms are likely to be of importance.
Cross-Reactivity
The three isocyanates (TDI, MDI and HDI) are closely related structurally being HSA-conjugated haptens and there is some allergenic crossreactivity.However, the major specificity depends on the type of isocyanate exposure
References
- Butcher BT, Karr RM, O'Neil CE, Wilson MR, Dharmarajan V, Salvaggio JE, et al. Inhalation challenge and pharmacologic studies of toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-sensitive workers. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology. 1979;64(2):146-52.
- Baur X. Immunologic cross-reactivity between different albumin-bound isocyanates. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology. 1983;71(2):197-205.
- Butcher BT, O'Neil CE, Reed MA, Salvaggio JE. Radioallergosorbent testing of toluene diisocyanate-reactive individuals using p-tolyl isocyanate antigen. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology. 1980;66(3):213-6.