Occupational contact allergy to monomeric isocyanates.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The monomeric isocyanates diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) are used in polyurethane products and sometimes cause contact allergy.

OBJECTIVES:

To describe patients with isocyanate contact allergy in an occupational dermatology clinic.

METHODS:

Test files were screened for allergic reactions to isocyanates and 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane (MDA). Patients with allergic reactions to some of the allergens were analysed for occupation, exposure, concomitant reactions to other allergens, and diagnosis.

RESULTS:

Over a period of almost 13 years, 54 patients reacted to isocyanates (9 to IPDI, 12 to MDI, 6 to TDI, and 1 to HDI) or MDA (44 patients). The motor vehicle, electronics and paint industries, and painting and construction work, were among the most significant occupational fields. An in-house polymeric MDI (PMDI) test substance was superior to commercial MDI preparations. About half of the occupational cases related to MDI products were diagnosed by testing MDA. The most prominent cause of IPDI allergy comprised polyurethane paint hardeners. Some of the IPDI reactions could be explained by cross-allergy to isophoronediamine in epoxy products. Specific exposure to MDA was difficult to trace.

CONCLUSIONS:

MDA and PMDI test substances were significant in the diagnosis of MDI contact allergy.

• Authors: Kristiina Aalto-Korte, Katri Suuronen, Outi Kuuliala, Maj-Len Henriks-Eckerman, Riitta Jolanki
• Journal: Contact dermatitis (Contact Dermatitis) Vol. 67 Issue 2 Pg. 78-88 (Aug 2012) ISSN: 1600-0536 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 22428543 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Chemical References

• Allergens
• Aniline Compounds
• Cyanates
• Isocyanates
• 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate
• Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate
• isophorone diisocyanate
• 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate
• 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane

Topics

• Allergens (adverse effects)
• Aniline Compounds (adverse effects)
• Cyanates (adverse effects)
• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (diagnosis, etiology)
• Dermatitis, Occupational (diagnosis, etiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Isocyanates (adverse effects)
• Male
• Occupations
• Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate (adverse effects)