Cross-sectional survey of workers exposed to aliphatic diisocyanates using detailed respiratory medical history and questions regarding accidental skin and respiratory exposures.

Objectives: To identify possible cases of occupational asthma and assess accidental skin and inhalation exposures to aliphatic diisocyanates.

Methods: Seventy-three employees from two plants, manufacturing or producing aliphatic diisocyanates, were surveyed using a detailed respiratory history questionnaire with additional questions on accidental skin and inhalation exposures. Further reviews of medical records and interviews were used to determine whether any of 15 employees with questionable responses had developed occupational asthma.

Trends in pulmonary function and prevalence of asthma in hexamethylene diisocyanate workers during a 19-year period.

Objective: To identify if 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) workers demonstrated an increased prevalence of occupational asthma or accelerated decline in pulmonary function.

Methods: Employees from two plants manufacturing or producing 1,6-HDI monomer and/or HDI polyisocyanates were matched to a control population by age, gender, race, and smoking status. A random coefficient regression analysis compared the decline in pulmonary function test values over time.