Respiratory effects of toluene diisocyanate in the workplace: a discussion of exposure-response relationships.

Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is an important industrial intermediate used in manufacturing flexible polyurethane (PUR) foams, surface coatings, cast elastomers, sealants, and adhesives. In this review long-term trends in workplace exposures to TDI are assessed in both the producing and using industries, and respiratory health effects of TDI are evaluated in relation to workplace TDI concentrations. The key respiratory health effects associated with repeated or long-term TDI exposure are bronchial asthma and an accelerated rate of decline in lung function.

Frequency and trends of occupational asthma due to toluene diisocyanate: a critical review.

In recent years, occupational asthma has become the most frequent occupational lung disease in many countries. Reports and statements on the frequency of occupational asthma due to isocyanates are quite contradictory. In order to clarify the issue, a critical review of the medical literature of the past half century worldwide has been performed, with special emphasis on toluene diisocyanate (TDI) as the main representative of the isocyanate family.

Phosgene exposure: mechanisms of injury and treatment strategies.

Phosgene (carbonyl chloride, CAS 75-44-5) is a highly reactive gas of historical interest and current industrial importance. Phosgene has also proved to be a useful model for the study of those biochemical mechanisms that lead to permeability-type pulmonary edema (adult respiratory distress syndrome). In turn, the study of phosgene-induced adult respiratory distress syndrome has provided insights leading to revised treatment strategies for exposure victims.