Diisocyanates and nonoccupational disease: a review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Occupational Medicine
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Chronic lung diseases affect over 32 million Americans, with environmental factors suspected as key contributors.
• Diisocyanates are a known cause of occupational asthma but their role in general population respiratory disease is under-investigated.
• Polyurethane products, utilizing diisocyanates, are prevalent in consumer goods like adhesives, paints, and foams.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence linking diisocyanates and polyurethanes to non-occupational respiratory diseases.
• To explore biologically plausible mechanisms for diisocyanate-induced allergy and asthma.
• To assess the epidemiological, experimental, and clinical data on diisocyanate exposure and respiratory health.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epidemiological studies.
• Analysis of experimental research on diisocyanates.
• Examination of clinical case reports and data.

Main Results:

• Diisocyanates are widely used in consumer products, leading to potential environmental exposure.
• Evidence suggests a link between diisocyanate exposure from consumer products and the development of non-occupational respiratory conditions.
• The increasing global market for polyurethanes correlates with potential increases in public exposure.

Conclusions:

• Diisocyanates in consumer products represent a significant, overlooked risk factor for non-occupational asthma and respiratory disease.
• Further research is warranted to fully understand and mitigate the public health impact of diisocyanates.
• Public health strategies may need to consider the role of consumer product chemicals in the rising prevalence of chronic lung conditions.