Isophorone diisocyanate induced respiratory disease (IPDI)

A 50-year-old male spray painter developed severe asthma soon after the introduction of a new paint containing isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). His asthma was associated with an abnormal chest X-ray, blood eosinophilia, normal IgE level, negative skin prick tests and no precipitins to A. fumigatus. A bronchial challenge test, performed when he was well, with the paint containing the additive gave a positive response. It was considered that IPDI was the cause of his illness. He is now well on maintenance therapy and he no longer works in the industry.