The ins and outs, and ups and downs, of occupational asthma

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Occupational Health

The ins and outs, and ups and downs, of occupational asthma

David McBride

David McBride

Toxicity
Isocyanates are toxic compounds used in industry mainly to produce polyurethanes [Image: Jesse Bridgewater on Pixabay]

Occupational health expert David McBride discusses the agents behind occupational asthma, including isocyanates used in the construction and painting industries

Key points, A variety of high molecular weight agents can cause occupational asthma via type 1 hypersensitivity. Low molecular weight agents (eg, isocyana, Pract Green w Pale Yellow
References

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3. Neitzel JJ. Enzyme catalysis: The serine proteases. Nature Education 2010;3(9):21.

4. Pawlak M, Pobłocki K, Drzeżdżon J, et al. Isocyanates and isocyanides – life-threatening toxins or essential compounds? Sci Total Environ 2024;934:173250.

5. Redlich CA, Karol MH. Diisocyanate asthma: clinical aspects and immunopathogenesis. Int Immunopharmacol 2002;2(2-3):213–24.

6. Sabbioni G, Pugh SA. New method to biomonitor workers exposed to 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate. Chem Res Toxicol 2022;35(12):2285–95.

7. WorkSafe. Isocyanates WES Proposal to change. 7 May 2024.

8. New Zealand Paint Manufacturers Association Incorporated. Isocyanates. 2024.