Isocyanates are chemicals are widely used in industry and commercial products. Pulmonary injury can occur from acute or chronic exposures.
Acute exposure to high concentrations of isocyanates can result in direct pulmonary toxicity with pulmonary edema. This occurred at the Bjhopal disaster in India following release of methyl isocyanate (MIC).
Chronic lung disease may include:
(1) asthma, often occupational
(2) hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Sensitization to isocyanates can occur after chronic dermal or respiratory exposures.
Wearing personal protective equipment while handling or using isocyanates can reduce adverse effects.
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