title: Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) pulmonary disease: immunologic and inhalation challenge studies.
abstract: Clinical and serologic effects of TDI exposure were studied in 112 occupationally exposed plant workers. Sera were obtained before and after commencement of TDI production. All subjects were skin-tested with common inhalant allergens and a TDI-HSA conjugate. Total eosinophil counts, immunoglobulin quantitations, and specific antibody assays by PCA, P-K, and radioimmunoassay were performed. Clinically "sensitive" individuals were tested by provocative inhalation challenge with from 0.005 ppm to the threshold limit value of 0.02 ppm TDI. No TDI-induced immunologic changes were noted with the exception of 3 individuals who demonstrated small positive wheal-and-erythema reactions to TDI-HSA but not to HSA alone. Inhalation challenge with TDI vapor produced airways obstruction, as measured by FEF (25-75). These responses were of the immediate, delayed, and dual type, and were provoked in some cases with levels as low as 0.005 ppm TDI.
mesh_terms: D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis; D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D003485:Cyanates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004804:Eosinophils; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D010323:Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000276:immunology; D012882:Skin Tests; D014051:Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D000906:Antibodies; D003485:Cyanates; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D012709:Serum Albumin; D014051:Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate; D007073:Immunoglobulin E