title: Low molecular weight chemicals, hypersensitivity, and direct toxicity: the acid anhydrides.
abstract: The acid anhydrides are a group of reactive chemicals used widely in alkyd and epoxy resins. The major hazards to health are mucosal and skin irritation and sensitisation of the respiratory tract. Most occupational asthma caused by acid anhydrides appears to be immunologically mediated. Immunological mechanisms have been proposed to explain an influenza-like syndrome and pulmonary haemorrhage, but direct toxicity may also be important in the aetiology of these conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Venables
mesh_terms: D000812:Anhydrides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D000812:Anhydrides