title: Diisocyanates in polyurethane plastics applications.
abstract: Diisocyanates are a group of low molecular weight aromatic and aliphatic compounds, widely used in the manufacture of polyurethanes. The most commonly used of these compounds are toluene diisocyanate (TDI), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). This article presents a brief summary of the use of diisocyanates in the manufacture of polyurethane products and a review of the epidemiology, medical surveillance, and clinical diagnosis of respiratory and dermal effects of diisocyanates, with emphasis on diisocyanate asthma.
authors.affiliation: BASF Corporation, Mount Olive, NJ 07828-1234, USA.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Klees
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Ott
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D017953:Isocyanates / Q000009:adverse effects; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D016272:Occupational Health; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000009:adverse effects; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D017953:Isocyanates; D011140:Polyurethanes