Pathomechanisms and pathophysiology of isocyanate-induced diseases - summary of present knowledge

During recent years in Western countries, diisocyanates are one of the main causes of occupational asthma. The mechanism of diisocyanate‐induced asthma is still unknown but recent evidence suggests immunological mechanisms, including cell‐mediated immune responses. Immune responses to isocyanates may result in different illnesses, cell‐ and/or antibody‐mediated entities. In addition, irritative, toxic, and mutagenic effects may occur. This review summarizes current knowledge of the pathomechanisms, including immuological and nonimmunological (mutagenic and genotoxic) aspects of isocyanate disorders. Am. J. Ind. Med. 34:137–143, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.