Non Pulmonary Effects of Isocyanates

Isocyanates are highly reactive compounds of low molecular weight containing the functional group –N=C=O. Isocyanates are increasingly used in the fabrication of many products such as elastomers, paints, adhesive, coating, insecticides, and resins with a variety of industrial applications after polymerization with alcohols to form polyurethanes. The high chemical reactivity of isocyanates, an important characteristic in industrial applications, also makes them toxic products. Isocyanates currently are the most commonly identified cause of occupational asthma in industrialized countries. Exposure to diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and polyurethane additives may also cause allergic and irritant contact dermatitis (ACD, ICD) and may result in neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects. The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize the literature regarding non-pulmonary health effects of isocyanates to address several key unresolved issues, including the carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects, and to focus on the often unrecognized skin effects.