Chailleux E, Dupas D, Geraut C, Moigneteau C, Pariente R
Rev Fr Mal Respir. 1983;11(5):635-44.
Isocyanates are chemical compounds used in making polyurethane (for flexible or rigid foam, paint, varnish, glue and textiles). In strong concentrations isocyanates are powerful irritants producing chemical bronchopulmonary lesions. In weak doses they are responsible for occupational asthma and more rarely allergic alveolitis. Long term exposure to isocyanates may produce a deterioration in pulmonary function in asymptomatic patients. The pathophysiology of isocyanate asthma remains uncertain: immunological data remains contradictory while isocyanates have been shown to have a Betablocking effect. The maximum allowable concentration in the working environment, at present proposed in the U.S.A. is 0.005 ppm.
异氰酸酯是用于制造聚氨酯（用于软质或硬质泡沫、油漆、清漆、胶水和纺织品）的化合物。高浓度的异氰酸酯是强力刺激物，可导致化学性支气管肺部损伤。低剂量时，它们会引发职业性哮喘，较少情况下会导致过敏性肺泡炎。长期接触异氰酸酯可能会使无症状患者的肺功能恶化。异氰酸酯哮喘的病理生理学仍不确定：免疫学数据相互矛盾，而异氰酸酯已被证明具有β受体阻滞作用。目前美国提议的工作环境中最大允许浓度为0.005 ppm。
