Classical syndromes in occupational medicine: dimethylaminopropionitrile.

Dimethylaminopropionitrile, used as a catalyst in the manufacture of polyurethane, was responsible for two epidemics of urinary retention, sexual dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy in 1978. Most affected workers recovered promptly, but some have had persisting neuropathy, sexual and bladder dysfunction, and CNS symptoms. The mechanism of neurotoxicity appears to be interference with axoplasmic transport. The catalyst that caused the problem was withdrawn from the market after swift governmental action.