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Contact allergy to aliphatic polyisocyanates based on hexamethylene‐1,6‐diisocyanate (HDI)
Author(s) -
AaltoKorte Kristiina,
Pesonen Maria,
Kuuliala Outi,
Alanko Kristiina,
Jolanki Riitta
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01786.x
Subject(s) - hexamethylene diisocyanate , trimer , polyurethane , monomer , isocyanate , allergy , polymer chemistry , medicine , materials science , chemistry , immunology , composite material , organic chemistry , polymer , dimer
Background. Aliphatic polyisocyanates based on hexamethylene 1,6‐diisocyanate (HDI) are components of lacquers, coatings, and spray paints. They are mainly composed of HDI trimers, but also contain larger oligomers, and minute amounts of HDI monomers (<1%). HDI trimers occur as biuret, isocyanurate and asymmetrical types. Objectives. We report on 4 patients with allergic contact dermatitis/contact allergy resulting from HDI‐based polyisocyanates in polyurethane paints. Methods. The patients were examined at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in 2000–2009. The first two patients were diagnosed by testing with their own polyurethane hardeners and ingredients of the hardeners. In 2002, HDI isocyanurate (HDI‐IC) trimer was added to our isocyanate series, and the last two patients were screened with the series. Results. Patient no. 1 was exposed and sensitized to HDI biuret trimer, patient no. 2 to HDI‐IC trimer, and patient no. 4 to HDI asymmetrical trimer. Patient no. 3 was positive with HDI‐IC trimer. He had been handling several paint hardeners containing HDI‐based polyisocyanates, but the subtypes of the trimers remained unidentified. All 4 patients were negative with HDI monomer. Conclusions. HDI trimers are novel contact allergens in workers who handle polyurethane paints. The allergic reactions cannot be explained by sensitization to HDI monomer.