Dermal exposure of isocyanates

Research project The main route for uptake of occupational exposure agents is inhalation. However, over time the air levels measured at different work places have decreased and therefore the importance of dermal exposures have increased.

Isocyanates used in paints, plastics and glues, are strong sensitizers. The aim of this study is to develop methods for measuring dermal exposure among workers exposed to isocyanates, especially MDI. The high reactivity of isocyanates render them to react with proteins in the skin. This may lead to the development of allergic dermatitis. The results will aid in the development of future studies in exposure modelling, including inhalation and dermal exposure, biomarkers, and exposure determinants.

Head of project

Ingrid Liljelind Adjunct associate professor

+46 90 785 24 52

Project overview

Project period:

2006-01-01 – 2007-12-31

Funding

Finansår , 2006

huvudman: Umeå universitet, finansiar: FAS, y2006: 750,

Participating departments and units at Umeå University

Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine

Research subject

Public health and health care science

Project description

Isocyanates used in paints, plastics and glues, are strong sensitizers and are able to induce asthmatic reactions. The low molecular weight and high reactivity of isocyanates render them to form adducts with human proteins, for example in the skin. The protein adduct formation may lead to the development of allergic dermatitis. Animal studies indicate that dermal exposure to isocyanates is a risk factor for the development of isocyanate induced asthma. Furthermore, workers have developed asthmatic reactions to isocyanates despite no detectable inhalation levels were observed, indicating that the most potential route of exposure was the skin.

The aim of this study is to develop methods for measuring dermal exposure to MDI and MDI protein adducts in the skin. We will use the tape-strip technique in conjunction with the repeated measurement strategy to investigate the penetration and potential adduction of MDI in the skin of MDI exposed workers. The results will aid in the development of future studies in exposure modelling including inhalation and dermal exposure, biomarkers and exposure determinants with regard to the exposure variability. Simultaneously, clinical symptoms from the airways and skin will be examined.