Rapid development of allergic contact dermatitis from dicyclohexylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate. 2009

Jeff C H Donovan, and Irena Kudla, and Joel G DeKoven
Occupational Disease Specialty Program, James R. Nethercott Occupational Health Clinic, Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, St. Michael's Hospital, Ontario, Canada.

Isocyanates are widely used in the manufacturing of rigid and flexible foams, fibers, and coatings such as paints, varnishes, and elastomers but are rarely reported as contact sensitizers. The aliphatic diisocyanate dicyclohexylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate (DMDI) is known to be a strong cutaneous sensitizer. We report a 27-year-old woman who developed a severe eczematous eruption on the arms, trunk, and abdomen within 2 weeks of employment at a company using the product Chem-Dec 808 isocyanate (containing 40-70% weight per weight DMDI). Patch testing was performed with the North American screening series, an isocyanate series, and 1% Chem-Dec 808 isocyanate. At day 7, a +++ reaction to Chem-Dec 808 isocyanate and a ++ reaction to the aromatic isocyanate diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate were observed. DMDI has strong sensitizing potential and requires rigorous safety monitoring in the workplace.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D009783 Dermatitis, Occupational A recurrent contact dermatitis caused by substances found in the work place. Occupational Dermatitis,Dermatosis, Industrial,Industrial Dermatosis,Dermatitides, Occupational,Dermatoses, Industrial,Industrial Dermatoses,Occupational Dermatitides
D010328 Patch Tests Skin tests in which the sensitizer is applied to a patch of cotton cloth or gauze held in place for approximately 48-72 hours. It is used for the elicitation of a contact hypersensitivity reaction. Patch Testing,Patch Test,Patch Testings,Test, Patch,Testing, Patch,Testings, Patch,Tests, Patch
D012117 Resins, Synthetic Polymers of high molecular weight which at some stage are capable of being molded and then harden to form useful components. Dental Resins,Dental Resin,Resin, Dental,Resin, Synthetic,Resins, Dental,Synthetic Resin,Synthetic Resins
D003485 Cyanates Organic salts of cyanic acid containing the -OCN radical. Cyanate
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000269 Adhesives Substances that cause the adherence of two surfaces. They include glues (properly collagen-derived adhesives), mucilages, sticky pastes, gums, resins, or latex. Glues,Mucilage Adhesive,Mucilage Adhesives,Mucilages, Adhesive,Adhesive,Adhesive Mucilage,Adhesive Mucilages,Adhesive, Mucilage,Adhesives, Mucilage,Glue,Mucilage, Adhesive
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D000485 Allergens Antigen-type substances that produce immediate hypersensitivity (HYPERSENSITIVITY, IMMEDIATE). Allergen
D016273 Occupational Exposure The exposure to potentially harmful chemical, physical, or biological agents that occurs as a result of one's occupation. Exposure, Occupational,Exposures, Occupational,Occupational Exposures

Related Publications

Jeff C H Donovan, and Irena Kudla, and Joel G DeKoven
June 2003, Contact dermatitis,
Jeff C H Donovan, and Irena Kudla, and Joel G DeKoven
March 1985, Toxicology and applied pharmacology,
Jeff C H Donovan, and Irena Kudla, and Joel G DeKoven
November 1997, Contact dermatitis,
Jeff C H Donovan, and Irena Kudla, and Joel G DeKoven
June 1984, Toxicology and applied pharmacology,
Jeff C H Donovan, and Irena Kudla, and Joel G DeKoven
April 2003, Contact dermatitis,
Jeff C H Donovan, and Irena Kudla, and Joel G DeKoven
October 2021, Contact dermatitis,
Jeff C H Donovan, and Irena Kudla, and Joel G DeKoven
June 2009, Contact dermatitis,
Jeff C H Donovan, and Irena Kudla, and Joel G DeKoven
February 2024, Contact dermatitis,
Jeff C H Donovan, and Irena Kudla, and Joel G DeKoven
June 1980, Contact dermatitis,
Copied contents to your clipboard!