TDI-induced Asthma: Reanalysing Data to Find Hidden Trends

Even if you’ve never heard of them, you’ve used polyurethanes. Producing them requires toluene diisocyanates, which may/can induce asthma when inhaled. A 5-year study claimed to conclude that cumulative TDI exposure over time was indicative of asthma incidence. However, a reanalysis by a team at the International Isocyanate Institute points the finger instead at the frequency of unprotected high-exposure events, like accidental spills or plant maintenance. This finding guides the way for future advances in worker safety.