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1000
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Abstract/Summary
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4,4'‐Dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate is an intermediate in the chemical industry. It is mainly used for the manufacture of coating materials, adhesives or prepolymers and for the production of elastomers. 4,4'‐Dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate is moderately to severely irritating to the skin. Animal data on the skin sensitizing potential of 4,4'‐dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate are not uniform and some studies are incompletely documented. Nevertheless, data frequently provide evidence of a skin sensitizing potential of the substance and sensitization has also been observed in a series of local lymph node assays in mice. Several human case reports describe allergic contact dermatitis due to 4,4'‐dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate exposure. Clinical data on hypersensitivity reactions of the airways are lacking, although structural relationship to other members of the group of diisocyanates and animal data support to some extent the hypothesis that respiratory hypersensitivity may also be induced by 4,4'‐dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate. But, as no validated animal model is available to assess the potential for respiratory sensitization in humans, sufficient evidence for such an effect could not be found. In conclusion, 4,4'‐dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate is designated with “Sh” (for skin‐sensitizing substances) but not with “Sa” (for substances causing airway sensitization).
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