Development and loss of toluene diisocyanate reactivity: immunologic, pharmacologic, and provocative challenge studies

TDI-induced asthma develops in as many as 5% of occupationally exposed individuals.'. 2 Concurrent nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity also occurs in TDI-reactive individuals.".'I Important questions remain regarding the outcome in workers removed from isocyanate exposure and the mechanisms of TDI reactivity.We report a follow-up case study of a highly reactive individual after removal from isocyanate exposure.Bronchial reactivity to radishes (Ruphunus sativus), which developed concurrently with TDI reactivity, was also followed longitudinally.The results answer questions regarding outcome of the disease and provide further clues to the mechanisms involved.