Polyurethanes

Key points
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a type of interstitial lung
disease that requires early diagnosis and treatment as it may
lead to progressive pulmonary fibrosis.
• An occupational history is essential when evaluating patients
with respiratory symptoms.
• Causes of hypersensitivity pneumonitis include infectious
agents; enzymes; animal, insect and plant proteins; low-
molecular-weight chemicals and metals.
• Patients with respiratory symptoms who have had exposure to
isocyanates should avoid the exposure and be assessed for
asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.