. (1973). Thorax, 28,[596][597][598][599][600]. Isocyanate asthma: respiratory symptoms caused by diphenyl-methane di-isocyanate. We investigated 57 employees of a factory where diphenyl-methane di-isocyanate (MDI) was used to prepare the materials for making rigid polyurethane foam. Four employees had developed hypersensitivity to MDI. Two had severe, and one moderate asthma, while the fourth had symptoms resembling the delayed hypersensitivity type of reaction. Ten other employees had experienced unpleasant, mainly respiratory, irritant effects from MDI vapour.A past history of bronchitis or of allergy was found more commonly in those with symptoms from MDI than in those without symptoms.It is not known if MDI causes permanent damage to the respiratory tract. The most severely affected cases in the present series had normal spirometric values after recovery, and no persisting symptoms.MDI is safer than other isocyanates used in industry but may cause both major and minor illness. It should be handled with the same precautions as those used with the more toxic compounds.Isocyanates are chemicals used in the production of polyurethane products. The hazards of these substances are well known (Munn, 1965; Lancet, 1966) but some appear to be less toxic than others. Diphenyl-methane 4,41, di-isocyanate [CH2 (C6H4NCO)2 or MDI] is less volatile than other isocyanates commonly used in industry and has been considered to be of low toxicity (Munn, 1965).In March 1971, two employees of a factory which prepared the chemicals needed to produce rigid polyurethane mouldings became ill after molten MDI was accidentally spilt in the factory. It appeared that all the employees were exposed to MDI vapour from time to time, and this prompted an investigation of all the staff. METHODSThe factory was visited on two occasions at an interval of eight months. All the employees were examined on both occasions. At the first visit, 44 employees were interviewed after completing a questionnaire. Tables, 6th Edition , Basle, 1962).On the second visit the same procedure was followed. Eight employees had left the factory, and there were 13 new employees, all of whom had been employed for at least three months. Thirty-six people were therefore re-examined, and a total of 57 were examined during the survey. RESULTS

No abstract

No abstract

SYNOPSIS The fibrinolytic response of 30 diabetic patients and 35 non-diabetics to 0-5 mg. subcutaneous adrenaline was measured, using the dilute clot lysis test. With the exception of two patients out of six who were taking phenformin, who had a depressed response, the diabetics showed a similar increase in fibrinolytic activity to the non-diabetics. The diabetics in this series did not tend to have longer spontaneous lysis times than the non-diabetics, although this type of comparison may not be valid.

No abstract