Toluene Diisocyanate Inhalation Toxicity: Pathology and Mortality

Abstract Pathology and mortality in animals after a single 4-hour exposure to toluene diisocyanate were studied. Mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits were exposed at concentrations of 2, 5, or 10 ppm. Toluene diisocyanate acts as a corrosive agent with irritant manifestations relative to the concentration of exposure, and the effect is primarily on the trachea and larger intrapulmonary air passages. Details and illustrations of the tissue pathology are given.