Asthma cyanoacrylates

Toxicology. Methyl 2-cyanoacrylate is an irritant of the eyes and nose and can induce occupational asthma. 

Lozewicz S, Davison AG, Hopkirk A et al Occupational asthma due to methyl methacrylate and cyanoacrylates. Thorax 40 836-839,... 

Humans have developed strong skin reactions when rechallenged with the liquid. Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported in workers handling methacrylate sealants, including methyl methacrylate. In another report, five subjects were shown by bronchial provocation tests to have occupational asthma due to methyl methacrylate or cyanoacrylates. ... 

Cyanoacrylates, besides causing skin sensitization and irritation, have also been shown to cause occupational asthma and to be mutagenic. Furthermore, cyanoacrylates are suspected to be carcinogenic and to induce peripheral neuropathy. 

Occupational asthma was reported in five patients and was provoked by various non-cosmetic exposures to cyanoacrylates and methylmethacrylate (Lozewicz et al. 1985 Savonius et al. 1993) and has also been noted in the nail-salon setting (Spenser et al. 1997). Pulmonary edema has also been reported from acrylic monomer exposure (Lozexicz et al. 1985), and titanium dioxide is listed as a lung irritant (Quenon 1989). 

Liden C, Berg M, Farm G, Wrangsjo K (1993) Nail varnish allergy with far-reaching consequences. Br J Dermatol 128 57-62 Lozewicz S, Davidson AG, Hopkirk A, et al. (1985) Occupational asthma due to methyl methacrylate and cyanoacrylates. Thorax 40 836-839... 

Volatile cyanoacrylate monomers, in particular methyl and ethyl cyanoacrylates, have characteristic acrid odors. Exposure to these materials at levels in the range of 1-5 ppm results in irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat (3). It is recommended that these monomers be used in a well-ventilated area, that skin and eye contact be avoided, and that the user be familiar with the relevant safety data supplied by product manufacturers. A recent epidemiological study in workers with occupational exposure to monomer vapors concluded that there was no increased risk of pulmonary obstruction (eg, asthma) on exposure to average short-time concentrations of less than 0.5 ppm (60). Polymerization of cyanoacrylates is rapid and exothermic and particular care should be taken to avoid bums, which can result from the unexpected bulk polymerization of inadequately stabilized or contaminated monomer samples. 

Respiratory A 25-year-old woman developed symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma, attributed to an allergy to cyanoacrylate in a fingernail adhesive gel, which as a manicurist she had used for 6 months [41 ]. Skin prick tests were positive with dog and cat dander and grass pollens. Patch tests were positive with nickel, cadmium, and silver salts. An inhalation challenge with cyanoacrylate for 30 minutes elicited a late asthmatic response, with a 24% fall in FEVi, with rhinorrhea and asthma that worsened progressively until she received short-acting P2-adrenoceptor agonists. 

Jurado-Palomo J, Caballero T, Fernandez-Nieto M, Quirce S. Occupational asthma caused by artificial cyanoacrylate fingernails. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2009 102(5) 440-1. 

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