Isocyanates and hydrogen cyanide in fumes from heated proteins and protein-rich foods

Toxic compounds in cooking fumes could cause respiratory problems. In the present study, the formation of isocyanic acid (ICA), methyl isocyanate (MIC), and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) was studied during the heating of proteins or frying of protein-rich foods. Heating was performed in an experimental setup using a tube oven set at 200-500 degrees C and in a kitchen when foods with different protein content were fried at a temperature around 300 degrees C. ICA, MIC, and HCN were all generated when protein or meat was heated. Individual amino acids were also heated, and there was a significant positive correlation between their respective nitrogen content and the formation of the measured compounds. Gas from heated protein or meat also caused carbamylation in albumin. ICA, MIC, and HCN were also present in fumes generated when meat, egg, and halloumi were fried in a kitchen pan. The levels of ICA were here twice that of the Swedish occupational exposure limit. If ICA, MIC, and HCN in fumes from heated protein-rich foods could contribute to the risk of airway dysfunction among those exposed is not clear, but it is important to avoid inhaling frying and grilling fumes and to equip kitchens with good exhaust ventilation.