Common Name: Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate CAS Number: 584-84-9 DOT Number: UN 2078 Date: September 30, 1986 ------------------------------------------ HAZARD SUMMARY * Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate can affect you when breathed in. * Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Contact can burn the eyes. * The vapor can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and cause cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Higher levels can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs. This can cause death. * Exposure can cause lung allergy (asthma); then very low future exposures can trigger shortness of breath. * One high or repeated low exposures can cause permanent lung damage. IDENTIFICATION Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong fruity odor. It is used to make many polyurethane foams, elastomers and coatings. REASON FOR CITATION * Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, NTP, DEP, NFPA and EPA. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.17 ppm. * This odor threshold is considerably higher than the Exposure limits and should not be used as a warning property. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.02 ppm, not to be exceeded at any time. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.005 ppm averaged over a 10 hour workshift and 0.02 ppm, not to be exceeded during any 20 minute work period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.005 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 0.02 ppm as a STEL (short term exposure limit). * Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * A regulated, marked area should be established where Tolluene- 2,4-Diisocyanate is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Toluene-2,4- Diisocyanate and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Toluene-2,4-Diiso cyanate: * Eye contact causes severe burning and redness. Prolonged contact or high vapor levels could cause eye damage. * The vapor irritates the eyes, nose and throat and can cause headaches. Chest tightness, cough and shortness of breath may occur, sometimes delayed for hours. Leave the area if any of these symptoms are noted. Higher levels can cause a feeling of drunkenness, passing out and/or a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been shown to cause pancreas, liver and breast cancer in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard * There is limited evidence that exposure to Toluene-2,4- Diisocyanate may cause temporary impotence in males. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure to levels too low to cause irritation can cause gradual but permanent loss of lung function. * Overexposure can cause lung allergy (asthma), with wheezing, cough, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. Once allergy develops, even very low future exposures can cause symptoms and more loss of lung function. * Overexposed persons may suffer poor memory and/or concentration after exposure stops; it is not known whether effects are permanent. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Lung function tests. These may be normal at first if person is not having an attack at the time of test If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. * Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose allergy. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. Conditions Made Worse By Exposure Persons already allergic to Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate or other Isocyanate chemicals can have symptoms with extremely low levels of exposure, sometimes too low to be detected by usual means of measurements. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Automatically pump liquid Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Occupational Exposure to Toluene Diisocyanate #73 11022. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Toluene-2,4- Diisocyanate should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Toluene- 2,4-Diisocyanate. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * On skin contact with Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/ manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/ clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day and put on before work. * ACGIH recommends Butyl rubber and AIHA recommends Butyl Nitrile or natural rubber as protective materials. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 0.005 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. * Exposure to 10 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 10 ppm exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Toluene- 2,4-Diisocyanatae is handled, used, or stored. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from AMINES, STRONG BASES (such as SODIUM HYDROXIDE) and ALCOHOLS. * Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate should not be stored in contact with WATER, because they react and release CO2 gas. * Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate will polymerize and rupture containers at temperatures over 350oF. * At normal temperatures (70oF) Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate levels quickly exceed the PEL and therefore proper ventilation must be in practice or personal protective equipment must be worn. Common Name: Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate DOT Number: UN 2078 DOT Emergency Guide code: 57 CAS Number: 584-84-9 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 1 REACTIVITY 1 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Use dry chemical or CO2 extinguishers. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Cyanide gas and Oxides of Nitrogen. * Water spray may be used to keep fire exposed containers cool. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is completed by specially trained individuals. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Keep Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Toluene-2,4- Diisocyanate as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 0.04 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 270oF Water Solubility: Insoluble/Reactive OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Benzene, 2,4-Diisocyanato 1 Methyl Other Names and Formulations: TDI; 2,4 Diisocyanatotoluene Isocyanic Acid, Methylphenylene Ester; 4 Methyl Phenylene Diisocyanate; 2,4 Toluene Diisocyanate. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate is a liquid with a sharp pungent odor. It is made in large volume, and is used most widely in the manufacture of flexible polyurethane foam, and other elastomers. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges or spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life and high toxicity to birds. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of Toluene-2,4- Diisocyanate to plants or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate to plants, birds, or land animals. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living oranisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate will react rapidly with water and therefore will not accumulate in aquatic organisms or the environment. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.