Common Name: Methyl Isocyanate CAS Number: 624-83-9 DOT Number: UN 2480 Date: October 30, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Methyl Isocyanate can affect you when breathed in. * Exposure may cause miscarriages among pregnant women. * Exposure can severely irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Higher levels can irritate the lungs causing a buildup of fluid (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * Contact can irritate and burn the skin and eyes, causing blindness. * Methyl Isocyanate may cause an asthma like allergy to develop. * It is a FLAMMABLE and HIGHLY REACTIVE CHEMICAL and is a FIRE and DANGEROUS EXPLOSION HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Methyl Isocyanate is a volatile, colorless liquid with an unpleasant odor that causes tears. It is used in making pesticides, polyurethane foams and plastics. REASON FOR CITATION * Methyl Isocyanate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NFPA and other authorities. * 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 = 2.1 ppm. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.02 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.02 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Methyl Isocyanate 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 Methyl Isocyanate 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 Methyl Isocyanate: * Exposure is severely irritating to the eyes, nose and throat. Higher levels can irritate and burn the lungs, causing a build up of fluid (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * Contact can irritate and burn the skin. * Methyl Isocyanate can burn the eyes causing blindness. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Methyl Isocyanate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Methyl Isocyanate has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * There is an association between exposure to Methyl Isocyanate and increases in miscarriages among pregnant women. * There is limited evidence that Methyl Isocyanate may damage the developing fetus. * There is limited evidence that Methyl Isocyanate may decrease fertility in males and females. Other Long Term Effects * Methyl Isocyanate may cause an asthma like allergy. Future exposures can cause asthma attacks with shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and/or chest tightness. Symptoms typically occur during exposure, often get worse after leaving work, and are much better the next day. * Repeated exposure may lead to permanent lung damage. This may occur at air levels too low to cause noticeable symptoms. 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. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Lung function tests done before and just after exposure to Methyl Isocyanate. * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. * Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin 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 Exposure 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. 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 control is recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Methyl Isocyanate from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Methyl Isocyanate 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 Methyl Isocyanate. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Methyl Isocyanate, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Methyl Isocyanate, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Methyl Isocyanate 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 Methyl Isocyanate. 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. 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 0.02 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 20 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 20 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 Methyl Isocyanate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Methyl Isocyanate must be stored to avoid contact with WATER; ACID; ALKALI; AMINES; or IRON, TIN, COPPER (or their salts); and CERTAIN OTHER CATALYSTS, since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area away from WATER or HEAT. * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where Methyl Isocyanate is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Methyl Isocyanate should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. * Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of Methyl Isocyanate. * Wherever Methyl Isocyanate is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. Common Name: Methyl Isocyanate DOT Number: UN 2480 DOT Emergency Guide code: 30 CAS Number: 624-83-9 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 3 ---------------------------------------- FLAMMABLE/REACTIVE POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE DO NOT USE WATER ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Methyl Isocyanate is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Hydrogen Cyanide. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol foam extinguishers. * DO NOT USE WATER. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Methyl Isocyanate is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Keep Methyl Isocyanate out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, un less the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Methyl Isocyanate 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. Continue without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of water. Seek medical attention immediately. 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 de layed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 348 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: less than 0oF Water Solubility: Soluble/Reactive OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Isocyanate Methane Other Names and Formulations: MIC; Isocyanic Acid; Methyl Ester; TL 1450; Methylcarbamyl Amine. ------------------------------------------ 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 Methyl Isocyanate is a liquid chemical containing the reactive isocyanate group. It is used in the synthesis of other organic chemicals. 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. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term, acute effects of Methyl Isocyanate to plants, fish, birds, 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. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term, chronic effects of Methyl Isocyanate to plants, fish, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Methyl Isocyanate is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Methyl Isocyanate is non-persistent in water, with a half-life of less than 2 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms 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. Because Methyl Isocyanate will react rapidly with water, it is not expected to accumulate in aquatic organisms or the environment. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.