Common Name: Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate CAS Number: 91-08-7 DOT Number: UN 2078 Date: July, 1988 ------------------------------------------ HAZARD SUMMARY * Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate can affect you when breathed in. * Contact can cause severe eye irritation. * Exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs, causing coughing and chest tightness. Higher levels can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs, a medical emergency. * Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate may cause an asthma like allergy. Future exposures can cause asthma attacks with shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and/or chest tightness. * A single high exposure, or repeated low exposures, can cause permanent lung damage. IDENTIFICATION Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate is used in a mixture with Toluene 2,4 Diisocyanate to make polyurethane foams, elastomers, and coatings. Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate mixtures are white to pale yellow liquids with sharp odors. REASON FOR CITATION * Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DEP, DOT 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 personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * 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. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS No occupational exposure limits have been established for Toluene- 2,6-Diisocyanate. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. 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 Toluene-2,6- 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-2,6-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-2,6-Diisocyanate: * Contact can cause severe irritation of the eyes. * Exposure to the vapors or fumes of Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, causing coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and headaches. Higher levels can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. * High levels can also cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded and to pass out. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. However, a similar compound (Toluene 2,4 Diiso cyanate) is a probable carcinogen in humans, causing pancreas, liver and heart cancer in animals. * Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate should be handled with EXTREME CAUTION. * A mixture of Toluene 2,4 Diisocyantate and Toluene-2,6- Diisocyanate has been shown to cause pancreas, liver and heart cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated low exposures, even if no symptoms are noticed, can cause permanent lung damage. * Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate may cause an asthma like allergy. Future exposures can cause asthma attacks with shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and/or chest tightness. * Repeated high exposures may cause memory and concentration problems. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Lung function tests. These may be normal if the person is not having an attack at the time of the test. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. 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. 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: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Toluene-2,6- 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: 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-2,6- Diisocyanate should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Toluene- 2,6-Diisocyanate. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * On skin contact with Toluene-2,6-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-2,6-Diisocyanate, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Toluene-2,6-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-2,6-Diisocyanate. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * ACGIH recommends Butyl Rubber as a protective material. * Manufacturers recommend Polyvinyl Alcohol as a protective material. 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposure to Toluene-2,6- Diisocyanate, 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. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG ALKALIS, WATER and ANILINE since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Common Name: Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate DOT Number: UN 2078 DOT Emergency Guide code: 57 CAS Number: 91-08-7 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY 1 Not Rated REACTIVITY 2 Not Rated ---------------------------------------- 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, CO2, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Nitrogen Oxides and Cyanides. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Use water spray 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-2,6-Diisocyanate 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. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Toluene-2,6- 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 immediately. 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. OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Benzene, 1,3 Diisocyanato 2 Methyl Other Names and Formulations: 2 Methyl meta Phenylene Isocyanate; Hylene TCPA; Niax TDI. ------------------------------------------ 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-2,6-Diisocyanate is one component of the commodity mixture toluene diisocyanate (TDI), along with its isomer, 2,4-toluene diisocyanate. TDI is used to make flexible polyurethane foams. It is a liquid at room temperature; 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-2,6-Diisocyanate is highly toxic to birds. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of toluene-2,6-diisocyanate to aquatic life, 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. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the chronic, long-term effects of toluene-2,6-diisocyanate to aquatic life, plants, birds, or land animals. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Toluene-2,6-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.