METHYLENE
Common Name:
BISPHENYL ISOCYANATE
RTK Substance number: 1253
CAS Number: 101-68-8
Date: May 1992 Revision: June 1998
DOT Number: UN 2489
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HAZARD SUMMARY * If you think you are experiencing any work-related health
* Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate can affect you when problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational
diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you.
breathed in.
* Contact with Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate can irritate
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
the skin, and may cause a rash and skin allergy.
* Exposure to Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate can irritate OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit
(PEL) is 0.02 ppm not to be exceeded at any time.
the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.
* Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate may cause an asthma-like
NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is
allergy. Future exposures to very low concentrations can
0.005 ppm averaged over a 10-hour workshift and
cause asthma attacks with shortness of breath, wheezing,
0.02 ppm not to be exceeded during any 10 minute
coughing, and chest tightness.
work period.
* Repeated exposure may reduce lung function.
IDENTIFICATION ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is
0.005 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate is an odorless solid which
appears as white to light-yellow flakes. It is used to
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
manufacture polyurethane foams.
* Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust
REASON FOR CITATION ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust
* Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate is on the Hazardous ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be
worn.
Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by
* Wear protective work clothing.
NIOSH, ACGIH, DOT, DEP, and EPA.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Methylene
* Definitions are provided on page 5.
Bisphenyl Isocyanate.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In
EXPOSED addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort,
The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most employers to communicate all information on the health and safety
label chemicals in the workplace and requires public employers hazards of Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate to potentially
to provide their employees with information and training exposed workers.
concerning chemical hazards and controls. The federal OSHA
Hazard Communication Standard, 1910.1200, requires private
employers to provide similar training and information to their
employees.
* 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.
METHYLENE BISPHENYL ISOCYANATE page 2 of 6
This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the
potential and most severe health hazards that may result from following may be useful:
exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance
* Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful
and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the
exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose
potential effects described below.
allergy to Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate.
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HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and
present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for
Acute Health Effects damage already done are not a substitute for controlling
The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur exposure.
immediately or shortly after exposure to Methylene Bisphenyl
Isocyanate: Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right
to this information under OSHA 1910.20.
* Contact with Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate can irritate
Mixed Exposures
the skin and may cause a rash.
* Exposure to Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate can irritate * Persons with asthma may be at increased risk of health
effects from exposure to Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate.
the eyes, nose, throat and lungs causing coughing,
* Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung
wheezing, chest tightness and/or shortness of breath.
cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may
Chronic Health Effects worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure.
Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at
some time after exposure to Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate reduce your risk of developing health problems.
and can last for months or years:
WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES
Cancer Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous
substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most
Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services,
Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate has not been tested for its effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to
ability to cause cancer in animals. enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at
the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also
Reproductive Hazard reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is
* According to the information presently available to the New less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is
Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, sometimes necessary.
Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate has not been tested for its
ability to affect reproduction. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider:
(1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the
Other Long-Term Effects substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether
* Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate may cause an asthma-like harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls
allergy. If this occurs, future exposures to very low should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when
concentrations can cause asthma attacks with shortness of significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible.
breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.
In addition, the following control is recommended:
* Repeated exposure may reduce lung function causing
shortness of breath.
* Where possible, automatically transfer Methylene
* Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate may cause a skin allergy.
Bisphenyl Isocyanate from drums or other storage
If an allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause
containers to process containers.
itching and a skin rash.
MEDICAL Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous
exposures. The following work practices are recommended:
Medical Testing
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by
Before starting work and at regular times after that, the
Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate should change into clean
following may be useful:
clothing promptly.
* Lung function tests. These may be normal at first if the
person is not having an attack at the time of the test.
METHYLENE BISPHENYL ISOCYANATE page 3 of 6
* Where the potential exists for exposures over 0.005 ppm,
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by
use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a
individuals who have been informed of the hazards of
full facepiece operated in a pressure-demand or other
exposure to Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate.
positive-pressure mode. For increased protection use in
* Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate
combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing
work area for emergency use.
apparatus operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided. pressure mode.
* Exposure to 7.5 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and
* On skin contact with Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate,
health. If the possibility of exposures above 7.5 ppm exists,
immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical.
use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self-contained breathing
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Methylene Bisphenyl
apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow
Isocyanate is handled, processed, or stored, since the
or other positive pressure mode.
chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before
eating or smoking.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
* Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during
cleanup. DO NOT DRY SWEEP.
Q: If I have acute health effects, will I later get chronic health
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT effects?
A: Not always. Most chronic (long-term) effects result from
repeated exposures to a chemical.
WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for
Q: Can I get long-term effects without ever having short-term
some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs
effects?
done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace
A: Yes, because long-term effects can occur from repeated
controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may
exposures to a chemical at levels not high enough to make
be appropriate.
you immediately sick.
OSHA 1910.132 requires employers to determine the
Q: What are my chances of getting sick when I have been
appropriate personal protective equipment for each hazard and
exposed to chemicals?
to train employees on how and when to use protective
A: The likelihood of becoming sick from chemicals is
equipment.
increased as the amount of exposure increases. This is
determined by the length of time and the amount of
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may
material to which someone is exposed.
not apply to every situation.
Clothing Q: When are higher exposures more likely?
* Avoid skin contact with Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate. A: Conditions which increase risk of exposure include dust
Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment releasing operations (grinding, mixing, blasting, dumping,
suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on etc.), other physical and mechanical processes (heating,
the most protective glove/clothing material for your pouring, spraying, spills and evaporation from large surface
operation. areas such as open containers), and "confined space"
* All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) exposures (working inside vats, reactors, boilers, small
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. rooms, etc.).
Eye Protection Q: Is the risk of getting sick higher for workers than for
* Wear dust-proof goggles and face shield when working with community residents?
powders or dust, unless full facepiece respiratory protection A: Yes. Exposures in the community, except possibly in
is worn. cases of fires or spills, are usually much lower than those
found in the workplace. However, people in the
Respiratory Protection community may be exposed to contaminated water as well
as to chemicals in the air over long periods. Because of
IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS.
this, and because of exposure of children or people who
Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a
are already ill, community exposures may cause health
written program that takes into account workplace conditions,
problems.
requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and
medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134.
METHYLENE BISPHENYL ISOCYANATE page 4 of 6
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The following information is available from:
New Jersey Department of Health and
Senior Services
Occupational Disease and Injury Services
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360
(609) 984-1863
Industrial Hygiene Information
Industrial hygienists are available to answer your questions
regarding the control of chemical exposures using exhaust
ventilation, special work practices, good housekeeping, good
hygiene practices, and personal protective equipment including
respirators. In addition, they can help to interpret the results of
industrial hygiene survey data.
Medical Evaluation
If you think you are becoming sick because of exposure to
chemicals at your workplace, you may call a Department of
Health and Senior Services physician who can help you find the
services you need.
Public Presentations
Presentations and educational programs on occupational health
or the Right to Know Act can be organized for labor unions,
trade associations and other groups.
Right to Know Information Resources
The Right to Know Infoline (609) 984-2202 can answer
questions about the identity and potential health effects of
chemicals, list of educational materials in occupational health,
references used to prepare the Fact Sheets, preparation of the
Right to Know survey, education and training programs,
labeling requirements, and general information regarding the
Right to Know Act. Violations of the law should be reported to
(609) 984-2202.
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METHYLENE BISPHENYL ISOCYANATE page 5 of 6
DEFINITIONS
ACGIH is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation is a
Hygienists. It recommends upper limits (called TLVs) for change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations can lead
exposure to workplace chemicals. to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.
A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer. NAERG is the North American Emergency Response
Guidebook. It was jointly developed by Transport Canada, the
United States Department of Transportation and the Secretariat
The CAS number is assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service
of Communications and Transportation of Mexico. It is a guide
to identify a specific chemical.
for first responders to quickly identify the specific or generic
hazards of material involved in a transportation incident, and to
A combustible substance is a solid, liquid or gas that will burn.
protect themselves and the general public during the initial
response phase of the incident.
A corrosive substance is a gas, liquid or solid that causes
irreversible damage to human tissue or containers.
NCI is the National Cancer Institute, a federal agency that
DEP is the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. determines the cancer-causing potential of chemicals.
DOT is the Department of Transportation, the federal agency NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. It classifies
that regulates the transportation of chemicals. substances according to their fire and explosion hazard.
EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal agency NIOSH is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
responsible for regulating environmental hazards. Health. It tests equipment, evaluates and approves respirators,
conducts studies of workplace hazards, and proposes standards
A fetus is an unborn human or animal. to OSHA.
A flammable substance is a solid, liquid, vapor or gas that will NTP is the National Toxicology Program which tests chemicals
ignite easily and burn rapidly. and reviews evidence for cancer.
The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or solid OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
gives off vapor that can form a flammable mixture with air. which adopts and enforces health and safety standards.
HHAG is the Human Health Assessment Group of the federal PEOSHA is the Public Employees Occupational Safety and
EPA. Health Act, a state law which sets PELs for New Jersey public
employees.
IARC is the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a
scientific group that classifies chemicals according to their ppm means parts of a substance per million parts of air. It is a
cancer-causing potential. measure of concentration by volume in air.
A miscible substance is a liquid or gas that will evenly dissolve A reactive substance is a solid, liquid or gas that releases energy
in another. under certain conditions.
mg/m3 means milligrams of a chemical in a cubic meter of air. A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by damaging
It is a measure of concentration (weight/volume). the fetus.
MSHA is the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the federal TLV is the Threshold Limit Value, the workplace exposure limit
agency that regulates mining. It also evaluates and approves recommended by ACGIH.
respirators.
The vapor pressure is a measure of how readily a liquid or a
solid mixes with air at its surface. A higher vapor pressure
indicates a higher concentration of the substance in air and
therefore increases the likelihood of breathing it in.
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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> E M E R G E N C Y I N F O R M A T I O N <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
HANDLING AND STORAGE
METHYLENE BISPHENYL
Common Name:
ISOCYANATE
* Prior to working with Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate you
DOT Number: UN 2489
should be trained on its proper handling and storage.
NAERG Code: 156
* Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate must be stored to avoid
CAS Number: 101-68-8
contact with ALCOHOLS since violent reactions can occur.
* Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate is not compatible with
Hazard rating NJDHSS NFPA WATER; ALKALIES (such as SODIUM HYDROXIDE and
1 -
FLAMMABILITY POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE); ACIDS; STRONG ACIDS
(such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC);
2 -
REACTIVITY AMINES (such as METHYLAMINE, ANILINE and
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ETHYLENEDIAMINE); and AMMONIA.
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated
area away from HEAT and MOISTURE.
* Keep the area at temperatures below 100oF (38oC).
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate;
3=serious; 4=severe
FIRST AID
FIRE HAZARDS
In NJ, POISON INFORMATION 1-800-764-7661
* Use dry chemical or CO2 extinguishers.
Eye Contact
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE.
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15
* CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
Skin Contact
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water.
If Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate is spilled, take the
Breathing
following steps:
* Remove the person from exposure.
* Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if
* Evacuate persons not wearing protective equipment from
heart action has stopped.
area of spill until clean-up is complete.
* Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
* Collect solid material in the most convenient and safe manner
and deposit in sealed containers.
PHYSICAL DATA
* Ventilate area after clean-up is complete.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Methylene
Vapor Pressure: 0.05 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC)
Bisphenyl Isocyanate as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact
Flash Point: 396oF (202oC)
your Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your
Water Solubility: Slightly soluble
regional office of the federal Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations.
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
* If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be
properly trained and equipped. OSHA 1910.120(q) may be
Chemical Name:
applicable.
Isocyanic Acid, Methylenedi-p-Phenylene Ester
Other Names:
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4,4'-Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate;
FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire
4,4'-Diisocyanatodiphenylmethane; MDI
department. You can request emergency information from the
following:
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial
CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300
purposes.
NJDEP HOTLINE: (609) 292-7172
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
SENIOR SERVICES
Right to Know Program
PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368
(609) 984-2202
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