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NIOSH

METHYLENE BISPHENYL ISOCYANATE

ICSC: 0298

Diphenylmethane-4.4'-diisocyanate
bis(1,4-Isocyanatophenyl)methane
MDI
4,4'-Methylenediphenyldiisocyanate
C15H10N2O2 / OCNC6H4CH2C6H4NCO
Molecular mass: 250.3
ICSC # 0298 		CAS # 101-68-8
RTECS # NQ9350000
EC # 615-005-00-9
March 25, 1999 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames.
Powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Headache. Nausea. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Redness.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Pain.
Safety goggles or face shield .
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place.
Separated from food and feedstuffs , incompatible materials . See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry. Keep in the dark.
Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Note: C
Xn symbol
R: 20-36/37/38-42/43
S: 1/2-23-36/37-45
ICSC: 0298 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

METHYLENE BISPHENYL ISOCYANATE

ICSC: 0298

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE TO PALE YELLOW CRYSTALS OR FLAKES.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance may polymerize under the influence of temperatures above 204°C. On combustion, forms toxic and corrosive fumes including nitrogen oxides and hydrogen cyanide (see ICSC 0492). Reacts readily with water to form insoluble polyureas. Reacts violently with acids , alcohols , amines , bases and oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 0.005 ppm as TWA; (skin); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: (Inhalable fraction) 0.05 mg/m3;
Peak limitation category: I(1);
sensitization of respiratory tract and skin (Sah);
Carcinogen category: 3B; Pregnancy risk group: D;
(DFG 2006).
OSHA PEL: C 0.2 mg/m3 (0.02 ppm)
NIOSH REL: TWA 0.05 mg/m3 (0.005 ppm) C 0.2 mg/m3 (0.020 ppm) 10-minute
NIOSH IDLH: 75 mg/m3 See: 101688


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Tear drawing. The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the lungs , resulting in impaired functions .

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Repeated or prolonged inhalation exposure may cause asthma (see Notes).

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point at 100 kPa: 314°C
Melting point: 37°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.2
Solubility in water:
reaction
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C:
negligible
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 8.6
Flash point: 196°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 240°C

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

The symptoms of asthma often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Anyone who has shown symptoms of asthma due to this substance should avoid all further contact with this substance. MDI may sensitize workers so that they react to other isocyanates (asthma). Do NOT take working clothes home. Caradate 30, Desmodur 44, Hylene M 150, Isonate, Nacconate 300, NCI-C50668, Rubinate 44 are trade names.
Card has been partially updated in July 2007: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0298 METHYLENE BISPHENYL ISOCYANATE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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