MPB-040

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA Emergency Overview: MDI vapors can cause sensitization to the chemical. Use

Precautionary statements

when handling

Signal word

Danger Color Clear, hazy with light yellow tint Form liquid MDI causes respiratory tract irritation. MDI may cause allergic respiratory reaction. Harmful if inhaled. Respiratory sensitizer. Lung damage and respiratory sensitization may be permanent. Causes skin irritation. May cause allergic skin reaction. Skin sensitizer. Animal tests and other research indicate that skin contact with MDI can play a role in causing isocyanate sensitization and respiratory reaction. Causes eye irritation. May cause lung damage.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Skin Contact, Inhalation, Eye Contact

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Asthma, Respiratory disorders, Skin Allergies, Eczema Human Effects and Symptoms of Overexposure Inhalation: MDI vapors or mist at concentrations above the TLV can irritate the mucous membranes causing coughing, chest discomfort, shortness of breath and reduced lung function. Persons with preexisting, nonspecific bronchial hyperactivity can respond to concentrations below the TLV with similar symptoms as well as asthma attack. Exposure well above the TLV may lead to bronchitis, bronchial spasm and pulmonary edema. These effects are usually reversible. Chemical or hypersensitive pneumonitis, with flu-like symptoms, has also been reported. These symptoms can be delayed up to several hours after exposure. Eye: Liquid, aerosols or vapors are extremely irritating and can cause pain, tearing, reddening and swelling. If left untreated, corneal damage can occur and injury is slow to heal. However, damage is usually reversible. Skin: Prolonged contact can cause reddening, swelling, rash, scaling, blistering, and, in some cases, skin sensitization. Individuals who have developed a skin sensitization can develop these symptoms as a result of contact with small amounts of material. Ingestion: Can result in irritation and corrosive action in the mouth, stomach tissue and digestive tract. Symptoms include sore throat, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Carcinogenicity: OSHA does not list MDI as a carcinogen. IARC has announced that it will list MDI as a substance for which there is sufficient evidence for its carcinogenicity in experimental animals but inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of MDI to humans. NTP reported that MDI caused an increase in the number of tumors in exposed rats over those counted in non-exposed rats. The MDI was administered in corn-oil and introduced into the stomach through a tube. Based on this study, the NTP has listed MDI as a substance that may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen in its fourth annual report on carcinogens. Isocyanate sensitization (chemical asthma) which will cause a reaction to later exposure at levels well below the TLV. These symptoms include chest tightness, wheezing, cough, shortness of breath or asthmatic attack, which could be delayed several hours after exposure. Skin sensitization, skin allergies, and eczema can also occur.

Potential chronic health

Isocyanate, such as MDI, sensitization to the lungs and skin; conjunctivitis to the eyes