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METHYLENE BISPHENYL ISOCYANATE
ICSC: 0298
Peer-Review Status: 25.03.1999 Validated
Diphenylmethane-4.4'-diisocyanate
bis(1,4-Isocyanatophenyl)methane
MDI
4,4'-Methylenediphenyldiisocyanate 
CAS #: 101-68-8 RTECS #: NQ9350000
EC #: 615-005-00-9
EINECS #: 202-966-0
 		    Formula: C15H10N2O2 / OCNC6H4CH2C6H4NCO
Molecular mass: 250.3

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.  Use powder, carbon dioxide. 
EXPLOSION      
 
EXPOSURE   AVOID ALL CONTACT!  IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
Inhalation Headache. Nausea. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.  Use 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.  Wear safety goggles or face shield.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion   Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Sweep spilled substance into covered sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.  Unbreakable packaging.
Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
EC Classification
Symbol: Xn; R: 20-36/37/38-42/43; S: (1/2)-23-36/37-45; Note: C 
UN Classification
 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
  Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry. Keep in the dark. 

IMPORTANT DATA
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. This produces insoluble polyureas. Reacts violently with acids, alcohols, amines, bases and oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 0.005ppm as TWA; (skin); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK (inhalable fraction): 0.05 mg/m³; Carcinogen category: 4; Peak limitation category: I(1); Pregnancy risk group: C; Skin absorption (H); Sensitization of respiratory tract and skin (SAH); (DFG 2007). 

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
Lachrymation. The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the lungs. This may result in impaired functions. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause asthma. See Notes. 


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

NOTES
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
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations