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METHYLENE BISPHENYL ISOCYANATEICSC: 0298 (March 1999)
Diphenylmethane-4.4'-diisocyanate
bis(1,4-Isocyanatophenyl)methane
MDI
4,4'-Methylenediphenyldiisocyanate
CAS #: 101-68-8
EC Number: 202-966-0

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.    NO open flames.    Use powder, carbon dioxide.   

 AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
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 CLASSIFICATION & 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. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
 

STORAGE
Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry. Keep in the dark. 
PACKAGING
Unbreakable packaging.
Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
METHYLENE BISPHENYL ISOCYANATE ICSC: 0298
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

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. 

Formula: C15H10N2O2 / OCNC6H4CH2C6H4NCO
Molecular mass: 250.3
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  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. 

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. 

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

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


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 0.005 ppm as TWA.
MAK: (inhalable fraction): 0.05 mg/m3; peak limitation category: I(1); skin absorption (H); sensitization of respiratory tract and skin (SAH); carcinogen category: 4; pregnancy risk group: C 

ENVIRONMENT
 

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.
MDI may sensitize workers so that they react to other isocyanates (asthma).
Do NOT take working clothes home. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: Xn; R: 20-36/37/38-42/43; S: (1/2)-23-36/37-45; Note: C 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations