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Tolylene Diisocyanate Manufacturing Chemists’ Association, Inc. Manual
Sheet
SD-73 *
o
8.3 EMERGENCY RESCUE available to assist in the rescue if needed. The
rescuer should be in view of the outside attendant
Under no circumstance should the rescuer enter at all times or in constant communication with him.
a tank to remove a victim of overexposure without
proper respiratory protection, a safety harness and
an attached life line. The free end of the life line 8.4 EXTERIOR REPAIR WORK
should be manned by an attendant located outside A tank should be emptied and cleaned as outlined
the tank. Another attendant should be immediately above before any major exterior repair work is done.

9. WASTE DISPOSAL

Any quantity of tolylene diisocyanate that is to be Liquid tolylene diisocyanate should never be
disposed of should first be transformed to a urea. washed directly down the drain with water, because
This can be done by making use of the neutralizing the solids that result will plug the sewer line.
compound described in Section 7.2.2.1. In this way
irritating tolylene diisocyanate vapor is not present Disposal of wastes should be in accordance with
in great amounts and the solid material that results Federal, state and local regulations regarding pollu­
can be disposed of. tion control.

1 0. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

10.1 HEALTH HAZARDS 10.1.2.2 Local Effects
10.1.1 General Tolylene diisocyanate if allowed to remain
on the skin, will produce redness, swelling and blis­
Tolylene diisocyanate is a colorless to pale yel­
low liquid with a strong pungent odor and is irritating tering. Contact with the eyes will produce severe
immediate irritation which may result in permanent
to the eyes and upper respiratory tract even in low
concentrations. It is moreover a potential skin sensi­ damage. Exposure to the vapor can lead to tears
tizer and can cause difficulty in breathing in some and burning of the eyes as well as coughing.
individuals at a concentration below a point detecta­ Skin sensitization or dermatitis has not been
ble either by irritation or odor. a prominent occurrence with the use of tolylene
diisocyanate, although skin tests with guinea pigs
On contact with the skin or eyes, tolylene
diisocyanate causes irritation and if not removed indicate that it is a potential skin sensitizer.. Derma­
titis which occurs simultaneously with its use may
immediately can produce burns. Inhalation of the be due to the catalyst involved.
vapors may be injurious to the lungs. After serious
vapor exposure, pulmonary edema could occur. 10.1.3 Chronic Toxicity
10.1.2 Acute Toxicity Repeated exposure of the skin or of the eyes,
nose, or upper respiratory tract may cause chronic
10.1.2.1 Systemic Effects irritation.
Pulmonary edema may follow exposure to a Spasm of the bronchial tubes may produce diffi­
high vapor concentration of tolylene diisocyanate. culty in breathing in sensitive individuals.
It does not develop as frequently or as silently as it
may after exposure to other chemicals such as nitrous 10.2 PREVENTIVE HEALTH MEASURES
fumes or phosgene. In lesser amounts, tolylene di­
isocyanate is capable of producing irritation of the Tolylene diisocyanate is not a serious industrial
upper respiratory system with the resultant develop­ hazard if workers are adequately instructed and
ment of bronchitis. supervised in proper means of handling the chemical.

It is capable of producing a spasm of the 10.2.1 Personal Hygiene
bronchial tubes which leads to difficulty in breathing
in sensitive individuals exposed to amounts in excess Properly designed emergency showers and eye
of one-tenth of a part per million. baths should be placed in convenient locations wher­
ever tolylene diisocyanate is used. All employees
The material is only mildly toxic when taken should know the location and operation of such
by mouth but acts as a corrosive on the mouth and equipment. It must be frequently inspected to make
stomach tissue. sure it is in proper working condition.

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