Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

UNIROYAL VIBRATHANE EP 823/5 PART A

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Component in castable polyurethane elastomers?

SYNONYMS

Uniroyal

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful by inhalation.
Toxic if swallowed.
May cause SENSITIZATION by skin contact.
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 40 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  

SKIN

  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing dermatitis condition.  Skin contact is not thought to produce harmful health effects (as classified using animal models). Systemic harm, however, has been identified following exposure of animals by at least one other route and the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  Inhalation of aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may produce severely toxic effects. Relatively small amounts absorbed from the lungs may prove fatal.  The material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  In addition to producing pulmonary sensitization, toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is active in contracting smooth muscle such as that found in the airway. So-called bronchoconstriction is often mistaken for sensitization and lung function tests, including measurement of forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FCV) may distinguish acute reaction. Severe irritation is produced by inhalation of low vapor concentrations. At 0.02 ppm, TDI does not produce immediate irritation but this may become apparent after an extended period of exposure. Symptoms may include a burning sensation, coughing, wheezing,  laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea and vomiting. Overexposure or repeated exposure may produce bronchial spasm and asthma which may not appear for several hours. Symptoms may persist for several weeks. Most individuals recover completely. Both allergy-  prone and non allergy-prone individuals may become sensitized. Cross-sensitization to other isocyanates may occur.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Skin contact with the material is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  

  With most allergens, removal of the offending agent results in the individual becoming asymptomatic. Toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-induced asthma may continue for months or even years after exposure ceases. This may be due to a non-allergenic condition known as reactive airway dysfunction syndrome (RADS) which can occur following exposure to high levels of highly irritating compound. Evidence of carcinogenic potential of commercial grade TDI in female mice included induction of haemangiomas in the spleen and subcutaneous tissues, hepatocellular adenomas, and haemangiosarcomas in the liver, ovary and peritoneum. Ingestion of commercial grade TDI produced subcutaneous fibromas, pancreatic acinar cell adenomas, mammary gland fibroadenomas and subcutaneous fibromas and fibrosarcomas in female rats. No treatment related tumours were induced in male mice.  Asthma-like symptoms may continue for months or even years after exposure to the material ceases. This may be due to a non-allergenic condition known as reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) which can occur following exposure to high levels of highly irritating compound. Key criteria for the diagnosis of RADS include the absence of preceding respiratory disease, in a non-atopic individual, with abrupt onset of persistent asthma-like symptoms within minutes to hours of a documented exposure to the irritant. A reversible airflow pattern, on spirometry, with the presence of moderate to severe bronchial hyperreactivity on methacholine challenge testing and the lack of minimal lymphocytic inflammation, without eosinophilia, have also been included in the criteria for diagnosis of RADS. RADS (or asthma) following an irritating inhalation is an infrequent disorder with rates related to the concentration of and duration of exposure to the irritating substance. Industrial bronchitis, on the other hand, is a disorder that occurs as result of exposure due to high concentrations of irritating substance (often particulate in nature) and is completely reversible after exposure ceases. The disorder is characterised by dyspnea, cough and mucus production.  Inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  There is ample evidence that this material can be regarded as being able to cause cancer in humans based on experiments and other information.  Isocyanate vapors are irritating to the airways and can cause their inflammation, with wheezing, gasping, severe distress, even loss of consciousness and fluid in the lungs. Nervous system symptoms that may occur include headache, sleep disturbance, euphoria, inco-ordination, anxiety, depression and paranoia. Digestive effects include nausea and vomiting. Breathing difficulties may occur unpredictably after a period of tolerance and after skin contact. Allergic inflammation of the skin can occur, with rash, itching, blistering, and swelling of the hands and feet. Sensitive people can react to very low levels and should not be exposed to this material.  One ingredient of the product has caused skin sensitization reactions, shown as localized reddening and hives, or may produce respiratory sensitization characterized by asthma-  like symptoms and runny nose.