Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

M-XYLYLENE DIISOCYANATE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Monomer. Medicine

SYNONYMS

C10-H8-N2-O2, "C6H4-1, 3-(CH2NCO)", "C6H4-1, 3-(CH2NCO)", "isocyanic acid, m-
phenylenedimethylene ester", "isocyanic acid, m-phenylenedimethylene ester", "benzene,
1, 3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)-", "benzene, 1, 3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)-", "1, 3-
bis(isocyanatomethyl)benzene", "1, 3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)benzene", "m-
phenylenedimethylene isocyanate", "m-phenylenedimethylene isocyanate", m-XDI, m-XDI, "m-
xylene diisocyanate", "m-xylene diisocyanate", "Takenate 500"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful if swallowed.
Causes burns.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.
May cause SENSITIZATION by inhalation.
Flammable.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  The material can produce chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.  The material can produce severe chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  

EYE

  The material can produce chemical burns to the eye following direct contact. Vapors or mists may be extremely irritating.  The material can produce severe chemical burns to the eye following direct contact. Vapors or mists may be extremely irritating.  If applied to the eyes, this material causes severe eye damage.  

SKIN

  The material can produce chemical burns following direct contactwith the skin.  The material can produce severe chemical burns following direct contactwith the skin.  Skin contact is not thought to have harmful health effects, however the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  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

  The material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  The vapor/mist may be highly irritating to the upper respiratory tract and lungs; the response may be severe enough to produce bronchitis and pulmonary edema. Possible neurological symptoms arising from isocyanate exposure include headache, insomnia, euphoria, ataxia, anxiety neurosis, depression and paranoia. Gastrointestinal disturbances are characterized by nausea and vomiting. Pulmonary sensitization may produce asthmatic reactions ranging from minor breathing difficulties to severe allergic attacks; this may occur following a single acute exposure or may develop without warning for several hours after exposure. Sensitized people can react to very low doses, and should not be allowed to work in situations allowing exposure to this material. Continued exposure of sensitized persons may lead to possible long term respiratory impairment.Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Repeated or prolonged exposure to corrosives may result in the erosion of teeth, inflammatory and ulcerative changes in the mouth and necrosis (rarely) of the jaw. Bronchial irritation, with cough, and frequent attacks of bronchial pneumonia may ensue. Gastrointestinal disturbances may also occur. Chronic exposures may result in dermatitis and/or conjunctivitis.  Long-term exposure to respiratory irritants may result in disease of the airways involving difficult breathing and related systemic problems.  Inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  There is limited evidence that, skin contact with this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Persons with a history of asthma or other respiratory problems or are known to be sensitised, should not be engaged in any work involving the handling of isocyanates. [CCTRADE-Bayer, APMF].  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.