Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HEXAMETHYLENE DIISOCYANATE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

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]. Usually available as the polymer. Occurs as decomposition product
or residual reactant in many commercial urethane components; hardeners, etc.. Intermediate

SYNONYMS

C8-H12-N2-O3, HMDI, HDI, "hexane 1, 6 diisocyanato-", "1, 6-diisocyanatohexane", "1, 6-
diisocyanatohexane", "hexamethylene-1, 6-diisocyanate", "hexamethylene-1, 6-diisocyanate",
"1, 6-hexamethylene diisocyanate di isocyanate", "1, 6-hexamethylene diisocyanate di
isocyanate", "isocyanic acid hexamethylene", "diester with 1, 6-hexanediol", "diester
with 1, 6-hexanediol", "isocyanic acid, hexamethylene ester", "Desomodur H", "Desmodur N"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

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

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be harmful; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 150 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

  Skin contact with the material may be harmful; systemic effects may resultfollowing absorption.  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing dermatitis condition.  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

  Inhalation of vapors or aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may produce toxic effects.  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

  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.  Skin contact with the material 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.  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].  Sensitization may give severe responses to very low levels of exposure, i.e. hypersensitivity. Sensitized persons should not be allowed to work in situations where exposure may occur.  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.  Extreme care must be taken when handling this material