Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HMDI/ POLYBUTYLENE GLYCOL COPOLYMER

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Synthetic polymer.

SYNONYMS

[C15-H22-N2-O2.C4-H10-O2.(C4-H8-O)n.H2O]x, "poly(oxy-1, 4-butanediyl), alpha-hydro-omega-
hydroxy-, polymer with1, 1'-methylenebis(4-isocyanatocyclohexane)", "poly(oxy-1, 4-
butanediyl), alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxy-, polymer with1, 1'-methylenebis(4-
isocyanatocyclohexane)", "polytetramethyl ether glycol 4, 4-methylenebis(cyclohexyl
isocyanate)polymer", "polytetramethyl ether glycol 4, 4-methylenebis(cyclohexyl
isocyanate)polymer", "methylenedicyclohexylene diisocyanate, polybutylene glycol
polymer", "polytetramethylene-hydrogenated MDI copolymer", "isocyanate terminated
copolymer of polyether polyol"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Ingestion may result in nausea, abdominal irritation, pain and vomiting.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Sensitization may result in allergic dermatitis responses includingrash, itching, hives or swelling of extremities.  Sensitization reactions may appear suddenly after repeatedsymptom free exposures.  Bare unprotected skin should not be exposed to this material.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  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.  Respiratory sensitization may result in allergic/asthma like responses; from coughing and minor breathing difficulties to bronchitis with wheezing, gasping.  Inhalation of vapor may aggravate a pre-existing respiratory condition such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of vapor and skin contact/absorption.  A 90 day study in  rats with polymeric MDI (6 hours/day, 5 days/week)  produced moderate to severe hyperplastic inflammatory lesions of the nasal  cavities and lungs at levels of 8 mg/m3 or greater.  The polymer this material contains and its functional group is of low concern. Blocked isocyanates have a group attached to them to reduce their reactivity compared to the unblocked version which is much more reactive.  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.