Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VIBRATHANE 8070A

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Manufacture of polyurethane elastomers. CAUTION: isocyanates are strong respiratory
sensitizers and skin sensitizers. Sensitized people can react to very low levels of
airborne isocyanates and should not be required to work with these materials. 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].

SYNONYMS

"TDI polymer mixture toluene diisocyanate reaction product"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Toxic by inhalation.
May cause SENSITIZATION by inhalation and skin contact.
Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.

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.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  Bare unprotected skin should not be exposed to this material.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  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 has been concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations, but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  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.  

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact with the material and inhalation of vapor, inhalation of vapor from the curing material.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.  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.  Severe irritation is produced by inhalation of low vapour concentrations.  Around 0.02 ppm, irritation may not be felt immediately, however it will  become apparent after an exposure period. Symptoms of exposure may include  burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath,  headache, nausea and vomiting. Overexposure or repeated exposure symptoms  include bronchial spasm and asthma which may not appear until several hours  later. Symptoms can persist for several weeks. Most people recover completely.  Both allergy-prone and non allergy-prone people can become sensitized.  Cross sensitization to other isocyanates may occur.  With most allergens, removal of the offending agent, generally results in  the individual becoming asymptomatic. TDI induced asthmas 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 compounds.