Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HEXAMETHYLENE DIISOCYANATE POLYMER

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

CONTAINS free organic isocyanate. Mixing and application requires special precautions and
use of personal protective gear [APMF]. 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]. Requires that the two parts
be mixed by hand or mixer before use, in accordance with manufacturers directions. Mix
only as much as is required. Do not return the mixed material to the original containers.
Component of mixtures used as hardeners, curing agents for polyurethane coatings,
sealants.

SYNONYMS

(C8-H12-N2-O2)x, "hexane, 1, 6-diisocyanato-homopolymer", "hexane, 1, 6-diisocyanato-
homopolymer", "polymeric HMDI", prepolymer, "1, 6 hexamethylene diisocyanate di-
isocyanate", "isocyanic acid hexamethylene", "1, 6 hexanediol ester", trimer, "Coronate
EH", "Desmodur N 3300", "poly(hexamethylene diisocyanate)"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful by inhalation.
May cause SENSITIZATION by inhalation and skin contact.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects following ingestion (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, adverse systemic effects have been produced following exposure of animals by at least one other route and good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum.  

EYE

  There is some evidence that material may produce eye irritation in some persons and produce eye damage 24 hours or more after instillation. Moderate inflammation may be expected with redness; conjunctivitis may occur with prolonged exposure.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  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.  There is some evidence to suggest that the material may cause moderate inflammation of the skin either following direct contact or after a delay of some time. Repeated exposure can cause contact dermatitis which is characterized by redness, swelling and blistering.  

INHALED

  Inhalation of vapors or aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be harmful.  There is some evidence to suggest that 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

  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].  A 90-day inhalation study in rats with polymeric MDI (6 hours/day, 5 days/week) produced moderate to severe hyperplastic inflammatory lesions in the nasal cavities and lungs at levels of 8 mg/m3 or greater.  This product contains a polymer with a functional group considered to be of high concern. Isothiocyanates may cause hypersensitivity of the skin and airways. Aromatic isothiocyanates (with benzene rings) may have the potential to cause cancer. Toxicity is lower for larger species because they are less easily absorbed by the body. However even large polymers with more than one high-risk reactive group cannot be classified as a low risk polymer.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  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.  Respiratory sensitization may result in allergic/asthma like responses; from coughing and minor breathing difficulties to bronchitis with wheezing, gasping.  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.