International Isocyanate Institute

The total U.S. airborne emission of volatile TDl is estimated by the International Isocyanate Institute (111) to be <25 t, or less than 0.005% of the aimual U.S. production. PubHshed data show that TDl has a 1/3 life of 8 s in air at 25°C and 50% rh, and a 0.5 s to 3 d half-life in water, depending on pH and agitation. Without agitation, isocyanates sink to the bottom of the water and react slowly at the interface. Because of this reactivity, there is no chance of bio accumulation. 

F. Carney, Toxicology oflsojanates International Isocyanate Institute, Inc., New Canaan, Coim., 1980. 

International Isocyanate Institute, 25 480 International Jamaica Agreement, 12 695 International kilogram, 26 239 International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), 15 228-230... 

Food Chain Bioaccumulation. Because of the rapid hydrolysis of HDI in water and the ease with which this substance is metabolized in higher trophic animals (see Section 2.3), it is not expected that this substance will bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms, or bioaccumulate in the food chain. Neither TDI and MDl, nor their diamine hydrolysis products, TDA and MDA, have been found to bioaccumulate in fish (Cyprinus carpio) in river model studies (International Isocyanate Institute 1990). No information on BCFs and food chain bioaccmnulation could be foimd for HDI in the available literature however, a BCF of approximately 100 was calculated using the method of Veith et al. (1979), which indicates a very low bioaccumulation potential for HDI. Further studies on the bioaccumulation of HDI do not appear to be warranted. 

International Isocyanate Institute. 1990. Biodegradation of toluene diisocyanate and diphenyl methane diisocyanate. EPA/OTS doc 86-870000646. 

International Isocyanates Institute. 1987a. Isocyanate inhalation tests - diisocyanate induced asthma. EPA/OTS doc 86-870000661. 

The International Isocyanate Institute,lnc., (a) Technical Information No. 1, Recommendation for the Handling of Toluene Diisocyante, (b) ibid, A report on the International Institute,Inc., Second Edition, September, 1981 (c) ibid. Recommendations for the Handling of 4,4 - Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate MDI, momeric and Polymeric. 

Butcher, B. Six-Month Progress Report to International Isocyanate Institute Study of TDI Asthma. June 30, 1979. 

The general hazards to health associated with isocyanates may be summarized as follows all isocyanates (both aliphatic and aromatic) if present above certain critical values adversely affect the respiratory system. Surveys by the International Isocyanate Institute (which is primarily a voluntary association of isocyanate chemical manufacturers) suggest that normal individuals can work a standard 8-h day in an atmosphere in which the TLV of the diisocyanate is observed in recent years these values have been revised downwards (see Table 14.1).t However, mild to severe asthmatic attacks will result in the majority of people exposed to excessive inhalation of isocyanate vapour and this must be recognized as an acute hazard also loss of lung capacity and reduction in forced respiratory response results. Once an individual has suffered such an attack, some sensitization must, in the majority of cases, be assumed to have occurred ... 

Critical Review of the Medical Management of Acute Phosgene Poisoning, International Isocyanate Institute Ref 11358. 

The fire properties of flexible foams continue to receive considerable attention details of suitable fire tests have been collated by the International Isocyanates Institute.One growing trend in the flexible foam area is to use MDI-based products, which have advantages over the more conventional toluene diisocyanate systems of shorter demould times and excellent foam structure. Another area which has attracted some attention is that of light-stable integral skin flexible foams. These can be made by utilizing aliphatic isocyanates, u.v. stabilizers, or barrier coatings. ... 

The Behaviour of Upholstered Furniture in Fire , International Isocyanate Institute Bulletin 3, III Inc., New Canaan, 1980. 

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