Polyurethane foams, toxicology

According to the 1981-83 National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES, 1997), approximately 40 000 workers in the United States were potentially exposed to toluene diisocyanates (see General Remarks). Occupational exposures to toluene diisocyanates may occur during their production and in the production of polyurethane foams, elastomers, coatings, adhesives and finishes. Exposure may also occur in the use of some polyurethane products. Data on occupational exposure levels have been presented in a previous monograph (lARC, 1986). More recent exposure levels have been reported in connection with epidemiological (Section 2) and toxicological (Section 4) studies. 

The importance of organotins as environmental endocrine disrupters and their potential to adversely affect human health, has prompted the European Commission to identify tributyltin (TBT) as a priority hazardous substance. Organotin compounds are widely employed as stabilizers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymers, and as industrial catalysts for polyurethane and silicone elastomers. Hence, they are present in water pipes, food packing materials, polyurethane foams and many other consumer products. The prominent toxicological feature of the organotins is their immunotoxicity, and the effect produced by di- and trialkyltins as well as triphenyltins. 

Toxicology LD50 (subcut., mouse) 2500 mg/kg mod. toxic by subcut. route TSCA listed Precaution Combustible Hazardous Decomp. Prods. Heated to decomp., emits toxic vapors of NOx Uses Curing agent, catalyst for polyurethane foams intermediate for cationic surfactants Manuf./Distn b. Aldrich http //www.sigma-aldrich.com... 

C flash pt. (OC) 135 C ref. index 1.5065 Toxicology LD50 (oral, rat) 4920 mg/kg, (IP, mouse) 100 mg/kg, (skin, rabbit) > 5 ml/kg poison by IP route mod. toxic by ing. primary irritant skin, eye, and respiratory system irritant may cause somnolence, muscle weakness or spasticity TSCA listed Precaution Combustible exposed to heat or flame reacts vigorously with oxidizers Hazardous Decomp. Prods. Heated to decomp., emits toxic fumes of NOx Uses Polyurethane catalyst for elastomers and foam... 

---