ICSC 0004 - METHYL ISOCYANATE

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METHYL ISOCYANATE	ICSC: 0004 (November 2003)
Isocyanatomethane Isocyanic acid, methyl ester

CAS #: 624-83-9

UN #: 2480

EC Number: 210-866-3

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Extremely flammable. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with water, acids, bases or oxidizing agents. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.	Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry sand, powder, carbon dioxide. NO hydrous agents. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. NO direct contact with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Vomiting.	Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. Burning sensation.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention .
Eyes	Pain. Redness. Loss of vision.	Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion	Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Cautiously neutralize spilled liquid with caustic soda. Absorb remaining liquid in dry sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.	According to UN GHS Criteria Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Subsidiary Risks: 3; UN Pack Group: I
STORAGE
Fireproof. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry. Store only if stabilized. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
PACKAGING
Special material.

METHYL ISOCYANATE

ICSC: 0004

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
Physical State; Appearance VOLATILE COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. Physical dangers The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed. Chemical dangers The substance polymerizes when pure. The substance may polymerize due to heating and under the influence of metals and catalysts. Decomposes on contact with water. Decomposes rapidly on contact with acids or bases. This produces toxic gases of hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. Attacks some forms of plastic, rubber and coatings.	Formula: CH₃NCO Molecular mass: 57.1 Boiling point: 39°C Melting point: -80°C Relative density (water = 1): 0.96 Solubility in water at 20°C: reaction Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 54 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2 Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.44 Flash point: -7°C c.c. Auto-ignition temperature: 535°C Explosive limits, vol% in air: 5.3-26

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
VOLATILE COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

Physical dangers
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed.

Chemical dangers
The substance polymerizes when pure. The substance may polymerize due to heating and under the influence of metals and catalysts. Decomposes on contact with water. Decomposes rapidly on contact with acids or bases. This produces toxic gases of hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. Attacks some forms of plastic, rubber and coatings.

Formula: CH₃NCO
Molecular mass: 57.1
Boiling point: 39°C
Melting point: -80°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.96
Solubility in water at 20°C: reaction
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 54
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.44
Flash point: -7°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 535°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 5.3-26

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion. Effects of short-term exposure The substance is severely irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema. See Notes. Inhalation may cause asthma-like reactions. Exposure could cause death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.	Inhalation risk A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the respiratory tract. Causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema. See Notes. Inhalation may cause asthma-like reactions. Exposure could cause death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the respiratory tract. Causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 0.02 ppm as TWA; 0.06 ppm as STEL; (skin); (SEN). MAK: 0.024 mg/m³, 0.01 ppm; peak limitation category: I(1); pregnancy risk group: D. EU-OEL: 0.02 ppm as STEL

ENVIRONMENT
This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to aquatic organisms.

NOTES
Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Anyone who has shown symptoms of asthma due to this substance should avoid all further contact. The symptoms of asthma often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Do NOT take working clothes home.

NOTES

Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water.
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.
Anyone who has shown symptoms of asthma due to this substance should avoid all further contact.
The symptoms of asthma often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.
The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
Do NOT take working clothes home.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification
Symbol: F+, T+; R: 12-24/25-26-37/38-41-42/43-63; S: (1/2)-26-27/28-36/37/39-45-63

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