Toluene-2,4-diisocyanate: Health effects
Description
TDI can burn the eyes and skin, it is toxic from both short term exposures and long term exposures. Single large inhaled doses can cause severe irritation of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. High levels can cause build up of fluids in the lungs, which could lead to death. Exposure can cause lung allergy, after which future low level exposures can trigger shortness of breath. Long term exposures (Chronic) have resulted in significant decreases in lung function in workers, asthma like reactions, and effects on the liver, blood and kidneys. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified toluene 2,4-diisocyanate as a 'possible human carcinogen'.
Entering the body
TDI can be breathed into the body, if there has been a commercial discharge or a spill, or the misuse of consumer products containing TDI.
Exposure
Exposure to TDI can occur in workplaces manufacturing TDI or using TDI in production or in the environment following releases to the air. Contamination to a consumer can occur when people mis-use certain polyurethane coatings, sealers, polyurethane foam kits, or sealants. Skin contact is a possible route of exposure, also from working with the product or misusing consumer products containing TDI.
Health guidelines
Worksafe Australia lists the following exposure Standard:
0.02 mg per cubic metre (0.00002 grams per cubic metre), on a time weighted average basis (TWA)
0.07 mg per cubic metre (0.00007 grams per cubic metre), for short term exposures (STEL)
Note that it would take a concentration 10 to 20 times the level of the exposure standard before it would be detected by its odour.
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