International Chemical Safety Cards

METHYL ISOCYANATE

ICSC: 0004

Isocyanatomethane
Isocyanic acid, methyl ester
CH₃NCO
Molecular mass: 57.1

ICSC #    0004
CAS #     624-83-9
RTECS # NQ9450000
UN #        2480
EC #         615-001-00-7
November 27, 2003 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Extremely flammable. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with water,acid(s),base(s),oxidants.	Alcohol-resistant foam, dry sand, powder, carbon dioxide. NO hydrous agents.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.	In case of fire: cool drums, etc., by spraying with water but avoid contact of the substance with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

EXPOSURE		AVOID ALL CONTACT! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION	Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Vomiting.	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.	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 take to a doctor.
•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 plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Cautiously neutralize spilled liquid with caustic soda. Absorb remaining liquid in dry sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.

Fireproof. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry. Store only if stabilized.

Special material.
F+ symbol
T+ symbol
R: 12-24/25-26-37/38-41-42/43-63
S: 1/2-26-27/28-36/37/39-45-63
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Subsidiary Risks: 3
UN Packing Group: I

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0004

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

METHYL ISOCYANATE

ICSC: 0004

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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 will polymerize when pure. The substance may polymerize due to heating and under the influence of metals and catalysts. The substance decomposes on contact with water . The substance decomposes rapidly on contact with acids and bases producing toxic gases ( hydrogen cyanide , nitrogen oxides , carbon monoxide ). Attacks some forms of plastic, rubber and coatings.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 0.02 ppm, 0.05 mg/mł; (skin); (ACGIH 2003).
MAK: 0.01 ppm, 0.024 mg/mł; Sh;
Peak limitation category: I(1); Pregnancy risk group: D;
(DFG 2003).
OSHA PEL: TWA 0.02 ppm (0.05 mg/m³) skin
NIOSH REL: TWA 0.02 ppm (0.05 mg/m³) skin
NIOSH IDLH: 3 ppm

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

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

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes , the skin and the respiratory tract . Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Inhalation of may cause asthma-like reactions. Exposure may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

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.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 39°C
Melting point: -80°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.96
Solubility in water, g/100 ml 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

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

This substance may be hazardous in the environment; special attention should be given to aquatic organisms.

N O T E S

Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water and hydrated agents. 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. Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61S2480

NFPA Code: H4; F3; R2; W

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0004	METHYL ISOCYANATE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.