METHYL ISOCYANATE

Diamond	Hazard	Value	Description
3 4 2 W	Health	4	Can be lethal.
	Flammability	3	Can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions.
	Instability	2	Readily undergoes violent chemical changes at elevated temperatures and pressures.
	Special	W	Reacts violently or explosively with water.

A colorless low-boiling liquid (b.p. 39°C) that is denser than water. Flash point is less than 20°F. Very toxic by inhalation. Can be absorbed through the skin. Has a sharp odor, but the sense of smell cannot be relied upon to warn of the presence of vapors at low concentrations.

Rate of onset: Immediate

Persistence: Minutes to hours

Odor threshold: 2.1 ppm

Source/use/other hazard: Intermediate in manufacturing; reacts with H20 (don't use in fire).

• Highly Flammable
• Polymerizable
• Water-Reactive

Highly flammable. Reacts exothermically with water to produce carbon dioxide, methylamine, dimethylurea and/or trimethylbiuret. Heat of reaction causes evolution of the vapors of the isocyanate. Reaction is relatively slow below 20°C but becomes violent at more elevated temperatures or in the presence of acids and bases.

Reacts violently with water. Extremely flammable; may be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Container may explode violently in heat of fire. Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors, or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. When heated to decomposition, it emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides. Avoid water, acids, alkali, amines, iron, tin, copper, and other catalysts. Avoid heat, flame, oxidizers, water. Hazardous polymerization may occur. Methyl isocyanate (MIC) will react with water, or in the presence of catalysts (such as sodium hydroxide, sodium methoxide, triphenylarsine, triethyl phosphine, metallic chlorides) to form either a cyclic trimer (trimethyl isocyanurate) or a gummy, resinous polymer. These reactions are exothermic, producing about 540 Btu per pound of MIC. Heat produced in these reactions may result in pressure build up and rupturing of tanks. (EPA, 1998)

This compound is a skin irritant and can cause permanent eye damage. A concentration of 2 ppm has been reported toxic in humans. Methyl isocyanate attacks the respiratory system, eyes and skin. It can injure the lungs and bronchial airways, cause permanent eye damage, and death. Death has been attributed to various forms of respiratory distress. (EPA, 1998)

Airborne vapors of METHYL ISOCYANATE are explosive when exposed to heat, flame or sparks. Vapor may ignite on contact with strong oxidizing agents. Emits toxic fumes of nitriles and oxides of nitrogen when heated to decomposition [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 860]. Caused the death of thousands in 1984 in Bhopal, India when released accidentally as a vapor following an exothermic reaction caused by contamination with water [Chem. Eng. News, 1985, 63(6), p. 27]. Reacts rapidly with acids and bases (including amines). May polymerize in contact with iron, tin, copper and certain other catalysts such as triphenylarsenic oxide, triethyl phosphine and tributyltin oxide. Polymerizes at elevated temperatures. Attacks some plastics, rubbers, and coatings [NTP].

• Isocyanates and Isothiocyanates
• Polymerizable Compounds

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
• Dirt/Earth

Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive); polymerization hazard]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 2480 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Material is extremely hazardous to health but areas may be entered with extreme care. Full protective clothing, including self-contained breathing apparatus (coat, pants, gloves, boots, and bands around legs, arms and waist) should be provided. No skin surface should be exposed. Stay away from ends of tanks. Do not get water inside container. Spray cooling water on containers that are exposed to flames until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire.

Small fires: dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or foam. Large fires: water spray, fog, or foam. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive); polymerization hazard]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. FOR CHLOROSILANES, use alcohol-resistant foam to reduce vapors. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Methyl isocyanate:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100°F).

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

Provide:
• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2024)

Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)

Chemical	CAS Number	State	QS	QC	SL	C3	TF	TP	RC	TK	RF
Methyl isocyanate	624-83-9	Liquid			imm	12	imm	imm	>480	>480	>480

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2024)

Warning: Effects may be delayed for up to 15 hours. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Methyl Isocyanate Exposure: Acute exposure to methyl isocyanate may result in respiratory tract irritation, cough, chest tightness and pain, dyspnea (shortness of breath), asthmatic episodes, and pulmonary edema. Contact with the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes may result in severe irritation and permanent damage.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to methyl isocyanate may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to methyl isocyanate.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Transport to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to methyl isocyanate.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas twice with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Transport to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
4. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
5. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

• ISO-CYANATOMETHANE
• ISOCYANATOMETHANE
• ISOCYANIC ACID, METHYL ESTER
• METHANE, ISOCYANATO-
• METHYL CARBONIMIDE
• METHYL ESTER ISOCYANIC ACID
• METHYL ESTER OF ISOCYANIC ACID
• METHYL ISOCYANATE
• MIC
• TL 1450