METHYL ISOTHIOCYANATE

A colorless liquid with a sharp odor. Lethal by inhalation of even small quantities of vapor. Does not have odor warning characteristics at low concentrations. Do not rely on the sense of smell to warn about the presence of vapors. Denser than water. May cause tearing and irritate the eyes, skin, nose and throat.

• Highly Flammable
• Water-Reactive

Highly flammable. Methyl isothiocyanate reacts with water to form carbon dioxide and methylamine gases.

(Non-Specific -- Pesticide, Solid, n.o.s.) This material may burn, but does not ignite readily. Fire may produce irritating or poisonous gases. When heated it emits very dangerous cyanides and sulfur compounds. Do not store below -4F or at elevated temperatures. Keep away from sparks. (EPA, 1998)

Very toxic; probable human oral lethal dose is 50-500 mg/kg, or between 1 teaspoonful and 1 oz. for a 70 kg (150 lb.) person. Highly irritating to skin, mucous membrances, and eyes. Human oral minimum lethal dose: approximately 1 g/kg. (EPA, 1998)

Isocyanates and thioisocyanates, such as METHYL ISOTHIOCYANATE, are incompatible with many classes of compounds, reacting exothermically to release toxic gases. Reactions with amines, aldehydes, alcohols, alkali metals, ketones, mercaptans, strong oxidizers, hydrides, phenols, and peroxides can cause vigorous releases of heat. Acids and bases initiate polymerization reactions in these materials. Some isocyanates react with water to form amines and liberate carbon dioxide. Polyurethanes are formed by the condensation reaction of diisocyanates with, for example, ethyl glycol.

• Isocyanates and Isothiocyanates

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 131 [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

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

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 2477 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck 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, 2020)

(Non-Specific -- Pesticide, Solid, n.o.s.) Move container from area if you can do so without risk. Wear self-contained (positive pressure if available) breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.

(Non-Specific -- Pesticide, Solid, n.o.s.) Small fires: dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or foam. Large fires: water spray, fog, or foam. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from 131 [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

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 or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

SMALL SPILL: Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers for later disposal. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2020)

For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)

No information available.

Warning: Methyl isothiocyanate is very toxic and highly irritating to skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Methyl Isothiocyanate Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to methyl isothiocyanate is an irritant to eyes, skin, lungs, and the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Respiratory symptoms include burning or irritation of the nose and throat, cough, laryngitis, chest pain, and asthmatic syndrome (chemical bronchitis with severe bronchospasm). Also, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, insomnia, and anxiety neurosis with depression, or paranoid tendencies may be produced.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to methyl isothiocyanate exposure 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 isothiocyanate.
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 100% humidified 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 isothiocyanate.
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 100% humidified 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 THOROUGHLY 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 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should only be given if victims are conscious and alert.
5. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 gm (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 gm (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
6. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 gm (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 gm (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
7. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

• ISOTHIOCYANATOMETHANE
• ISOTHIOCYANIC ACID, METHYL ESTER
• METHANE, ISOTHIOCYANATO-
• METHYL ISOTHIOCYANATE
• METHYL ISOTHIOCYANIDE
• METHYL MUSTARD
• METHYL MUSTARD OIL
• METHYL THIOISOCYANATE
• MIC
• MIT
• MIT (PESTICIDE)
• MITC
• MORTON EP-161E
• TRAPEX
• TRAPEXIDE
• TROPEX
• VORLEX
• VORTEX
• WN 12