ICSC 0004 - METHYL ISOCYANATE

[List of Chemicals] [Risk Notes] [Risk Phrases] [Safety Phrases] [Danger Symbols]

METHYL ISOCYANATE

ICSC: 0004
_{November 2003}

Isocyanatomethane
Isocyanic acid, methyl ester

CAS No: 624-83-9
RTECS No: NQ9450000
UN No: 2480
EC No: 615-001-00-7

CH₃NCO
Molecular mass: 57.1

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	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.	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 Pack Group: I	Special material.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE	SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61S2480 NFPA Code: H4; F3; R2; W	Fireproof. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry. Store only if stabilized.

IMPORTANT DATA

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/m³; (skin); (ACGIH 2003).
MAK: 0.01 ppm, 0.024 mg/m³; Sh; Peak limitation category: I(1); Pregnancy risk group: D; (DFG 2003).

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

NOTES

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.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004

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