Diisocyanates

American Chemistry Council (ACC) members, including those who manufacture diisocyanates (DII), strive to create a safe and healthy workplace. In fact, research shows workers in the chemistry business are safer than workers in agriculture, retail, food stores and general merchandising business sectors.

Industry Resources

The following health, safety and environmental resources are primarily intended for those who work with MDI and TDI:

• A Guide for the Primary Care Physician in Evaluating Diisocyanate Exposed Workers for Occupational Asthma: Provides clinical guidance for the physician asked to evaluate an individual who may potentially be exposed to diisocyanates at work and who is reporting lower respiratory symptoms at work. » Full Report | » Infographic

• Decrease in Diisocyanate-Related Occupational Asthma Aided By Enhanced Industry Stewardship: Manufacturers, in partnership with downstream users, have implemented a variety of product stewardship activities that have contributed to a reduction in diisocyanate-related asthma cases. » Infographic

• Hazard Communication: Includes resources related to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), including topics such as worker training, labeling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

• Ventilation: Types of ventilation systems and helpful resources.

• Protective Equipment: Federal regulations and standards for the protection of workers, including resources and equipment sources.

• Industrial Hygiene: Includes information on air monitoring and diisocyanates biomonitoring. Discusses chemical sampling and analysis methods to assess workplace chemical concentrations, including resources from OSHA (includes Wipe Sampling Method), NIOSH, EPA, Center for Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) and the International Organization for Standardizations (ISO) on testing methods. Also includes ASTM Standards.

• Air Monitoring: Resources available to help with diisocyanates air monitoring.

• DII Biomonitoring: Includes an overview of the importance and status of diisocyanate biomonitoring, including resources for additional information.

• Safe Handling Guidance: Provides materials handling guidance and resources for safe movement of hazardous materials via land, air or sea.

• Environmental Airborne Emissions Reporting and Testing: Discusses atmospheric emissions reporting and testing methods, including information about the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), Regulatory Compliance Assistance Program (RCAP), and resources from CPI and EPA about emissions monitoring, including stack testing.

• First Aid: Provides general first aid guidance for MDI and TDI.

• Emergency Response: Provides resources and general information for DII emergency response.

• Disposal of Diisocyanates: Offers general guidance about disposal methods for waste TDI and MDI, including used drums.