POLYMETHYLENE POLYPHENYL ISOCYANATE

CASRN: 9016-87-9 

For other data, click on the Table of Contents

Human Health Effects:

Evidence for Carcinogenicity: 

No data are available in humans. No data are available in animals. OVERALL EVALUATION: Group 

3: The agent is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. S7 70 (1987)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

WEIGHT OF EVIDENCE CHARACTERIZATION: Under U.S. EPA's 1996 Guidelines for 

Carcinogenic Risk Assessment, monomeric MDI or polymeric MDI (PMDI) would be classified as not 

classifiable or a Group D chemical. Under U.S. EPA's 1996 Proposed Guidelines for Carcinogenic Risk 

Assessment, the carcinogenic potential of MDI/PMDI would be characterized as "cannot be determined, 

but for which there is suggestive evidence that raises concern for carcinogenic effects" on the following 

basis. The increased incidence of pulmonary adenomas in male (6/60) and female (2/59) Wistar rats 

[strain Cpu:WU] and one pulmonary adenocarcinoma in a male rat, all exposed to the highest 

concentration in a lifetime chronic inhalation study involving PMDI, suggest that PMDI has tumorigenic 

potential. However, the tumorigenic results, coupled with evidence that methylene diphenyl aniline 

(MDA) a known animal carcinogen and the principal reaction product of MDI, is found in blood of 

MDI-exposed rats and nonhydrolyzed urine of PMDI/MDI-exposed humans increases concern about the 

carcinogenic potential of PMDI/MDI. The available human evidence is inadequate to describe the 

carcinogenic potential of PMDI/MDI. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. ANIMAL 

CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Limited. 

[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) 

for Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (monomeric MDI) and polymeric MDI (PMDI) (101-

68-8, 9016-87-9) Available from: http://www.epa.gov/ngispgm3/iris on the Substance 

File List as of March 15, 2000] **QC REVIEWED** 

Human Toxicity Excerpts: 

Isocyanates are irritating to the skin and the mucous membranes, the skin conditions ranging from 

localized itching to more or less widespread eczema. Eye affections are less common and, although 

lacrimation is often found, conjunctivitis is rare. The commonest and most serious troubles, however, 

are those affecting the respiratory systems. /Isocyanates/ 

[International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Vols. 

I&II. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office, 1983., p. 1161] **PEER 

REVIEWED** 

Populations at Special Risk: 

Persons with a history of asthma, allergies ... or impaired lung or pulmonary function may be at an 

increased risk. /Methyl isocyanate/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-

123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1] 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

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Emergency Medical Treatment:

Emergency Medical Treatment: 

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The following Overview, *** IRRITANTS ***, is relevant for this HSDB record chemical. 

Life Support:

 o This overview assumes that basic life support measures 

 have been instituted. 

Clinical Effects:

 0.2.1 SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE 

 0.2.1.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Whether a substance is labeled a "corrosive" or 

 "irritant" depends on several factors: the nature of 

 the substance, concentration, viscosity, pH, molarity, 

 oxidation-reduction potential, complexing affinity 

 toward bivalent ions etc. It is difficult to determine 

 if a substance is a corrosive or irritant at a 

 particular concentration. 

 B) Irritants are substances that cause inflammation and 

 swelling, but not cellular death and tissue damage; a 

 corrosive causes cellular damage and death. 

 C) Exposure via inhalation may result in headache, 

 rhinorrhea, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, 

 bronchospasm and rarely, upper airway swelling or acute 

 lung injury. 

 D) Ingestion may cause irritation of the oral mucous 

 membranes and esophagus. 

 0.2.4 HEENT 

 0.2.4.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Irritants may cause swelling, redness and pain at any 

 site, especially at mucous membranes. The mouth, nose, 

 and eyes are susceptible to these effects. 

 0.2.6 RESPIRATORY 

 0.2.6.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Cough, tachypnea, and wheezing are common after 

 inhalation. 

 0.2.8 GASTROINTESTINAL 

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 0.2.8.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are possible if ingested. 

 0.2.14 DERMATOLOGIC 

 0.2.14.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Redness, swelling and pain may occur. 

 0.2.20 REPRODUCTIVE HAZARDS 

 A) Pregnant female rats were exposed to N- 

 methylpyrrolidone. Exposed offspring had normal motor 

 function, activity levels, and low-level learning 

 abilities. On higher-level learning tests, their 

 performance was impaired compared to unexposed 

 offspring. 

 0.2.21 CARCINOGENICITY 

 0.2.21.2 HUMAN OVERVIEW 

 A) Development of sinonasal neoplasms has been associated 

 with exposure to wood dust and other irritants. 

Laboratory:

 A) No specific laboratory tests are necessary with the 

 possible exception of testing the pH of the irritant 

 substance and the pH of the ocular cul de sac with wide 

 range pH paper. 

Treatment Overview:

 0.4.2 ORAL EXPOSURE 

 A) EMESIS - Not indicated due to the irritant nature of 

 these agents. 

 B) Charcoal - Not recommended; it may promote vomiting and 

 make endoscopic evaluation difficult. 

 C) DILUTION: Immediately dilute with 4 to 8 ounces (120 to 

 240 mL) of water or milk (not to exceed 4 ounces/120 mL 

 in a child). 

 D) NEUTRALIZATION - Neutralization is not indicated. 

 E) Although these agents are irritants, and therefore 

 should not produce tissue damage, it is almost 

 impossible to assure that a particular substance under a 

 particular set of circumstances would not cause damage. 

 Therefore, each patient should be examined with the idea 

 that mucous membrane damage might have occurred. 

 0.4.3 INHALATION EXPOSURE 

 A) INHALATION: Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for 

 respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing 

 develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, 

 bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist 

 ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with inhaled 

 beta2 agonist and oral or parenteral corticosteroids. 

 0.4.4 EYE EXPOSURE 

 A) DECONTAMINATION: Irrigate exposed eyes with copious 

 amounts of room temperature water for at least 15 

 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or 

 photophobia persist, the patient should be seen in a 

 health care facility. 

 B) If in a medical facility, sterile saline should be used 

 to irrigate the eyes until the cul de sac is returned to 

 neutrality. Some alkali exposures may require prolonged 

 irrigation. 

Range of Toxicity:

 A) The extent of damage will depend on a number of factors 

 including concentration, mechanism of action, pH, free 

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[Rumack BH POISINDEX(R) Information System Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO, 2009; 

CCIS Volume 142, edition expires Nov, 2009. Hall AH & Rumack BH (Eds): TOMES(R) 

Information System Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO, 2009; CCIS Volume 142, edition 

expires Nov, 2009.] **PEER REVIEWED** 

Antidote and Emergency Treatment: 

Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema and bronchospasm are the most immediate serious clinical 

consequences of isocyanate exposure. Markedly symptomatic patients should receive oxygen, 

ventilatory support, and an intravenous line. Treatment for asthma includes inhaled sympathomimetics 

(salbutamol, metaproterenol), intravenous theophylline, parenteral sympathomimetics (epinephrine, 

terbutaline), and steroids. /Isocyanates/ 

[Ellenhorn, M.J. and D.G. Barceloux. Medical Toxicology - Diagnosis and Treatment of 

Human Poisoning. New York, NY: Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc. 1988., p. 881] 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

Most treatment is symptomatic. Mydriatics, systemic analgesics, and topical antibiotics (Sulamyd) may 

be used for corneal abrasions. There is no effective therapy for sensitized workers, and these people 

should be moved to a work site devoid of exposure to isocyanates. /Isocyanates/ 

[Ellenhorn, M.J. and D.G. Barceloux. Medical Toxicology - Diagnosis and Treatment of 

Human Poisoning. New York, NY: Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc. 1988., p. 881] 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

Animal Toxicity Studies:

Evidence for Carcinogenicity: 

No data are available in humans. No data are available in animals. OVERALL EVALUATION: Group 

3: The agent is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. S7 70 (1987)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

WEIGHT OF EVIDENCE CHARACTERIZATION: Under U.S. EPA's 1996 Guidelines for 

Carcinogenic Risk Assessment, monomeric MDI or polymeric MDI (PMDI) would be classified as not 

classifiable or a Group D chemical. Under U.S. EPA's 1996 Proposed Guidelines for Carcinogenic Risk 

Assessment, the carcinogenic potential of MDI/PMDI would be characterized as "cannot be determined, 

but for which there is suggestive evidence that raises concern for carcinogenic effects" on the following 

basis. The increased incidence of pulmonary adenomas in male (6/60) and female (2/59) Wistar rats 

[strain Cpu:WU] and one pulmonary adenocarcinoma in a male rat, all exposed to the highest 

concentration in a lifetime chronic inhalation study involving PMDI, suggest that PMDI has tumorigenic 

potential. However, the tumorigenic results, coupled with evidence that methylene diphenyl aniline 

(MDA) a known animal carcinogen and the principal reaction product of MDI, is found in blood of 

MDI-exposed rats and nonhydrolyzed urine of PMDI/MDI-exposed humans increases concern about the 

carcinogenic potential of PMDI/MDI. The available human evidence is inadequate to describe the 

 acidity and alkalinity, molarity and oxidation-reduction 

 potential. In most cases these factors are more important 

 than volume. Besides its irritant effect, a substance may 

 also have some type of systemic effect. Observe for any 

 potential systemic effects as is appropriate for each 

 compound. 

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carcinogenic potential of PMDI/MDI. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. ANIMAL 

CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Limited. 

[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) 

for Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (monomeric MDI) and polymeric MDI (PMDI) (101-

68-8, 9016-87-9) Available from: http://www.epa.gov/ngispgm3/iris on the Substance 

File List as of March 15, 2000] **QC REVIEWED** 

TSCA Test Submissions: 

Acute oral toxicity was evaluated in groups of 5 male albino rats (strain not reported) administered 

single doses of polymethylene polyphenylisocyanate (PAPI) at levels of 1000, 2150, 5000 and 10,000 

mg/kg of body weight. Mortality was not observed in any animal; the LD50 value was reported to be 

>10,000 mg/kg of body weight. Clinical observations included salivation, nasal discharge and an 

abnormal yellow urine excretion. Gross necropsy revealed no abnormalities. 

[International Research and Development Corporation; Acute Toxicity Studies (LD50) 

in Male Albino Rats. (1964), EPA Document No. 86-870000590, Fiche No. OTS0515117] 

**UNREVIEWED** 

Acute oral toxicity was evaluated in ChR-CD male rats (number not reported) administered single doses 

of polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate by oral gavage at levels of 2250, 5000, 7500, 11000, 17000, 

and 25000 mg/kg of body weight. Mortality was observed within 14 days after dosing at a dose level of 

17000 mg/kg; the approximate lethal dose was determined to be 17000 mg/kg of body weight. Weight 

loss was observed in animals at doses of 11000 mg/kg and below. Clinical observations were not 

reported. Gross necropsy revealed eroded and thickened stomach mucosa as well as masses in the 

stomach. Microscopic histopathology discovered depletion of thymocytes, reduced liver cell vacuolation 

and focal inflammation of the liver. 

[Haskell Laboratory for Toxicology and Industrial Medicine; Acute oral Testing in 

Male Rats, (1967), EPA. Doc. No. 86-870001117, Fiche No. OTSO516020] **UNREVIEWED** 

Acute dermal toxicity was evaluated in groups of 2 male and 2 female albino rabbits (strain not 

reported) receiving single occluded applications of undiluted polymethylene polyphenylisocyanate at 

dose levels of 2.5, 3.9, 6.0 and 9.4 g/kg of body weight. The test article was held in contact with the skin 

(half intact, half abraded) for a 24 hour period. Mortality was not observed in any animal. Clinical 

observations included slight erythema and slight coriaceousness at application site. Gross necropsy 

revealed no effects attributable to the test material. 

[International Research and Development Corporation; Acute Dermal Toxicity Studies 

(LD50) in the Albino Rabbit, (1964), EPA Document No. 86870000591, Fiche No. 

OTS0515118] **UNREVIEWED** 

Acute inhalation toxicity was evaluated in groups of 6 male albino Spartan Sprague-Dawley rats 

exposed to polymethylene polyphenylisocyanate vapor at analytical concentrations of 14.7 or 17.0 

mcg/L for 1 hour. The test atmosphere was generated by passing air over test material that had been 

injected into a heated (150 deg C) distillation flask with an infusion pump. Mortality was not observed 

in any animal; an LC50 value was not reported. Clinical observations included slight salivation and 

erythema. Gross necropsy revealed lung congestion. 

[International Research and Development Corporation; Acute Inhalation Toxicity 

(LC50) in the Male Albino Rat, (1965), EPA Document No. 86870000660, Fiche No. 

OTS0515187] **UNREVIEWED** 

Potential of 4 Polyurethane Intermediates: 4,4'-Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate (MDI), Polymethylene

Polyphenylene Polyisocyanate (Poly-MDI), Polymethylene Polyphenylene Polyamine (Poly-MDA), 

and 2,4-Tolylene Diisocyanate (TDI), (1967), EPA Doc. No. 86-890000191, Fiche No. OTS0516728] 

Acute inhalation toxicity was evaluated in 6 Long-Evans rats (sex distribution not reported) exposed to 

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polymethylene polyphenylene polyisocyanate vapors for one 4-hour period (concentration level not 

reported). No mortalities were observed (LD50 not reported). Clinical observations included respiratory 

distress in the form of rales. Gross necropsy revealed no treatment-related changes. 

[BASF Corp.; An Evaluation of the Acute Toxicity and Irritantcy [sic]] 

**UNREVIEWED** 

Polymeric methylene diphenyldiisocyanate (MDI) aerosol was tested for carcinogenicity and chronic 

toxicity in 70 male and 70 female SPF-reared rats (Cpb:WU, Wistar random) (60/sex/group in a main 

group and 10/sex/group in a satellite group) exposed by inhalation to 0, 0.2, 1.0 or 6.0 mg/cu.m 6 

hours/day, 5 days/week for 2 years (main group) or 1 year (satellite group). Mortality rates were 

negatively related to the concentration level. Effects observed at mid- and high-concentrations included 

a higher degree of basal cell hyperplasia frequently accompanied by hyperplasia of Bowman's glands in 

the olfactory epithelium of the nose, alveolar duct epithelialisation (replacement or transformation of flat 

epithelium), and alveolar duct fibrosis in tissues surrounding macrophage accumulations. Effects 

observed at all exposure levels included accumulations of alveolar macrophages containing MDIassociated material at the level of the alveolar duct in the lungs. Effects observed only in highconcentration rats included increases in lung weights, calcareous particles in the lungs and localized 

areas of alveolar bronchiolisation (bronchiolar/alveolar hyperplasia), 8 pulmonary adenomas, and 1 

pulmonary adenocarcinoma. 

[TNO-CIVO Institute; Chronic Toxicity/Carcinogenicity Inhalation Study of Polymeric 

Methylenediphenyl Diisocyanate Aerosol in Rats, (1990), EPA Document No. 86-

900000439, Fiche No. OTS0525557] **UNREVIEWED** 

The mutagenicity of isocyanic acid, poly(methylenephenyl) ester was evaluated in Salmonella tester 

strains TA1535, TA1537 and TA1538 (Ames test) both in the presence and absence of added metabolic 

activation by Aroclor-induced rat liver S9 fraction. The test material was tested for mutagenicity at 

concentrations of 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 ug/plate by the direct plate incorporation method. 

Isocyanic acid, poly(methylenephenyl) ester did not cause a reproducible positive response in any of the 

tester strains either with or without metabolic activation. 

[EI Dupont De Nemours & Co.; In Vitro Microbial Mutagenicity Studies of Isocyanic 

Acid, Poly(Methylenephenyl) Ester with Attachments, (1975), EPA Doc. No. 86-

870000996, Fiche No. OTS0514898] **UNREVIEWED** 

Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:

Pharmacology:

Environmental Fate & Exposure:

Environmental Standards & Regulations:

TSCA Requirements: 

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. 

The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical 

substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. 

Isocyanic acid, polymethylenepolyphenylene ester is included on this list. 

[40 CFR 716.120 (7/1/94)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

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Chemical/Physical Properties:

Molecular Formula: 

UVCB 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

Color/Form: 

DARK-AMBER VISCOUS LIQUID 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V19 316 (1979)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

Density/Specific Gravity: 

1.2 @ 20 DEG C/20 DEG C 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V19 316 (1979)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

Vapor Pressure: 

LESS THAN 1X10-4 MM HG @ 25 DEG C 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V19 316 (1979)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

Other Chemical/Physical Properties: 

ISOCYANATE EQUIVALENT 132-137 G/EQUIV; HYDROLYZABLE CHLORIDE 0.28-0.5%; 

ISOCYANATE CONTENT 30.5-32% MIN 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V19 316 (1979)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

ACIDITY AS HYDROCHLORIC ACID 0.2-0.3% 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V19 316 (1979)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

Boiling point is 196 deg C at 5 mm Hg; melting point is 38 deg C. Soluble in acetone, benzene, 

kerosene, nitrobenzene /Methyl Diphenyl Diisocyanate/ 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V19 316 (1979)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

Chemical Safety & Handling:

Flash Point: 

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215-218 DEG C 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V19 316 (1979)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

Fire Fighting Procedures: 

Persons involved in fighting fires should wear a self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece 

operated in a pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode. ... /Methyl isocyanate/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-

123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 2] 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

Protective Equipment & Clothing: 

Vapor Concentration: 0.2 ppm or less: Any supplied-air respirator or any self-contained breathing 

apparatus. 1 ppm or less: Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece, helmet, or hood or any selfcontained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece. A type C supplied air respirator operated in a 

pressure-demand or other positive pressure or continuous flow mode. 20 ppm or less: A type C suppliedair respirator with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode or with a 

full facepiece, helmet, or hood operated in continuous-flow mode. Greater than 20 ppm or entry and 

escape from unknown concentrations: Self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated 

in a pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode or a combination respirator which includes a type 

C supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure or 

continuous-flow mode and an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand 

or other positive pressure mode. Escape: Any escape self-contained breathing apparatus. /Methyl 

isocyanate/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-

123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 5] 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

Stability/Shelf Life: 

LOW VOLATILITY 

[International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Vols. 

I&II. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office, 1983., p. 1161] **PEER 

REVIEWED** 

Disposal Methods: 

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are 

subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste 

sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

Occupational Exposure Standards:

Manufacturing/Use Information:

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Major Uses: 

PMDI IS THE SOURCE OF PURE DIPHENYLMETHANE-4,4'-DIISOCYANATE, USED AS A 

BINDER RESIN FOR PARTICLE BOARD AND AS A FOUNDRY CORE BINDER RESIN 

[CHEMICAL PRODUCT SYNOPSIS: METHYL DIPHENYL DIISOCYANATE, 1984] **PEER REVIEWED** 

POLYURETHANE ELASTOMERS BASED ON POLYMETHYLENE POLYPHENYL 

ISOCYANATE ARE USED IN MICROCELLULAR PRODUCTS, INCLUDING SHOES & 

AUTOMOBILE BUMPERS. ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS...INCLUDE PRODUCTION OF 

POLYURETHANE ADHESIVES...& FOUNDRY RESIN SAND BINDERS USED IN CASTING OF 

STEEL...IRON & NONFERROUS METALS. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V19 317 (1979)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

Manufacturers: 

Miles Inc, One Mellon Center, 500 Grant Street, Pittsburgh PA 15219-2502 (412)394-5500. Production 

sites: Polymers Division, Polyurethane- Baytown, TX 77521 and New Martinsville, West Virginia 

26155 /Methyl Diphenyl Diisocyanate/ 

[SRI. 1994 Directory of Chemical Producers -United States of America. Menlo Park, 

CA: SRI International, 1994., p. 700] **PEER REVIEWED** 

Dow Chemical USA, 2020 Dow Center, Midland, MI 48674 (517)636-1000 Production site: Polymer 

Chemicals Division LaPorte, TX /Methyl Diphenyl Diisocyanate/ 

[SRI. 1994 Directory of Chemical Producers -United States of America. Menlo Park, 

CA: SRI International, 1994., p. 700] **PEER REVIEWED** 

ICI Americas, Inc, Wilminton, DE 19850 (302)887-3000. Production site: ICI Materials, ICI 

Polyurethanes Group- Geismar, LA 70734 /Methyl Diphenyl Diisocyanate/ 

[SRI. 1994 Directory of Chemical Producers -United States of America. Menlo Park, 

CA: SRI International, 1994., p. 700] **PEER REVIEWED** 

Methods of Manufacturing: 

MDI & POLYMETHYLENE POLYPHENYL ISOCYANATE ARE PRODUCED 

COMMERCIALLY BY FOLLOWING STEPS: (1) ANILINE IS CONDENSED WITH 

FORMALDEHYDE TO GIVE DIPHENYLMETHANE DIAMINE...(2) DIAMINE IS 

PHOSGENATED, WHICH RESULTS IN MIXTURE OF AROMATIC ISOCYANATES... 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V19 317 (1979)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

ARCO HAS DEVELOPED A PROCESS INVOLVING THE REACTION OF NITROBENZENE, 

CARBON MONOXIDE, AND AN ALCOHOL TO YIELD POLYMERIC ISOCYANATES 

DIRECTLY 

[CHEMICAL PRODUCT SYNOPSIS: METHYL DIPHENYL DIISOCYANATE, 1984] **PEER REVIEWED** 

General Manufacturing Information: 

A POLYMER OF DIPHENYLMETHANE 4,4'-DIISOCYANATE... [Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, 

NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993, p. 938] **PEER REVIEWED** 

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POLYMETHYLENE POLYPHENYL ISOCYANATE WAS USED FOR PRODUCTION OF 

POLYURETHANE RIGID FOAM (80.4-82.8%), POLYURETHANE FLEXIBLE FOAMS (7.6-8.5%), 

POLYURETHANE ELASTOMERS (2.7-3.2%) & OTHER POLYURETHANE APPLICATIONS (7.1-

7.9%). 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V19 317 (1979)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

CROSS-LINKED, NYLON-TYPE POLYMER PREPD BY REACTION OF MIXT OF SEBACOYL 

CHLORIDE & POLYMETHYLENE POLY(PHENYLISOCYANATE) WITH MIXT OF 

ETHYLENEDIAMINE & DIETHYLENETRIAMINE IS EXEMPTED FROM REQUIREMENT OF 

TOLERANCE WHEN USED AS ENCAPSULATING MATERIAL FOR METHYL PARATHION. 

[CROSS-LINKED, NYLON-TYPE POLYMER. EXEMPTION FROM THE REQUIREMENT OF TOLERANCE; FED 

REGIST 39 (52): 9965-6 (1974)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

Polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate is a crude product which varies in its exact composition. The 

main constituents are 40-60% 4,4'-MDI; the remainder is the other isomers of MDI, trimeric species and 

higher molecular weight oligomers. 

[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. 

John Wiley and Sons, 1991-Present., p. V23 581] **PEER REVIEWED** 

CONTROLLED-RELEASE PESTICIDE GRANULES ARE PREPD BY USING 

POLYISOCYANATES OR POLYISOCYANATE PREPOLYMERS AS MAIN FORMULATION 

INGREDIENT. 

[HEINRICH R ET AL; BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE GRANULES: GER OFFEN PATENT 2743485 03/29/79 

(HOECHST A-G)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

Consumption Patterns: 

ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY AS A MONOMER WITH POLYETHER & POLYESTER POLYOLS TO 

PRODUCE POLYURETHANE PRODUCTS, OF WHICH ABOUT 81% ARE RIGID FOAMS, 

ABOUT 8% ARE FLEXIBLE FOAMS, ABOUT 8% ARE ADHESIVES, FOUNDRY RESINS, & 

RIGID RIM (STRUCTURAL FOAMS), AND ABOUT 3% ARE ELASTOMERS (1975) 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

END USE PATTERN (DERIVATIVE): BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, 45%; APPLIANCES, 15%; 

TRANSPORTATION, 10%; FURNITURE, 5%; PACKAGING, 5%; PLASTICS & ELASTOMERS, 

15%; MISC, 5% (1983) 

[CHEMICAL PRODUCT SYNOPSIS: METHYL DIPHENYL DIISOCYANATE, 1984] **PEER REVIEWED** 

U. S. Production: 

(1973) 1.27X10+11 GRAMS 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

(1984) 2.86X10+11 g 

[USITC. SYN ORG CHEM-U.S. PROD/SALES 1984 p.25] **PEER REVIEWED** 

U. S. Imports: 

(1972) 9.93X10+8 GRAMS (OTHERS INCLUDED) 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

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(1975) 3.49X10+8 G (PRINCPL CUSTMS DISTS) 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

(1982) 2.5X10+5 g 

[USEPA; CHIP (DRAFT) METHYLENE DIPHENYLDIISOCYANATE p.5 (1984)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

U. S. Exports: 

(1974) 3.18-3.63X10+10 GRAMS (EST) 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

Laboratory Methods:

Analytic Laboratory Methods: 

ALIPHATIC & AROMATIC ISOCYANATES & THEIR OLIGOMERS WERE DETECTED IN AIR 

BY HIGH-PERFORMANCE THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY USING 2X10-4 MOLAR SOLN 

OF 1-(2-PYRIDYL)PIPERAZINE IN METHYL PHENYL AT RATE OF 1 L/MIN FOR 5-20 MIN. 

SAMPLES FROM TLC PLATES WERE DETECTED WITH IODOPLATINATE. 

[ELLWOOD PA ET AL; ANALYST (LONDON) 106 (1258): 85 (1981)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

Samples were analyzed using gel permeation of normal phase high pressure liquid chromatography with 

fluorescence detection after the derivatization with tryptamine. The minimum identifiable amount was 

about 2 ug. 

[Wu WS et al; Analyst 113: 1209-12 (1988)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

Sample collected on a glass fiber filter coated with N-)p-nitrobenzyl)-N-n-propylamine as an in situ 

derivatizing agent. The resulting derivative is extracted with tetrahydrofuran, treated successively with 

acetyl chloride and methanol and anlyzed by size exclusion liquid chromatography using UV-visible 

detector at 254 nm. Decteion range 2-155 ppb in air for a 45 L air sample. 

[Beasley RK, Warner JM; Anal Chem 56: 1604-8 (1984)] **PEER REVIEWED** 

Special References:

Special Reports: 

Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate (MDI) and Polymethylene Polyphenyl Isocyanate . Chemical Hazard 

Summary, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 20: (1987). 

Woolrich PF; Toxicology, industrial hygiene and medical control of TDI, MDI and PMPPI. Am Ind Hyg 

Assoc J 43 (2): 89-97 (1982). 

Synonyms and Identifiers:

Synonyms: 

ISOCYANATE 580 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

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ISOCYANIC ACID, POLYMETHYLENEPOLYPHENYLENE ESTER 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

ISONATE 390P 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

KAISER NCO 20 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

MILLIONATE MR 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

MIRIONATE MR 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

MONDUR MR 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

MONDUR MRS 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

NCO 20 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

NIAX AFPI 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

PAPI 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

PAPI 901 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

POLYMERIC MDI 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

POLY(METHYLENE PHENYLENE ISOCYANATE) 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

POLYMETHYLENE POLYPHENYLENE ISOCYANATE 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

POLYMETHYLENEPOLYPHENYLENE ISOCYANATE POLYMER 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

POLYMETHYLENEPOLYPHENYLENE POLYISOCYANATE 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

POLYMETHYLENE POLY(PHENYL ISOCYANATE) 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

POLYMETHYLENE POLYPHENYL POLYISOCYANATE 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

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POLYMETHYL POLYPHENYL POLYISOCYANATE 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

POLY(PHENYLENEMETHYLENE ISOCYANATE) 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

POLYPHENYLENE POLYMETHYLENE POLYISOCYANATE 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

POLYPHENYLPOLYMETHYLENE POLYISOCYANATE 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

RUBINATE M 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

SUPRASEC DC 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

SYSTANAT MR 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

TEDIMON 31 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

THANATE P 210 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

THANATE P 220 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

THANATE P 270 

**PEER REVIEWED** 

Administrative Information:

Hazardous Substances Databank Number: 2011 

Last Revision Date: 20021108 

Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 9/14/1995 

Update History: 

Complete Update on 11/08/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 02/13/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 01/14/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 08/09/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 05/15/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 03/30/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 02/08/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

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Complete Update on 09/21/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 08/26/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 08/10/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 02/27/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 10/26/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 01/25/1996, 28 fields added/edited/deleted. 

Field Update on 01/23/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 12/28/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 03/25/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 08/10/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Field update on 12/23/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 10/01/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Field Update on 03/01/1989, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 10/03/1986 

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