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Hardeners, also called catalysts or activators, contain diisocyanates and organic
solvents. Diisocyanates (also called isocyanates) can cause serious health effects
at very low levels. Many solvents are also very toxic. Painters should know what
chemicals are in the paints they are using, their health effects, and safe handling
procedures to protect themselves, their co-workers, and their families.
Hardeners may contain the following diisocyanates:
- Hexamethylene Diisocyanate (HDI) Polyisocyanate - CAS #28182-82-1
- Isophorone (IPDI) Diisocyanate Polyisocyanates - CAS #53880-5-0
- Aliphatic Polyisocyanates (generic name)
- Hexamethylene Diisocyanate (HDI) - CAS #822-06-2
- Isophorone Diisocyanate (IPDI) - CAS #4098-71-9
"Your Lungs, Your Skin, Your Life"
Body Shop Business, October 2006 - posted by permission
NIOSH Alert on Diisocyanates
"Preventing Asthma and Death from Diisocyanate Exposure"
Preventing Asthma and Death from MDI Exposure During Spray-on Truck Bed Liner and Related Applications—NIOSH Alert
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2006-149 (September 2006)
This Alert summarizes four case reports: one death and several incidents of asthma or other respiratory disease following exposure to MDI during spray-on truck bed lining operations.
A separate NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Isocyanates page is also available.
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazard
provides information on physical chemical properties, toxicity, exposure limits, personal protection and respirator recommendations, exposure routes, symptoms, target organs, and cancer causing potential.
New Jersey Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet on hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)
Available on the New Jersey Right to Know web site. Click on the alphabetical list and locate hexamethylene diisocyanate (CAS # 822-06-0).
EPA Profile on Diisocyanates
Background information on the use of diisocyanates in the auto refinishing industry, including hazard concerns, control technologies used to reduce exposures, regulatory status, and opportunities for innovation in reducing risks and promoting pollution prevention.
EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
profile on 1,6-Hexamethylene diisocyanate (CAS # 822-06-0)
EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards Hazardous Air Pollutants Fact Sheet on diisocyanates |