Ethyl isocyanate

H225 (95.8%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

H301 (87.5%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H302 (10.4%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H312 (85.4%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H315 (100%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319 (100%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H330 (12.5%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H332 (85.4%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H334 (100%): May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]

H335 (100%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P317, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P317, P319, P320, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 48 reports by companies from 8 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:

Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required. (ERG, 2024)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:

Note: Most foams will react with the material and release corrosive/toxic gases. CAUTION: For Acetyl chloride (UN1717), use CO2 or dry chemical only.

SMALL FIRE: CO2, dry chemical, dry sand, alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. FOR CHLOROSILANES, DO NOT USE WATER; use alcohol-resistant foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.

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/

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· 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 damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

· FOR CHLOROSILANES, use alcohol-resistant foam to reduce vapors.

· DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.

· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

Small Spill

· Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain.

· Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 2481 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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.

Small spill:

- ISOLATE in all directions: 150 m (500 ft)

Large spill:

- ISOLATE in all directions: 1000 m (3000 ft)

- PROTECT people from downwind during DAY time: 2.0 km (1.3 mi)

- PROTECT people from downwind during NIGHT time: 5.3 km (3.3 mi)

- PROTECT people from downwind during DAY time: 11.0+ km (7.0+ mi)

- PROTECT people from downwind during NIGHT time: 11.0+ km (7.0+ mi)

For small quantities absorb on paper towels. /Methyl isocyanate/

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

/For small quantities/ evaporate material in a fume hood. /Methyl isocyanate/

... Employees should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises. Contaminated clothing should be placed in closed containers until it can either be discarded or until provision can be made for the removal of the contaminant. Employees should also be provided with emergency eyewash stations ... . /Methyl isocyanate/

Do not allow this material to enter a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion. /Methyl isocyanate/

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. If contact with the material anticipated, wear appropriate chemical protective clothing.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:

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 damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. FOR CHLOROSILANES, use alcohol-resistant foam to reduce vapors. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. (ERG, 2024)

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].

AEGL 1: Notable discomfort, irritation, or certain asymptomatic non-sensory effects. However, the effects are not disabling and are transient and reversible upon cessation of exposure (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 2: Irreversible or other serious, long-lasting adverse health effects or an impaired ability to escape (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 3: Life-threatening health effects or death (Unit: ppm)

NR = Not recommended due to insufficient data.

AEGLs Status: Final

0.0031 [ppm]

0.034 [ppm]

0.10 [ppm]

0.02 [ppm]

0.06 [ppm]

· Note: Most foams will react with the material and release corrosive/toxic gases.

CAUTION: For Acetyl chloride (UN1717), use CO2 or dry chemical only.

Small Fire

· CO2, dry chemical, dry sand, alcohol-resistant foam.

Large Fire

· Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam.

· FOR CHLOROSILANES, DO NOT USE WATER; use alcohol-resistant foam.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

· Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Do not get water inside containers.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)

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 self-contained 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 supplied-air 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/

Employees should be provided with and required to wear impervious clothing, gloves, faceshields (eight inch minimum) and other appropriate clothing necessary to prevent skin contact with this compound. /Methyl isocyanate/

Ethyl isocyanate appears as a colorless liquid. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. May irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. May be lethal by Inhalation. Used to make pharmaceuticals and pesticides.

Liquid; [Hawley] Colorless liquid; [CAMEO]

Pungent smelling

60 °C @760 [mm Hg]

Miscible in ethanol, ether

Soluble in chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons

0.9031g/cu cm

Isocyanates...are highly reactive and undergo addition reactions across the carbon-nitrogen double bond of the NCO group. Reactions with alcohols, carboxylic acids, and amines have been widely exploited...The basis for the high reactivity of the isocyanates is the low electron density of the central carbon...Electron withdrawing or donating substituents alter the electrophilic nature of the isocyanate...The reactivity of the isocyanates is also manifested in their tendency to react with themselves to form dimers, trimers, or higher oligomers and polymers. /Isocyanates/

0.9031 @25 °C

2.45 (Air = 1)

17.5 [mmHg]

200 [mm Hg] @25 °C

Specific optical rotation = 1.3808 at 20 °C/D

When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of /nitrogen oxides/.

424.5 kcal (liquid)

Index of refraction: 1.3808 at 20 °C/D

15N nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum

Coriolis coupling

Schoenflies notation

Centrifugal distortion

Chemical bond

Chemical shift

Diamagnetic susceptibility

Dielectric constant

Equilibrium structure

Internuclear distance

Lineshape

Magnetic susceptibility

Molecular structure

Nuclear quadrupole coupling

Nuclear quadrupole moment

Optical coefficient

Point group

Quadrupole coupling

Refractive index

Rotation-vibration spectrum

Rotational excitation cross section

Spin-spin coupling constant

Vibrational mode frequency

Toxic Gases & Vapors -> Monoisocyanates

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water. It may react with water to produce a corrosive liquid and carbon dioxide gas.

Isocyanates and Isothiocyanates

Highly Flammable

Water-Reactive

When heated to decomposition ETHYL ISOCYANATE emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 1572].

Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.

Lacrimator (Lachrymator) - A substance that irritates the eyes and induces the flow of tears.

Skin Sensitizer - An agent that can induce an allergic reaction in the skin.

Toxic Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors.

LCLo (rat) = 240 mg/m3/6h

LD50 Mouse iv 56 mg/kg

The effects of 2-chloroethylisocyanate, ethylisocyanate and sodium cyanate on the uptake of isotope-labeled thymidine, leucine and H2O were compared in rat liver and hepatomas. The data suggested that carbamoylating agents may have a common property of inhibiting uptake of compounds in hepatomas under conditions in which there is a smaller effect or no action in the liver of tumor-bearing rats. The distinction between tissues may have been mediated, in part, through effects on tumor circulation and was less apparent when isolated cells were studied in vitro. Preferential inhibitory effects of carbamoylating agents on the uptake of leucine and H2O were also observed with a murine hepatoma, but they were not as great as with rat hepatomas.

If this compound comes into contact with the eyes, wash the eyes immediately with large amounts of water, lifting both the upper and lower lids. Acquire medical attention immediately. /Methyl isocyanate/

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/

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/

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patent can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Isocyanates, aliphatic thiocyanates, and related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Treat exposure to Lethane 60 Lethane 384, Thanite, methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl thiocyanates with the cyanide antidote kit. DIRECT PHYSICIAN ORDER ONLY ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Isocyanates, aliphatic thiocyanates, and related compounds/

Initial Medical Examination: A complete history and physical examination should be performed to detect pre-existing conditions that might place the exposed employee at an increased risk and to establish a baseline for future health monitoring. Examination of the eyes and respiratory tract should be stressed and the skin should be examined for evidence of chronic disorders. The aforementioned medical examinations should be repeated on an annual basis. /Methyl isocyanate/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Exposure of humans to high concn may cause cough, dyspnea, chest pain and an increase in secretions. /Methyl isocyanate/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ 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/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Isocyanates ... produce lung disease /in/ manufacture of plastics and chemical industry. Acute effects /include/ airway irritation, cough, /and/ dyspnea; chronic effects /include asthma, and/ reduced pulmonary function. /From table, isocyanates/

/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ /During/ 0.5 to 4 yr of follow-up after leaving work, /among total of 104/ subjects with occupational asthma /from isocyanate exposure/, 50 to 82% /had/ persistence of symptoms and 58 to 77% of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. /From table, isocyanates/

/ALTERNATIVE and IN VITRO TESTS/ ... Of the isocyanates, bone marrow toxicity was highest with chloroethyl isocyanate and cyclohexyl isocyanate, intermediate with ethyl isocyanate, and lowest with KOCN and ethyl isothiocyanate.

2% of some worker populations /with the genetic factor of / immunologic hypersensitivity /have increased risk when exposed to/ isocyanates. /From table, Isocyanates/

Persons with a history of asthma, allergies ... or impaired lung or pulmonary function may be at an increased risk. /Methyl isocyanate/

Ethyl isocyanate's production and use as an intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals and pesticides may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 200 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates ethyl isocyanate will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase ethyl isocyanate will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 15 days. Ethyl isocyanate does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. Isocyanates undergo rapid hydrolysis under environmental conditions with half-lives of less than 10 minutes. Therefore, hydrolysis is expected to be the dominant fate process for ethyl isocyanate in moist soil and water. If released to soil, adsorption, biodegradation, and volatilization from moist soil surfaces are not expected to compete with hydrolysis as important fate and transport processes; however, ethyl isocyanate may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. If released to water, adsorption to sediment, bioconcentration, biodegradation, and volatilization from water surfaces are not expected to compete with hydrolysis as important fate and transport processes. Occupational exposure to ethyl isocyanate may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where ethyl isocyanate is produced or used. (SRC)

Ethyl isocyanate's production and use as an intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals and pesticides(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Isocyanates undergo rapid hydrolysis under environmental conditions with half-lives of less than 10 minutes(1). Therefore, hydrolysis is expected to be the dominant fate process for ethyl isocyanate in moist soil(SRC). Soil adsorption, biodegradation, and volatilization from moist soil are not expected to compete with hydrolysis as important fate and transport processes(SRC). Ethyl isocyanate may volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 200 mm Hg(2).

AQUATIC FATE: Isocyanates undergo rapid hydrolysis under environmental conditions with half-lives of less than 10 minutes(1). Therefore, hydrolysis is expected to be the dominant fate process for ethyl isocyanate in water(SRC). Sorption to sediments, volatilization, bioconcentration, and biodegradation are not expected to compete with hydrolysis as important fate and transport processes in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), ethyl isocyanate, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 200 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase ethyl isocyanate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 15 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.1X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Ethyl isocyanate does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(4).

Isocyanates undergo rapid hydrolysis under environmental conditions with half-lives of less than 10 minutes(1). Therefore, hydrolysis is expected to be the dominant fate process for ethyl isocyanate in moist soil and water(SRC). Biodegradation is not expected to compete with hydrolysis as an important fate process(SRC).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of ethyl isocyanate with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.1X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 15 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Ethyl isocyanate does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(2). Isocyanates react rapidly with nucleophilic reagents(3,4); therefore, ethyl isocyanate is expected to undergo rapid hydrolysis in moist soil and water(SRC). The rate of hydrolysis for ethyl isocyanate is not available; however, the measured rate constants for the acid catalyzed hydrolysis of methyl isocyanate in aqueous solution at 15 and 25 °C are 5.9X10-4 sec-1 and 1.34X10-3 sec-1, respectively(5). These correspond to half-lives of 20 and 9 min, respectively. In a spill situation, reaction of isocyanates with water yields an unstable carbamate which undergoes decarboxylation to form carbon dioxide plus the corresponding amine(3). The amine then reacts with isocyanate to form a symmetrically disubstituted urea(3).

Isocyanates undergo rapid hydrolysis under environmental conditions with half-lives of less than 10 minutes(1). Therefore, hydrolysis is expected to be the dominant fate process for ethyl isocyanate in water(SRC). Bioconcentration is not expected to compete with hydrolysis as an important environmental process(SRC).

Isocyanates undergo rapid hydrolysis under environmental conditions with half-lives of less than 10 minutes(1). Therefore, hydrolysis is expected to be the dominant fate process for ethyl isocyanate in moist soil and water(SRC). Adsorption to soil and sediment is not expected to compete with hydrolysis as an important environmental process(SRC).

Isocyanates undergo rapid hydrolysis under environmental conditions with half-lives of less than 10 minutes(1). Therefore, hydrolysis is expected to be the dominant fate process for ethyl isocyanate in moist soil and water(SRC). Volatilization from moist soil and water surfaces is not expected to compete with hydrolysis as an important removal process(SRC). Ethyl isocyanate may volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 200 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined using a structure estimation method(2).

Occupational exposure to ethyl isocyanate may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where ethyl isocyanate is produced or used(SRC). The concentration of ethyl isocyanate measured in a single air sample from a welding operation in a car repair shop was 60 ug/cu m(1).

Ethyl isocyanate's production and use as an intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals and pesticides may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 200 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates ethyl isocyanate will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase ethyl isocyanate will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 15 days. Ethyl isocyanate does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. Isocyanates undergo rapid hydrolysis under environmental conditions with half-lives of less than 10 minutes. Therefore, hydrolysis is expected to be the dominant fate process for ethyl isocyanate in moist soil and water. If released to soil, adsorption, biodegradation, and volatilization from moist soil surfaces are not expected to compete with hydrolysis as important fate and transport processes; however, ethyl isocyanate may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. If released to water, adsorption to sediment, bioconcentration, biodegradation, and volatilization from water surfaces are not expected to compete with hydrolysis as important fate and transport processes. Occupational exposure to ethyl isocyanate may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where ethyl isocyanate is produced or used. (SRC)

Ethyl isocyanate's production and use as an intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals and pesticides(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Isocyanates undergo rapid hydrolysis under environmental conditions with half-lives of less than 10 minutes(1). Therefore, hydrolysis is expected to be the dominant fate process for ethyl isocyanate in moist soil(SRC). Soil adsorption, biodegradation, and volatilization from moist soil are not expected to compete with hydrolysis as important fate and transport processes(SRC). Ethyl isocyanate may volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 200 mm Hg(2).

AQUATIC FATE: Isocyanates undergo rapid hydrolysis under environmental conditions with half-lives of less than 10 minutes(1). Therefore, hydrolysis is expected to be the dominant fate process for ethyl isocyanate in water(SRC). Sorption to sediments, volatilization, bioconcentration, and biodegradation are not expected to compete with hydrolysis as important fate and transport processes in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), ethyl isocyanate, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 200 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase ethyl isocyanate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 15 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.1X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Ethyl isocyanate does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(4).

Isocyanates undergo rapid hydrolysis under environmental conditions with half-lives of less than 10 minutes(1). Therefore, hydrolysis is expected to be the dominant fate process for ethyl isocyanate in moist soil and water(SRC). Biodegradation is not expected to compete with hydrolysis as an important fate process(SRC).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of ethyl isocyanate with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.1X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 15 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Ethyl isocyanate does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(2). Isocyanates react rapidly with nucleophilic reagents(3,4); therefore, ethyl isocyanate is expected to undergo rapid hydrolysis in moist soil and water(SRC). The rate of hydrolysis for ethyl isocyanate is not available; however, the measured rate constants for the acid catalyzed hydrolysis of methyl isocyanate in aqueous solution at 15 and 25 °C are 5.9X10-4 sec-1 and 1.34X10-3 sec-1, respectively(5). These correspond to half-lives of 20 and 9 min, respectively. In a spill situation, reaction of isocyanates with water yields an unstable carbamate which undergoes decarboxylation to form carbon dioxide plus the corresponding amine(3). The amine then reacts with isocyanate to form a symmetrically disubstituted urea(3).

Isocyanates undergo rapid hydrolysis under environmental conditions with half-lives of less than 10 minutes(1). Therefore, hydrolysis is expected to be the dominant fate process for ethyl isocyanate in water(SRC). Bioconcentration is not expected to compete with hydrolysis as an important environmental process(SRC).

Isocyanates undergo rapid hydrolysis under environmental conditions with half-lives of less than 10 minutes(1). Therefore, hydrolysis is expected to be the dominant fate process for ethyl isocyanate in moist soil and water(SRC). Adsorption to soil and sediment is not expected to compete with hydrolysis as an important environmental process(SRC).

Isocyanates undergo rapid hydrolysis under environmental conditions with half-lives of less than 10 minutes(1). Therefore, hydrolysis is expected to be the dominant fate process for ethyl isocyanate in moist soil and water(SRC). Volatilization from moist soil and water surfaces is not expected to compete with hydrolysis as an important removal process(SRC). Ethyl isocyanate may volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 200 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined using a structure estimation method(2).

Occupational exposure to ethyl isocyanate may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where ethyl isocyanate is produced or used(SRC). The concentration of ethyl isocyanate measured in a single air sample from a welding operation in a car repair shop was 60 ug/cu m(1).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

/For small quantities/ evaporate material in a fume hood. /Methyl isocyanate/

If ... THERE IS NO FIRE, go directly to the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances /(see table below)/ ... to obtain initial isolation and protective action distances. IF THERE IS A FIRE, or IF A FIRE IS INVOLVED, go directly to the appropriate guide /(see guide(s) below)/ and use the evacuation information shown under PUBLIC SAFETY.

Table: Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances for Ethyl isocyanate [Table#5867]

/GUIDE 155: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE (Flammable/Water-Sensitive)/ Fire or Explosion: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Substance will react with water (some violently) releasing flammable, toxic or corrosive gases and runoff. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.

/GUIDE 155: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE (Flammable/Water-Sensitive)/ Health: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Bromoacetates and chloroacetates are extremely irritating/lachrymators. Reaction with water or moist air will release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

/GUIDE 155: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE (Flammable/Water-Sensitive)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for ETHYL ISOCYANATE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 2481; Ethyl isocyanate

IMO 3.0; Ethyl isocyanate

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Poison Inhalation Hazard Flammable Liquid