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Toluene Diisocyanates (TDIs)
(CAS Registry Numbers 26471-62-5, 584-84-9 and 91-08-7)

2,4-diisocyanato-1-methyl-benzene
2,6-diisocyanato-1-methyl-benzene
1,3-diisocyanatomethyl-benzene

What are they?

• TDIs are chemicals that are used by industry in the manufacture of certain products.

How Are They Used?

• TDIs are primarily used to manufacture polyurethane foam which is used in household furniture and automotive upholstery, mattresses, pillows, packaging and carpet underlay.
  
  
• Semi-flexible and semi-rigid polyurethane foam are also used in automotive panels, padding and bumpers.
  
  
• Exposure to TDIs from use of polyurethane foam products is negligible.
  
  
• TDIs may also be used in sealants, coatings, adhesives, some alkyd paints (i.e., automotive and marine paint), wood varnish, floor treatment and wire and powder coating.
  
  
• TDIs have limited applications in food packaging and food processing. Because of the way they are used in food processing, there is no expected human exposure from food-related uses.
  
  
• Based on the most recent data, TDIs are not manufactured in Canada, but are imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada Assess Them?

• TDIs have been shown to cause cancer in some studies with laboratory animals and can affect the respiratory system of laboratory animals.  Although exposures to Canadians are low, the Government of Canada's objective is to minimize exposures to these substances.
  
  
• Exposures can be elevated near certain industrial facilities where TDIs are used and during use of consumer products containing TDIs.

What is the Government of Canada Doing?

• The Government of Canada has determined that TDIs are "toxic" as defined under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
  
  
• The Government of Canada will propose to use a risk management measure under CEPA 1999 that prescribes maximum concentrations in air stack emissions from industrial facilities.
  
  
• Although not currently used is cosmetics, the Government of Canada will propose to prohibit any possible future use in cosmetics.
  
  
• The Government of Canada will also investigate the need for further risk management of consumer products (non-foam products).

What Canadians Can Do

• Canadians using polyurethane based paints, varnishes, coatings, adhesives and sealants should read and follow the safety instructions provided on the label, particularly the advice to use in a well-ventilated area, and to wear protective equipment.