Skin Effects:

   Direct skin contact with isocyanates may cause skin irritation, rashes, blistering and reddening. The scientific literature indicates that it is possible to produce "allergic skin sensitization" of guinea pigs and mice with solutions of TDI. Skin contact with TDI may result in respiratory tract hypersensitivity, as has been shown in guinea pigs.

Eyes:

   Exposure to airborne isocyanates may cause the eyes to tear and result in eye irritation and a temporary decrease in sharpness of vision. Isocyanates splashed into the eye can cause severe irritation and possible damage to the cornea (the membrane covering the lens of the eye).

Nervous System Effects:

   Symptoms resulting in nervous system effects include a feeling of drunkenness, numbness and loss of balance . These have been described as occurring immediately after a single severe exposure to TDI by firefighters in a burning polyurethane foam factory, with some symptoms lasting up to 4 years. They also reported nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, which were temporary symptoms.

Nervous System Effects:

   Symptoms resulting in nervous system effects include a feeling of drunkenness, numbness and loss of balance . These have been described as occurring immediately after a single severe exposure to TDI by firefighters in a burning polyurethane foam factory, with some symptoms lasting up to 4 years. They also reported nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, which were temporary symptoms.

Cancer:

   The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determined there is sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity of TDI to experimental animals but inadequate evidence to determine its cancer-causing effects in humans. However, in the absence of adequate data in humans, it is reasonable to regard chemicals for which there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals as if they represented a cancer risk to humans. NIOSH has released information classifying TDI as a potential occupational carcinogen.

Reproductive Effects:

   There is limited evidence that exposure to toluene-2,4-diisocyanate may cause temporary impotence in males.