ARLINGTON, Va. (Nov. 1)—The Alliance for the Polyurethanes Industry has published a paper calling for the reclassification of polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate as "toxic" rather than a "highly toxic" hazard chemical in the International Fire Code. The paper, available on API's Web site at www.polyurethane.org., maintains PMDI warrants a toxic classification based on its properties, fire behavior and inhalation toxicity. Scientific studies supporting API's premise are summarized in the paper. The paper, titled "Commentary on the Toxicity Classification of PMDI in the International Fire Code," also reviews the International Fire Code classification on storage practices for PMDI and the practical impact on reclassification. "The stringent requirements on MDI storage from the unwarranted 'highly toxic' classification cause an excessive burden on small-quantity users of PMDI," according to Chris Cleet, API's environment, health and safety manager.
API seeks MDI reclassification
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