Toluene Diioscyanates
Toluene-2,6-diisocyanate (2,6-TDI), toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (2,4-TDI), and toluene diisocyanate mixed isomers are the three forms of TDI commonly used in commerce. Exposure to TDIs can result in severe skin, eye, lung, and throat irritation, and respiratory sensitization. TDIs are strong sensitizers and are classified as possible carcinogens. Workplaces are the primary source of exposure to TDIs. TDI’s are used as intermediary chemicals in the manufacture of polyurethanes, among other applications. In Massachusetts, businesses used 6.6 million pounds of TDIs in 2014.
Toluene Diisocyanates are designated as a Higher Hazard Substance under TURA, which lowers the reporting threshold to 1,000 lb/year, effective January 2017.
Information about Toluene Diisocyanates Prepared by the TURA Program
| Content Category | Publication Type | Title | Year | Description |
| Overview | Fact Sheet | Toluene Diisocyantes Fact Sheet | 2016 | TURI Chemical Fact Sheets describe the hazards, exposure routes, uses and alternatives, and regulatory context for selected chemicals. |
| Policy | Policy Analysis | Toluene Diisocyanates Policy Analysis | 2014 | TURA Policy Analyses are developed as background for state wide decision making about individual chemicals and chemical classes. |
Other Resources
| Source | Title | Year | Description |
| Federal | |||
| Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry | Toxicological Profile for TDI | 2011 | The ATSDR toxicological profile succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effects information for the hazardous substance described. |
| EPA | Action Plan for TDI | 2011 | Information about TDI and related EPA activities |
| NIOSH | Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) and Toluenediamine: Evidence of Carcinogenicity | 2014 | Chemical and physical properties, exposure limits, studies of carcinogenicity. |
| State | |||
| California Office of Environmental Health Hazards | Toluene Diisocyanates (2,4 and 2,6) | 2016 | Overview of Reference Exposure Levels (RELs) |