Isophorone diisocyanate – information sheet

Cyclohexane, 5-isocyanato-1-(isocyanatomethyl)-1,3,3-trimethyl- (isophorone diisocyanate; IPDI)
CAS Registry Number 4098-71-9

Overview

The Government of Canada conducted a science-based evaluation, called a screening assessment, to address the potential for harm to Canadians and to the environment from isophorone diisocyanate.
Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), the risk posed by a substance is determined by considering both its hazardous properties (its potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount of exposure there is to people and the environment. A substance may have hazardous properties; however, the risk to human health or to the environment may be low depending upon the level of exposure.
- More information on assessing risk can be found in the Overview of Risk Assessment and related fact sheets, particularly on Types of Risk Assessment Documents and the Risk Assessment Toolbox.
The ecological hazard and exposure potentials of IPDI were classified using the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances Approach.
IPDI may be associated with human health and/or ecological effects; however, exposure to Canadians is low. The government concluded that IPDI is not harmful to human health or to the environment at current levels of exposure.

The screening assessment focused on the substance cyclohexane, 5-isocyanato-1-(isocyanatomethyl)-1,3,3-trimethyl-, also referred to as isophorone diisocyanate or IPDI. This substance was assessed under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
According to the information gathered by the Government, this substance is man-made and does not occur naturally in the environment. In Canada, IPDI is used primarily in the manufacture of various polymers, such as polyurethanes.
IPDI is also found in paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, and floor coverings.

Exposure of Canadians to IPDI is not expected from the environment, food, or drinking water.
Canadians may be exposed to low levels of IPDI from the use of automotive paint hardeners during do-it-yourself projects.
According to the information considered under the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances Approach, IPDI was identified as having a low ecological exposure potential.

IPDI has been reviewed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Co-operative Chemicals Assessment Programme. This review was used to inform the health effects characterization in the screening assessment. Changes in the nose and throat indicative of irritation were considered to be the important or "critical" effect used for characterizing the risk to human health for IPDI.
Also, the European Commission has classified IPDI as a respiratory sensitizer.
According to information considered under the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances Approach, IPDI was identified as having a moderate ecological hazard potential based on its moderate level of ecotoxicity and bioaccumulation potential.

Based upon a comparison of levels to which Canadians can be exposed to IPDI and levels associated with health effects, the risk to human health from this substance is considered to be low.
Based on the outcome of the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances Approach, IPDI is considered unlikely to cause ecological harm.
The Government of Canada published the Final Screening Assessment for Isophorone Diisocyanate on April 27, 2019.

As a result of the assessment, the Government concluded that IPDI is not harmful to human health at current levels of exposure.
The Government also concluded that IPDI is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.

IPDI can be found in certain products available to consumers. Canadians should follow any safety warnings and directions on product labels and dispose of products responsibly.
Visit Healthy Home for more information on chemical safety in and around the home.
Canadians who may be exposed to IPDI in the workplace can consult with their employer and an occupational health and safety (OHS) representative about safe handling practices, applicable laws, and requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).