Methylenediphenyl Diisocyanate and Diamine (MDI/MDA) Substance Grouping

Certain methylenediphenyl diisocyanate and diamine (MDI/MDA) substances are among those identified as priorities for action for the second phase of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). The selection of these MDI/MDA substances for action is based on the categorization process completed in 2006 and on new information received as part of the first phase of the CMP. Formaldehyde, polymer with benzenamine (CAS RN 25214-70-4) was not initially prioritized for screening assessment but was added to the MDI/MDA Substance Grouping because of its similarity to the other MDA substance in the Grouping. The Government of Canada concluded that the 5 MDI substances may be considered harmful to human health because of possible exposure from the use of certain do-it-yourself low-pressure two-component spray polyurethane foam products.

• Code of practice
• Adding substances to Schedule 1
• Applying Significant New Activity provisions
• Summary of publications
• Timelines
• Final screening assessment and risk management approach
• Information gathering
  • Mandatory survey - section 71 notice

Code of practice

In August 2020, a Code of Practice for Certain Methylenediphenyl Diisocyanates in Low-Pressure Two-Component Spray Polyurethane Foam Products was released and the related notice was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 154, No. 35 – August 29, 2020.

The code of practice aims to reduce exposure of the general population to MDIs resulting from the use of low-pressure two-component spray polyurethane foam (SPF) products containing MDIs that are available to consumers by setting elements of best practices and recommendations for any person who manufactures, imports, or sells low-pressure two-component SPF products containing MDIs available to consumers in order to:

• provide general information to users on safe use and handling
• communicate general information concerning health and safety procedures, including appropriate personal protective equipment
• facilitate access to training materials to help promote proper use
• provide retailers with general information to help promote safe use and handling

Declarations and reports should be submitted to Health Canada by mail or email. Please include "Declaration for Code of Practice for MDI Substances" or “Report on Implementation of the Code of Practice for MDI Substances”, as appropriate, in the subject line of your message.

Contact information

Health Canada
269 Laurier Avenue West, Address Location 4905B
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9
Email: HC.chemicalsubstances-chimiques.SC@canada.ca

The Government of Canada worked collaboratively with stakeholders to leverage knowledge and expertise to develop a code of practice as an effective and practical risk management tool.    

In April 2019, the Proposed Code of Practice for Certain Methylenediphenyl Diisocyanates in Low-Pressure Two-Component Spray Polyurethane Foam Products was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 153, No. 14 – April 6, 2019 for a 60-day public comment period. A summary of public comments received on the Proposed Code of Practice for Certain Methylenediphenyl Diisocyanates in Low-Pressure Two-Component Spray Polyurethane Foam Products is available.

Adding substances to Schedule 1

Five MDI substances have been added to Schedule 1.

• Final order adding 5 substances: Canada Gazette, Part II: Vol. 153, No. 10 - May 15, 2019

Applying Significant New Activity provisions

View the Significant New Activity Publications under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

The 2 MDA substances assessed may be addressed through the application of Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions. A notice of intent has been published. For additional guidance on submitting information required as part of SNAc notifications, please see the Guidelines for the Notification and Testing of New Substances: Chemicals and Polymers.

• Notice of intent amending the Domestic Substances List (DSL) that applies to benzenamine, 4,4'-methylenebis- and formaldehyde, polymer with benzenamine: Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 151, No. 23 - June 10, 2017

Summary of publications

Final screening assessment and risk management approach

In June 2017, the Final Screening Assessment for the MDI/MDA Substance Grouping was released and the related notice was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 151, No. 23 - June 10, 2017.

The final screening assessment concluded that the 5 MDI substances are harmful to human health as set out in section 64(c) of CEPA 1999 but are not harmful to the environment. It also concluded that the 2 MDA substances are not harmful to the environment or to human health. Therefore the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health proposed to add the 5 MDI substances to Schedule 1 of the Act.

A proposed risk management approach for these 5 MDI substances was also released on this date for a 60-day public comment period. This document builds on the previously released risk management scope, and outlines, in more depth, the risk management actions for these substances, including the choice of risk management instruments.

In August 2014, the Draft Screening Assessment for the MDI/MDA Substance Grouping was released and the related notice was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 148, No. 33 - August 16, 2014. A risk management scope was also released in conjunction with this publication.

Information gathering

Mandatory survey - section 71 notice

In June 2012, a notice was issued in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol.146, No.24 - June 16, 2012 under section 71 of CEPA 1999. This notice applied to 8 substances; specifically, 7 substances that are part of the MDI/MDA Substance Grouping, and one substance (phenol, methyl-) that is part of the Internationally Classified Substance Grouping. The notice was issued in order to gather updated data on the manufacture, import and uses of these substances for the year 2011. It is important to note that formaldehyde, polymer with benzenamine (CAS RN 25214-70-4), included in the notice, was not initially identified in the MDI/MDA Substance Grouping. However, information was collected on this CAS RN as it was believed to be a commercially relevant mixture containing benzenamine, 4,4'-methylenebis- (CAS RN 101-77-9).

A compilation of the non-confidential data received on methylenediphenyl diisocyanate and diamine (MDI/MDA) and methylphenol substances in response to the section 71 notice, including information submitted on a voluntary basis, is available via the Government of Canada Open Data Portal. Along with the compilation, a non-confidential information summary provides general information on the volume of information received and the substances, activities, substance functions, commercial uses and sectors most often reported.