Environmental Aspects of TDI

Abstract

The environmental consequences of man's activities are subject not only to extensive public debate, but also to wide-ranging regulatory activities: The United States of America and Western Europe are taking lead roles. We review the changing regulatory scene and the likely demands on those producing, transporting, storing and using TDI. There are two main themes. Firstly, regulators will require that real or potential environmental exposure is reduced. Secondly, further data will have to be generated to allow the consequences of environmental exposure to be understood better, and risk assessments to be prepared. Other themes are notification and labelling

The numerous studies carried out on TDI, in terms of observed or likely fate and effects in air, water and soil, are received. We discuss current levels of environmental exposure, the containment or natural destruction of released TDI, and the ecotoxicity of TDI and/or its reaction products. Taken together, these indicate that the current environmental impact is likely to be very low. However, more data need to be generated to improve our understanding, and to conform to regulatory requirements. A strategy of studies to fulfil both objectives is suggested. A number of the studies are already well advanced or currently being implemented. The proposed studies reflect a changing emphasis, from studies designed to investigate actual or simulated emission or spillage scenarios with commercial (mixed isomer) TDI, towards studies designed to understand fundamental aspects of TDI fate and effects in the environment. New test procedures may need to be developed to yield data for modelling and risk assessment.