Foams, sealants, and coatings are only a few of the industries and uses for diisocyanates, which are also utilized as chemical building blocks in many other areas. Worker occupational asthma has been highlighted as a significant occupational health issue in the European Union (EU) due to respiratory sensitization brought on by cutaneous and inhalation exposure to diisocyanates. Diisocyanates should not be used in industrial or professional settings or sold on their own, as a component of other chemicals, or in mixes, according to a proposal by the European Chemicals Agency.
Diisocyanates are now subject to further restrictions in Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 of REACH, the EU notified on August 4, 2020. Diisocyanates may not be marketed as a standalone substance, an ingredient in other substances, or a component of mixtures for industrial and professional use(s) after 24 February 2022. To the best of our knowledge and experience, PHOENIX Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) are free of Diisocyanates.