Sensory and pulmonary irritation of methyl isocyanate in mice and pulmonary irritation and possible cyanidelike effects of methyl isocyanate in guinea pigs.

Methyl isocyanate (MIC) was evaluated for sensory and pulmonary irritation in mice. MIC was found to be both a potent sensory and pulmonary irritant in this species. From these results, a safe level of exposure for a period of 8 hr was estimated to be about 0.02 ppm for humans. Guinea pigs were also exposed to MIC for a single 3-hr exposure at a concentration of 37 ppm. During exposure to MIC, coughing was observed in all animals. Pulmonary function was evaluated immediately following exposure and intermittently on the next 35 days using CO2 challenges and flow-volume loops. Highly abnormal responses to CO2 were observed immediately after exposure in all animals. Six of the eight animals exposed to MIC died. In the two survivors, an apparent recovery was seen during the 5 days following exposure, but a worsening effect was observed at days 21 and 28, with a partial recovery at day 35. The data clearly demonstrated that the primary pulmonary effect of MIC was one of airways obstruction. Oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide output were also measured in the guinea pigs following exposure to MIC. No evidence of a cyanidelike effect was observed, in contrast to a severe depression of oxygen uptake following exposure to hydrogen cyanide.