TGIC Hazards Used as Powder Coating Curing Agent

Harmful Substances in Our Lives that We Do Not Know Well: TGIC (triglycidyl isocyanurate)

Mutagen! Organ Damage!

There are many harmful substances that we use but we do not know well in our lives.

Among them, we will learn about Triglycidyl Isocyanurate (TGIC) which is mainly used as a hardener.
TGIC is a raw material that is widely used as a curing agent in powder coatings using polyester resins.
The hardener is combined with the resin, which plays a role in the performance of the paint as a film.

There are two types of hardeners used in polyester resin powder coatings, a TGIC-free type hardener and a TGIC type hardener.

Powder coatings of polyester resins are wildly used in

• For indoor, industrial machines, interiors, furniture, home appliances, office furniture, electrical appliances, etc.
• For outdoor use, mobile parts, achitectural material such as fasade and window frames, electric control box, outdoor air-conditioner unit, etc.

Acute toxicity(GHS pictogram)

So now on, let's take a closer look at the harmfulness of TGIC.

• TGIC can be absorbed by the body through the skin. In addition, it can be introduced through the mouth or breath, and dust containing TGIC is often introduced into the body through breathing.
• If swallowed or inholed TGIC, it could damage the lungs, kidneys and digestive system.
• The more contact with TGIC, the more sensitive the body is to TGIC.
• TGIC can cause serious eye damage.
• Animal testing has shown that TGIC can cause genetic modifications.
• Blisters, itching, and swelling were observed in workers who used powder coatings or hardeners containing TGIC, asthma and leukocytosis in exposed powder spray workers, and atopic symptoms in exposed skin.
• Human tests of cancer patients showed toxic symptoms such as decreased spinal cord activity (blood production), dizziness, vomiting, white blood cell reduction, and partial hair loss.

There is still a lack of long-term testing for the effects of TGIC on the human body. So in addition to the hazards mentioned above, there may be more serious effects.

Health Hazard(GHS pictogram)

So please be aware of the following points when handling TGIC.

Where powder coatings containing TGIC are used,

1. Paint booths with limited access should be used.
2. Vacuums / suction cleaners should be used for cleaning to minimize dust.
3. If you use a powder coating with TGIC, you will need to wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, dustproof clothing, safety glasses and a dust mask.
4. Personal protective equipment must be worn in all processes of handling powdercoatings that containing TGIC.

To deal with TGIC as a raw material,

1. Vacuums cleaners should be used to minimize dust generation.
2. The process of handling raw materials must be designed to be sealed and automated as possible to minimize human access.
3. Dust collectors / suction facilities are provided throughout the workplace so that dust can be removed immediately.

Wherever TGIC is handled, safety training for personnel, training to wear personal protective equipment and provision of personal protective equipment should be provided and done.

TGIC should be more careful as its toxicity persists even after commercialization with raw materials.

Products containing TGIC are prohibited for use in some parts of China as well as in Europe.

Many countries are aware of the toxicity of TGIC, and regulations on safety training and dust collection facilities for workers are being implemented. Companies that used products containing TGIC are increasingly demanding TGIC-free products.

Reference :

1. NICNAS https://www.nicnas.gov.au/chemical-information/factsheets/chemical-name/triglycidylisocyanurate-tgic
2. WHO Concise International Chemical Assessment Document 8 TRIGLYCIDYL ISOCYANURATE

Link of the post in Korean: 유전자 변형! 장기손상! 유해물질 : TGIC(트리글리시딜 이소시아누레이트)