Production in the TDI plant at the BASF SE site in Ludwigshafen has been idled due to a technical defect. The impacted equipment in the closed safety chamber will be analyzed and, if necessary, replaced. Before the plant is restarted, BASF will reexamine all relevant parts as a precaution. As usual, this will be done in cooperation with the respective authorities.

TDI (toluene diisocyanate) is a core component for polyurethanes. It is mainly used in the furniture industry (elastic foams for mattresses, cushions or wood coating) and the automotive industry (seat cushions).

This is from late November 2016

https://www.basf.com/de/en/company/about-us/sites/ludwigshafen/the-site/news-and-media/news-releases/2016/11/p-16-383.html