Common Name: Cupferron CAS Number: 135-20-6 DOT Number: None Date: January, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Cupferron can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Cupferron is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Cupferron can cause irritation of the eyes. IDENTIFICATION Cupferron is a white crystal, but may be used in solution. It is a reagent used to separate copper, iron and vanadium from other metals. REASON FOR CITATION * Cupferron is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by NTP and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS No occupational exposure limits have been established for Cupferron. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. * It should be recognized that Cupferron can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. * Cupferron is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Cupferron is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Cupferron and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Cupferron to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Cupferron: * Cupferron can cause irritation of the eyes. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Cupferron and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Cupferron is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been shown to cause liver, stomach and spleen cancer in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Cupferron has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Cupferron has not been tested for other chronic (long term) health effects. MEDICAL Medical Testing There is no special test for this chemical. However, if illness occurs or overexposure is suspected, medical attention is recommended. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following control is recommended: * Where possible, automatically transfer Cupferron from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Cupferron should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Cupferron. * On skin contact with Cupferron, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Cupferron, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Cupferron is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Use a wet method to reduce dust during cleanup. DO NOT DRY SWEEP. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Cupferron. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. Eye Protection * Wear dust or a splash proof face shield when working with liquids containing Cupferron, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Cupferron does not occur. A fume hood is required. * At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. Common Name: Cupferron DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 135-20-6 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY not found not rated REACTIVITY not found not rated ---------------------------------------- CARCINOGEN POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Ammonia and Oxides of Nitrogen. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Cupferron is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. Collect powdered material using a wet method. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Cupferron as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Cupferron you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from HEAT, MOISTURE, STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE), STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC), and STRONG BASES. * Refrigerate. FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Skin Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Benzenamine, N Hydroxy N Nitroso , Ammonium Salt Other Names and Formulations: Ammonium Nitrosophenylhydroxylamine; NCI CO3258. ----------------------------------------- Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Cupferron is a crystalline solid used as a reagent for separating copper and iron from other metals, and as a quantitative reagent for vanadium, titanium and aluminum. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges or spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Cupferron has high toxicity to birds. It has caused size decrease and respiration decrease in agricultural crops. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of cupferron to aquatic life, plants, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term, chronic effects of cupferron to aquatic life, plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Cupferron is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT In bodies of water, cupferron will form compounds with such metals as aluminum, cobalt, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc. Cupferron and compounds formed with metals will decompose to form nitrobenzene at higher temperatures, but not near freezing. Cupferron and its compounds might sorb to solids in the aquatic environment. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. Cupferron and its compounds might concentrate in edible tissues of aquatic species. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.