Common Name: Nitrilotriacetic Acid CAS Number: 139-13-9 DOT Number: None Date: May, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Nitrilotriacetic Acid can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Nitrilotriacetic Acid is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Skin or eye contact can cause irritation, or even burns with a concentrated solution. * Breathing the dust or mist may irritate the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms may include nosebleeds, sore throat, hoarseness, cough with phlegm and/or difficulty breathing. * High or repeated exposure may cause kidney damage. IDENTIFICATION Nitrilotriacetic Acid is a white crystalline powder. It is used to make other chemicals. REASON FOR CITATION * Nitrilotriacetic Acid 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 Nitrilotriacetic Acid. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. It should be recognized that Nitrilotriacetic Acid can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. * Nitrilotriacetic Acid 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 Nitrilotriacetic Acid is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Nitrilotriacetic Acid 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 Nitrilotriacetic Acid 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 Nitrilotriacetic Acid: * Eye or skin contact may cause irritation or even burns, especially with a concentrated solution. * The dust or mist may irritate the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms may include nosebleeds, sore throat, hoarseness, cough, phlegm and/or difficulty breathing. * High exposure may damage the kidneys. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Nitrilotriacetic Acid and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Nitrilotriacetic Acid is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been shown to cause urinary tract and kidney 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, Nitrilotriacetic Acid has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure may cause kidney damage. MEDICAL TESTING If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Kidney function test, including urine test. 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 Nitrilotriacetic Acid 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 Nitrilotriacetic Acid 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 Nitrilotriacetic Acid. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * On skin contact with Nitrilotriacetic Acid, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Nitrilotriacetic Acid, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Nitrilotriacetic Acid is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum. 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 Nitrilotriacetic Acid. 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 * Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory protection. 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 Nitrilotriacetic Acid does not occur. * 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: Nitrilotriacetic Acid DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 139-13-9 ----------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY 0 Not Rated REACTIVITY 0 Not Rated ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CARCINOGEN --------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Nitrilotriacetic Acid is a COMBUSTIBLE SOLID. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including fumes of Nitrogen Oxides . * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Nitrilotriacetic Acid is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until clean up is complete. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Nitrilotriacetic Acid 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 Nitrilotriacetic Acid you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Nitrilotriacetic Acid is handled, used, or stored. 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 * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with soap and water. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Glycine, N,N Bis(Carboxymethyl) Other Names and Formulations: NTA; Triglycine; Trilone A; Triglycollamic Acid. ------------------------------------------ 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 Nitrilotriacetic acid is a crystalline solid used as a chelating or sequestering agent, and in the production of synthetic detergents. It may enter the environment from industrial or municipal 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. Nitrilotriacetic acid has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of Nitrilotriacetic acid to plants, birds, 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. Nitrilotriacetic acid has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Nitrilotriacetic acid to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Nitrilotriacetic acid is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of between 1 to 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Nitrilotriacetic acid is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of between 2 to 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. Virtually 100% of Nitrilotriacetic acid will end up in water. 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. The concentration of Nitrilotriacetic acid found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of Nitrilotriacetic acid in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.