Common Name: Ethyl Acrylate CAS Number: 140-88-5 DOT Number: UN 1917 Date: October 30, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Ethyl Acrylate can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Ethyl Acrylate can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs. * Breathing very high levels of Ethyl Acrylate can cause dizziness, difficulty breathing and even death. * Contact may cause a skin allergy. * Ethyl Acrylate is a HIGHLY FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE CHEMICAL and is a DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD. It can react with oxidizers, strong alkalies and moisture to cause fires and explosions. It can react by itself if it is not inhibited, releasing much heat. IDENTIFICATION Ethyl Acrylate is a colorless liquid with a sharp odor. It is used in the making of acrylic resins, plastics, rubber and denture materials. REASON FOR CITATION * Ethyl Acrylate is on the RTK Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT and NFPA. * This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE. * 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. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.0012 ppm. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 25 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 25 ppm as a STEL (short term exposure limit). * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. 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. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Ethyl Acrylate 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 Ethyl Acrylate 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 Ethyl Acrylate: * Ethyl Acrylate may irritate the skin, causing a rash or a burning feeling on contact. * It can irritate and may damage the eyes on contact. * Breathing Ethyl Acrylate can irritate the nose and throat. * Ethyl Acrylate may irritate the lungs, causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Very high levels of Ethyl Acrylate can cause dizziness, difficulty breathing and even death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Ethyl Acrylate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Ethyl Acrylate has been tested and has not been shown to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Ethyl Acrylate has been tested and has not been shown to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Ethyl Acrylate may cause a skin allergy. If an allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. * Repeated exposures to Ethyl Acrylate may damage the lining of the nose. * Repeated exposures to Ethyl Acrylate can cause drying and cracking of the skin. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether Ethyl Acrylate causes lung damage. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, for those with frequent or potentially high exposures, the following are recommended: * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. * Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin allergy. 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. Mixed Exposures Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. 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 pump liquid Ethyl Acrylate 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 Ethyl Acrylate should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Ethyl Acrylate. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * On skin contact with Ethyl Acrylate immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have had contact with this chemical, whether or not known contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Ethyl Acrylate is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. 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 Ethyl Acrylate. 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 splash proof chemical goggles and faceshield when working with the liquid and gasproof goggles if the vapor is causing eye irritation. 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. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 5 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an organic vapor cartridge/canister. Increased protection is obtained from full facepiece powered air purifying respirators. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Ethyl Acrylate, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, or canisters, to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Exposure to 2,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 2,000 ppm exists use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Ethyl Acrylate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Ethyl Acrylate must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS (such as PEROXIDES, PERCHLORATES, CHLORATES, NI TRATES and PERMANGANATES), STRONG ALKALIES (such as SODIUM HYDROXIDE and POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE) and MOISTURE, since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from HEAT. Heat can cause Ethyl Acrylate to react by itself. If this takes place in a closed container, an explosion could occur. Ethyl Acrylate usually contains an inhibitor such as Hydro quinone or its Methyl Ether to prevent a self reaction. If it does not contain an inhibitor, the reaction may oc cur without the application of heat. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Ethyl Acrylate is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Ethyl Acrylate should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs and flame arresters. * Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of Ethyl Acrylate. * Wherever Ethyl Acrylate is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. Common Name: Ethyl Acrylate DOT Number: UN 1917 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26 CAS Number: 140-88-5 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 2 ---------------------------------------- FLAMMABLE LIQUID POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE VAPORS MAY CAUSE EXPLOSION ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Ethyl Acrylate is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. Water can be used to keep fire exposed containers cool. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * The vapor is heavier than air and may flashback or travel a distance to cause a fire or explosion far from the source. * Vapor forms EXPLOSIVE MIXTURE WITH AIR. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Ethyl Acrylate 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. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Keep Ethyl Acrylate out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Ethyl Acrylate as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with large amounts of 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 Vapor Pressure: 29.5 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 48oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 2 Propenoic Acid, Ethyl Ester Other Names and Formulations: Ethyl Propenoate; Acrylic Acid Ethyl Ester; Ethyl 2 Propenoate; Ethoxycarbonylethylene. ------------------------------------------ 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 Ethyl Acrylate is a clear, colorless liquid used to make acrylic polymers. These polymers are used in the paint, textile, and paper industries. Ethyl Acrylate 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. Ethyl Acrylate has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of Ethyl Acrylate 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. Ethyl Acrylate has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Ethyl Acrylate to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Ethyl Acrylate 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 Ethyl Acrylate 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. About 91% of Ethyl Acrylate will eventually end up in air; the rest will end up in the 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 Ethyl Acrylate found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of Ethyl Acrylate in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.