Common Name: Butyl Acrylate CAS Number: 141-32-2 DOT Number: UN 2348 Date: May, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Butyl Acrylate can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Contact can irritate and burn the eyes and skin. * Exposure can irritate the nose and throat. Very high exposures may damage the lungs and liver. * Butyl Acrylate may cause a skin allergy to develop. Once this happens, even very small future exposures may cause a rash. * Butyl Acrylate is a REACTIVE CHEMICAL and is an EXPLOSION HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Butyl Acrylate is a colorless liquid. It is used in the manufacture of polymers and resins, and in paint formulations. REASON FOR CITATION * Butyl Acrylate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is REACTIVE. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from you employer. 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 = About 1 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 10 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. (Final Rule January 1989). ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 10 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * 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 Butyl 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 Butyl 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 Butyl Acrylate: * Contact can irritate and burn the eyes and skin. * Exposure can irritate the nose and throat. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Butyl Acrylate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Butyl Acrylate has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Butyl Acrylate has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Very high exposures may damage the liver and lungs. * Butyl Acrylate may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. * This chemical has not been adequately evaluated to determine whether brain or other nerve damage could occur with repeated exposure. However, many solvents and other petroleum based chemicals have been shown to cause such damage. Effects may include reduced memory and concentration, personality changes (withdrawal, irritability), fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced co ordination, and/or effects on nerves supplying internal organs (autonomic nerves) and/or nerves to the arms and legs (weakness, "pins and needles"). MEDICAL Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be helpful: * Liver and lung function tests. * Skin testing with dilute Butyl Acrylate may help diagnose allergy, if done by a qualified allergist. * Interview for brain effects, including recent memory, mood (irritability, withdrawal), concentration, headaches, malaise and altered sleep patterns. Consider cerebellar, autonomic and peripheral nervous system evaluation. Positive and borderline individuals should be referred for neuropsychological testing. 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 controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Butyl Acrylate from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Before entering a confined space where Butyl Acrylate may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Butyl 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 Butyl Acrylate. * Eye wash fountains in the immediate work area should be provided for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Butyl Acrylate, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the work shift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Butyl Acrylate, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Butyl 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 Butyl 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 face shield when working with liquid, unless full facepiece respiratory pro tection 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. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 10 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 cartridge/canister respirator you can smell, taste, or detect Butyl Acrylate, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately and replace the cartridge or canister. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters and prefilters to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Where the potential for high exposures exists, 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 an MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Butyl Acrylate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area away from OXIDIZING MATERIALS. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Butyl Acrylate is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Wherever Butyl Acrylate is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. * Protect against physical damage. Outside or detached storage is preferred. Inside storage should be in a standard storage room for flammable liquids. Common Name: Butyl Acrylate DOT Number: UN 2348 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26 CAS Number: 141-32-2 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY 2 REACTIVITY 2 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Butyl Acrylate is a COMBUSTIBLE and REACTIVE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, foam, or CO2 extinguishers. Water should be used to keep fire exposed containers cooled. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Butyl 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. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Keep Butyl 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 Butyl 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. Continue without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately 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: 3.2 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 118oF (48oC) Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 2 Propenoic Acid, Butyl Ester Other Names and Formulations: Butyl 2 Propenoate; Acrylic Acid; Butyl Ester; n Butyl Acrylate. ------------------------------------------ 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 Butyl Acrylate is a liquid at room temperature with a boiling point of 35oC. It is used to make polymers and resins for textile or leather finishes and paint formulations. Butyl 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. Butyl Acrylate has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life and high acute toxicity to birds. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of Butyl Acrylate to 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. Butyl Acrylate has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Butyl Acrylate to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Butyl Acrylate is moderately soluble in water. Concentrations of between 1 to 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Butyl 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 98% of Butyl 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 Butyl Acrylate found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of Butyl Acrylate in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.