Common Name: Diepoxybutane CAS Number: 1464-53-5 DOT Number: NA 1955 DATE: June, 1989 ------------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Diepoxybutane can effect you when breathed in and may be absorbed through the skin. * Diepoxybutane should be handled as a CARCINOGEN--WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Contact can severely irritate and burn the eyes with possible permanent damage. * Diepoxybutane can severely irritate and burn the skin with blistering. * Breathing Diepoxybutane can irritate the nose, throat and lungs causing a cough. Higher exposure may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. * Repeated exposure may cause liver damage. IDENTIFICATION Diepoxybutane is a colorless liquid or a solid. It is used as a curing agent or hardener for polymer resins, and for making synthetic textile fibers. REASON FOR CITATION * Diepoxybutane is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT, NTP, IARC and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN. 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 Diepoxybutane. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. It should be recognized that Diepoxybutane can be absorbed through you skin, thereby increasing you exposure. * Diepoxybutane may be a 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. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Diepoxybutane 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 Diepoxybutane 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 Diepoxybutane: * Contact can severely irritate and burn the skin with blistering. * Contact can severely irritate and burn the eyes with possible permanent damage. * Breathing Diepoxybutane can irritate the nose, throat and lungs causing a cough. Higher exposures may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Diepoxybutane and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Diepoxybutane may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been show to cause skin 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, Diepoxybutane has not been tested for its ability to affect reproduction. Other Long-Term Effects * Diepoxybutane may damage the liver. * It may affect the nervous system. MEDICAL MEDICAL TESTING If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Consider chest x-ray after acute over-exposure. * Liver function test. * Exam of the nervous system. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical test 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 lace for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically transfer Diepoxybutane 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 Diepoxybutane should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Diepoxybutane. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * I there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Diepoxybutane, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Diepoxybutane, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Diepoxybutane is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean-up. DO NOT DRY SEEP. 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 Diepoxybutane. 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-proof goggles and face shield when working with powders of dust, unless full facepiece respiratory protective is worn. * Wear splash-proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid, 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 Diepoxybutane does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposure to Diepoxybutane, 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. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Diepoxybutane you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. Common Name: Diepoxybutane DOT Number : NA 1955 DOT Emergency Guide code: 15 CAS Number: 1464-53-5 ------------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJDOH 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 * Diepoxybutane is COMBUSTIBLE. * 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 Diepoxybutane is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until clean-up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak, after clean-up is complete. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Diepoxybutane 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 immediately. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of soap. Seek medical attention immediately. 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. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Miscible OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 2,2'-Bioxirane Other Names and Formulations: Diepoxybutane; DEB; Butadiene Diepoxide; Butadiene Dioxide. This fact sheet can be used for the following isomers of Diepoxybutane: CAS # Common Name: 298-18-0 (+ -) Diepoxybutane 564-00-1 meso-Diepoxybutane 30419-67-1 D-Diepoxybutane 30031-64-2 L-Diepoxybutane ------------------------------------------- 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 Diepoxybutane is used for curing polymers and crosslinking textile fibers. It is used as an agent to prevent microbial spoilage. Diepoxybutane most likely enters 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 of plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the acute (short-term) effects of Diepoxybutane to aquatic life, 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. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the chronic (long-term) effects of Diepoxybutane to aquatic life, plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Diepoxybutane 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 Diepoxybutane 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 99.7% of Diepoxybutane will eventually end up in water; the rest will end up in the air. 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 Diepoxybutane found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of Diepoxybutane in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.