Common Name: Aldrin CAS Number: 309-00-2 DOT Number: NA 2761 Date: November, 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Aldrin can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Aldrin should be handled as a CARCINOGEN and a teratogen HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. It may also decrease fertility in males and females. * High exposures may cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle jerks, severe seizures, and death. * Aldrin may also cause a skin allergy. * Exposure may damage the liver. IDENTIFICATION Aldrin is a colorless, white, or tan to dark brown, crystalline (sand like) material, with a mild, chemical odor. It is an organochlorine insecticide. REASON FOR CITATION * Aldrin is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NIOSH, DEP, DOT 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 OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.25 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. NIOSH: Recommends the lowest reliably detectable level (0.15 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift by NIOSH validated method). ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.25 mg/m3 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. * Aldrin 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 Aldrin 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 Aldrin 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 Aldrin: * High exposures may cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle jerks, severe seizures and death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Aldrin and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Aldrin may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause liver 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 * Aldrin may be a TERATOGEN in humans since it has been shown to be a teratogen in animals. * Aldrin may decrease fertility in males and females. Other Long Term Effects * Aldrin may cause a skin allergy. If an allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. * Exposure may damage the liver. MEDICAL Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * EEG (a brain activity wave test to look for seizure). * Liver function tests. * 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. 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 transfer Aldrin from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Occupational Exposure During the Manufacture and Formulation of Pesticides #78 174. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Aldrin 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 Aldrin. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Aldrin, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Aldrin, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Aldrin 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 Aldrin. 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 Aldrin 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: Aldrin DOT Number: NA 2761 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 309-00-2 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY Not Found Not Rated REACTIVITY Not Found Not Rated ---------------------------------------- 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 * Aldrin is a non combustible solid. Commercial solutions may contain flammable or combustible liquids. * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for the type of surrounding fire. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN A FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE 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 Aldrin is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup 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 Aldrin as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Pro gram for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Aldrin you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Aldrin must be stored to avoid contact with CONCENTRATED MINERAL ACIDS (such as SULFURIC, HYDROCHLORIC, or NITRIC ACIDS), ACID CATALYSTS, ACID OXIDIZING AGENTS (such as CHLORINE and PHENOLS) and REACTIVE METALS (such as SODIUM, POTASSIUM and MAGNESIUM) since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. 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 * 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 Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 1,4:5,8 Dimethanonaphthalene, 1,2,3,4,10, 10 Hexachloro 1,4,4A,5, 8,8a Hexahydro , (1 alpha,4 alpha, 4a beta,5 alpha,8 alpha, 8 A beta) Other Names and Formulations: Seedrin; Octalene; HHDN. ------------------------------------------ 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 Aldrin is a solid which is used as an insecticide primarily to control termites, and most likely enters the environment from industrial discharges, urban runoff, 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. Aldrin has high acute toxicity to aquatic life and to birds. It has caused injuries of several kinds to both agricultural and ornamental crops. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of aldrin to 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. Aldrin has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of aldrin to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Aldrin is slightly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1 milligram or less will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Aldrin is highly persistent in water, with a half-life greater than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. Under aerobic (oxygenated) conditions, aldrin is oxidized to the highly persistent insecticide, dieldrin. About 49% of aldrin will eventually end up in terrestrial soils; about 46% in aquatic sediments; and 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 aldrin found in fish tissues is expected to be much higher than as the average concentration of aldrin in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA, Phytotox database.