Common Name: 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine CAS Number: 101-61-1 DOT Number: None Date: August, 1987 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine is a CARCINOGEN-- HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * High exposure can interfere with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen (a condition called methemoglobinemia). This can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness and a bluish color to the skin and lips. Higher levels can cause trouble breathing, collapse and death. IDENTIFICATION 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine is a crystalline compound. It is used in dye manufacture and as an analytical reagent for Lead. REASON FOR CITATION * 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine is on the Workplace Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by NTP and DEP. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN and a MUTAGEN. 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 4,4'- Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. It should be recognized that 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. * 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine 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. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to 4,4'- Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine 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 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine 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 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n- Dimethyl) Benzenamine: * High exposures, from either skin contact or breathing, can interfere with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. This can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea and a bluish color to the skin and lips. Still higher exposures can cause trouble breathing, collapse and even death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been shown to cause liver and thyroid 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, 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine has not been tested for its ability to affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Some related (aniline-type) chemicals can cause skin allergy. Once allergy develops, even low future exposures can trigger rash and itching. It is not known whether 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine has this effect. * Other long term effects are unknown at this time. MEDICAL Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Blood test for methemoglobin. 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 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n- Dimethyl) Benzenamine 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 4,4'- Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 4,4'- Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine. * On skin contact with 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n- Dimethyl) Benzenamine 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 sweep. * 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 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine. 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 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine 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: 4,4'-methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 101-61-1 ----------------------------------------- Hazard rating NFPA FLAMMABILITY Not Rated REACTIVITY Not Rated ----------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ----------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including 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 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine 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 4,4'- Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and NITRATES) and STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC) since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. * A regulated, marked area should be established where 4,4'- Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine is handled, used, or stored. FIRST AID 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. If Symptoms Develop * 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: Aniline,4,4'-Methylene-bis(n,n-Dimethyl)- Other Names and Formulations: Michler's Base; Methane Base Michler's Hydride; Michler's Methane; Tetra Base. ------------------------------------------ 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 (609) 984-2202 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine is a solid chemical which is used in the form of the hydrochloride as a reagent for lead. It 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. 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of this chemical 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. 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine has high chronic to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of this chemical to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine 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 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine is moderately persistent in water, with a half-life of between 20 to 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 46.3% of this chemical will eventually end up in terrestrial soil; about 43.2% in aquatic sediments; 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 4,4'-Methylenebis (n,n-Dimethyl) Benzenamine found in fish tissues is expected to be much higher than the average concentration of this chemical in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.