Common Name: Trichlorfon CAS Number: 52-68-6 DOT Number: NA 2783 Date: May, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Trichlorfon can affect you when breathed in and quickly enters the body by passing through the skin. Severe poisoning can occur from skin contact. It is a moderately toxic organophosphate chemical. * Because this is a MUTAGEN, handle it as a possible cancer causing substance WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure can cause rapid severe organophosphate poisoning with headache, sweating, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, and death. * Trichlorfon may damage the developing fetus. IDENTIFICATION Trichlorfon is a colorless to white or pale yellow crystalline (sand like) solid. It is an organophosphate pesticide used to control insects in forests, vegetables, cotton and animals. REASON FOR CITATION * Trichlorfon is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT, DEP and EPA. * 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 No occupational exposure limits have been established for Trichlorfon. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. It should be recognized that Trichlorfon can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. * Trichlorfon may cause mutations. All contact with this chemical 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 Trichlorfon 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 Trichlorfon 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 Trichlorfon: * Exposure to Trichlorfon can cause rapid, fatal organophosphate poisoning with headache, sweating, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, muscle twitching, and death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Trichlorfon and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Trichlorfon causes MUTATIONS (genetic changes). Such chemicals may have a cancer or reproductive risk and there is limited evidence that Trichlorfon causes cancer in animals. It may cause cancer of the spleen and liver. * 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 * Trichlorfon may damage the developing fetus. Other Long Term Effects * High or repeated exposure may damage the nerves, causing weakness, "pins and needles", and poor coordination in arms and legs. * Repeated exposure may cause personality changes of depression, anxiety, or irritability. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Plasma and red blood cell cholinesterase levels (tests for the enzyme poisoned by this chemical). If exposure stops, plasma levels return to normal in 1 2 weeks while red blood cell levels may be reduced for 1 3 months. * When cholinesterase enzyme levels are reduced by 25% or more below preemployment levels, risk of poisoning is in creased, even if results are in lower ranges of "normal". Reassignment to work not involving organophosphate or carbamate pesticides is recommended until enzyme levels recover. If symptoms develop or overexposure occurs, repeat the above tests as soon as possible and get an exam of the nervous system. 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 Persons exposed to other chemicals which affect body cholinesterase (organophosphates, carbamates) may be at increased risk. 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, transfer Trichlorfon 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: 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 Trichlorfon 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 Trichlorfon. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Trichlorfon, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Trichlorfon, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Trichlorfon 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 cleanup. DO NOT DRY SWEEP. 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 Trichlorfon. 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 or dust, 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 Trichlorfon does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposures to Trichlorfon, 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 Trichlorfon you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from LIME, LIME SULFUR and other ALKALINE MATERIALS. Common Name: Trichlorfon DOT Number: NA 2783 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 52-68-6 ---------------------------------------- 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 * Trichlorfon may burn, but does not readily ignite. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Phosphorus Oxides and Chlorine. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Use water spray to keep fire exposed containers cool. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Trichlorfon is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill 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 Trichlorfon 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. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Shampoo hair promptly if contaminated. Breathing * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Phosphonic Acid, (2,2,2 Trichloro 1 Hydroxyethyl) , Dimethyl Ester Other Names and Formulations: Chlorofos; Metrifonate; Dipterex; Dylox; DEP; DETF; Chlorophos. ------------------------------------------ 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 Trichlorfon is a white crystalline organophosphate insecticide with several trade names, including Dipterex, Dylox, Proxol, Neguvon, and Tugon. It is used to control insect pests on a wide variety of field crops, vegetables, seed crops, and ornamentals. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges, spills, or runoff following agricultural application. 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. Trichlorfon has high acute toxicity to aquatic life and birds. It has caused injuries to various ornamental and agricultural crops. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of Trichlorfon 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. Trichlorfon has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Trichlorfon to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Trichlorfon 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 Trichlorfon 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. Virtually 100% of Trichlorfon will end up in 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 Trichlorfon found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of Trichlorfon in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA., Phytotox.