Common Name: 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol CAS Number: 534-52-1 DOT Number: UN 1598 Date: February, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. Toxic levels are readily absorbed through the skin without any sense of irritation. * 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol may cause mutations. Handle with extreme caution. * Exposure can cause restlessness, head-aches, stomach pain, sweating, fast heartbeat and nausea. Higher levels can cause fever, trouble breathing, coma and death. * Repeated exposures can cause restlessness, anxiety, fatigue, trouble sleeping, sweating, and cataracts in the eyes, and may damage the liver, kidneys and blood cells. IDENTIFICATION 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol is a yellow, crystalline (sand-like) odorless solid that may be used in solutions. It is used to kill weeds and insects. REASON FOR CITATION * 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH and EPA. 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 0.2 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour work-shift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.2 mg/m3 averaged over a 10-hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.2 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. * 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol 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 4,6-Dinitro-o- Cresol 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 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol 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 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol: * Exposure, by breathing or skin contact, can cause nausea, stomach pain, restlessness, sweating and rapid breathing and heartbeat. Higher levels can cause fever, coma and death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol may cause mutations (genetic changes) in living cells. Whether or not it poses a cancer or reproductive hazard needs further study. Reproductive Hazard * There is limited evidence that 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol may decrease fertility in males. Other Long-Term Effects * Repeated exposure to 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol can cause fatigue, trouble sleeping, anxiety, excessive sweating, unusual thirst, and weight loss. * Cataracts may result from breathing the chemical or through skin or eye contact. * 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol may stain the skin, eyes and fingernails yellow. * Exposure may damage the liver, kidneys and blood cells. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment, at regular times after that, and if symptoms develop or overexposure has occurred, the following may be useful: * Exam of eyes for cataracts. * Exam of skin and nails for staining. * Blood tests for 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol. Persons with blood levels over 10 ppm (10 mg/Liter) should be kept away from further exposure until levels return to normal. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Liver and kidney function tests. * Complete blood count. 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 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol 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: 4,6- Dinitro-o-Cresol # 78-131. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by 4,6-Dinitro-o- Cresol should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 4,6- Dinitro-o-Cresol. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have had contact with this chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol 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 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol. 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. * ACGIH recommends Saranex, Natural Rubber, Neoprene and Chlorinated Polyethylene as providing good to excellent protection. Eye Protection * Wear splash-proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. * 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. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 0.2 mg/m3, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full face piece respirator with a high efficiency particulate filter. Greater protection is provided by a powered-air purifying respirator. Particulate filters must b e checked every day before work for physical damage, such as rips or tears, and replaced as needed. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect 4,6-Dinitro-o- Cresol, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator-to-face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Exposure to 5 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 5 mg/m3 exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as BROMINE, CHLORINE, CHLORINE DIOXIDE and NITRATES) since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from HEAT. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol. * Wherever 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings. Common Name: 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol DOT Number: UN 1598 DOT Emergency Guide code: 53 CAS Number: 534-52-1 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY Not Found Not Rated REACTIVITY Not Found Not Rated ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol is a COMBUSTIBLE SOLID. The dust can explode. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. Water can be used to keep fire-exposed containers cool. * 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 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from areas of spills or leaks until clean-up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient manner and deposit in sealed containers. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 4,6-Dinitro-o- Cresol 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. ========================================== FIRST AID Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention. 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. * If high fever is present, drench victim's clothes in cool water, or immerse person in cool bath before transfer. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 0.00005 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Phenol, 2-Methyl-4,6-Dinitro- Other Names and Formulations: DNOC; Dinitro-o-Cresol; DNC; 3,5-Dinitro-2-Hydroxytoluene; Nitrador. ------------------------------------------ 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 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol is a yellow solid material. It is used as an insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, and defoliant. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges, runoff from agricultural applications, 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. 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol's use as an herbicide and defoliant indicates that it has high acute toxicity to plants. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the acute toxicity of 4,6-Dinitro- o-Cresol to 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. 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol 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 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol 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 94.5% of 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol will eventually end up in water; about 2.75%, respectively, will end up in terrestrial soil and aquatic sediments. 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 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of 4,6-Dinitro-o-Cresol in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA, Phytotox.