Common Name: 1,3-Dichlorobenzene CAS Number: 541-73-1 DOT Number: UN 9255 Date: January, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 1,3-Dichlorobenzene can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Exposure to 1,3-Dichlorobenzene can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. * Brief high, or prolonged, lower exposures can damage the liver, kidneys and blood cells causing a low blood count (anemia). This can be fatal. * Exposure can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded and severe headache. Higher levels can cause you to pass out. IDENTIFICATION 1,3-Dichlorobenzene is a colorless liquid. It is used as a fumigant and an insecticide. REASON FOR CITATION * 1,3-Dichlorobenzene is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT 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 1,3- Dichlorobenzene. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. It should be recognized that 1,3-Dichlorobenzene can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. 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 1,3- Dichlorobenzene 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 1,3-Dichlorobenzene 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 1,3-Dichlorobenzene: * Exposure to 1,3-Dichlorobenzene can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. * Brief high exposures can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded and to pass out. * Exposure can cause severe headache. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 1,3-Dichlorobenzene and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, 1,3-Dichlorobenzene has been tested and has not been shown to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, 1,3-Dichlorobenzene has not been tested for its ability to affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure can damage the liver and kidneys. * Repeated exposure can damage blood cells, causing a low blood count (anemia). It can also damage the body's ability to make blood cells which can be fatal. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, for those with frequent or potentially high exposures, the following are recommended: * Complete blood count. * Liver and kidney function tests. 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 Because more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, drinking alcohol can increase the liver damage caused by 1,3- Dichlorobenzene. Conditions Made Worse By Exposure If you have liver disease from another cause, or are taking medications that can affect the liver, high exposures to 1,3- Dichlorobenzene may cause damage to your liver. 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 pump liquid 1,3-Dichlorobenzene 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: Working Safely with Pesticides #76 147. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by 1,3- Dichlorobenzene 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 1,3- Dichlorobenzene. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with 1,3-Dichlorobenzene, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 1,3- Dichlorobenzene, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 1,3-Dichlorobenzene 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 1,3-Dichlorobenzene.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 splashproof chemical goggles when working with liquid, unless full face piece 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 1,3-Dichlorobenzene does not occur. * Where the potential for exposure to 1,3-Dichlorobenzene exists, 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: 1,3-Dichlorobenzene DOT Number: UN 9255 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 541-73-1 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY 2 Not Rated REACTIVITY 0 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 * 1,3-Dichlorobenzene is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or alcohol foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Hydrogen Chloride. * 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 1,3-Dichlorobenzene is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * 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 1,3- Dichlorobenzene as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state 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 1,3-Dichlorobenzene you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 1,3-Dichlorobenzene is not compatible with OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and NITRATES), ALUMINUM and its alloys. * 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. Seek medical attention. 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 Flash Point: 146oF (63oC) Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Benzene, 1,3 Dichloro Other Names and Formulations: m-Dichlorobenzene; m-Phenylenedichloride. ------------------------------------------ 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 1,3-Dichlorobenzene is a liquid, used as an intermediate for the production of other chemicals; it is also a by-product in the production of 1,2-dichlorobenzene and 1,4-dichlorobenzene. 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. 1,3-Dichlorobenzene has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of 1,3-dichlorobenzene 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. 1,3-Dichlorobenzene has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of 1,3-dichlorobenzene to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 1,3-Dichlorobenzene 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 1,3-Dichlorobenzene 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 98.5% of 1,3-dichlorobenzene will eventually end up in air; about 1% will end up in the water; and the rest will be divided about equally between terrestrial soils 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 1,3-dichlorobenzene found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of 1,3-dichlorobenzene in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.