Common Name: Parathion CAS Number: 56-38-2 DOT Number: NA 2783 Date: May, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Parathion can affect you when breathed in and quickly enters the body by passing through the skin. Fatal organophosphate poisoning can occur from skin contact. It is a HIGHLY TOXIC organophosphate chemical. * Exposure can cause rapid, fatal organophosphate poisoning with headaches, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, and death. * Death from skin contact can occur even if there is no feeling of irritation after contact. * Parathion may damage the developing fetus. * Parathion is a REACTIVE CHEMICAL and is an EXPLOSION HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Parathion is a yellow to dark brown liquid with an odor like garlic. It is an organophosphate insecticide. REASON FOR CITATION * Parathion is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, NFPA, 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 OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.1 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.05 mg/m3 averaged over a 10 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. 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 Parathion 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 Parathion 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 Parathion: * Parathion is a HIGHLY TOXIC organophosphate pesticide. Death from skin contact can occur even if there is no feeling of irritation after contact. * Exposure to Parathion can cause rapid, fatal organophosphate poisoning with headaches, 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 Parathion and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Parathion has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * Parathion may damage the developing fetus. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure may cause personality changes of depression, anxiety, or irritability. * Chemicals closely related to Parathion damage the nerves, causing weakness, "pins and needles" and poor coordination in arms and legs. It is not known whether Parathion has this effect. 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, automatically pump liquid Parathion 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: Parathion #76190, and Occupational Exposure During the Manufacture and Formulation of Pesticides #78 171. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Parathion 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 Parathion. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Parathion, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Parathion, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Parathion 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 Parathion. 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 splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid Parathion, 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 0.05 mg/m3, 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. * Exposure to 20 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 20 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 Parathion you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Parathion must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE,BROMINE and FLUORINE) and ALKALINE MATERIALS since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. Do not heat above 200oF (93.3oC). * Wherever Parathion is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. Protect storage containers from physical damage. Common Name: Parathion DOT Number: NA 2783 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 56-38-2 ----------------------------------------- Hazard rating NFPA FLAMMABILITY 1 REACTIVITY 2 ---------------------------------------- REACTIVE 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 * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Nitrogen Oxides and Sulfur Oxides. * 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 Parathion is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean up is complete. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Parathion as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE 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 area with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Shampoo hair promptly if contaminated. 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 Vapor Pressure: 0.0004 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Phosphorothioic Acid, 0,0 Diethyl 0 (4 Nitrophenyl) Ester Other Names and Formulations: Ethyl Parathion; Foliclal; Fosferno; Fostox; Niran; Rhodiatox; Thiophos. ------------------------------------------ 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 Parathion is an organophosphate insecticide used to control agricultural insect pests. It is used on many fruit, nut, vegetable and field crops. Due to its wide usage as an agricultural insecticide, it enters the environment mainly as the result of non-point run-off from crop areas. 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. Parathion has high acute toxicity to aquatic life and to birds. Parathion has caused injury, including germination decrease and sterility increase in various agricultural and ornamental crops. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of parathion 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. Parathion has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of parathion to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Parathion 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 Parathion is moderately persistent in water, with a half-life 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 69% of parathion will eventually end up in water; 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 parathion found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of parathion in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA, Phytotox.