Common Name: beta-Propiolactone CAS Number: 57-57-8 DOT Number: None Date: January 4, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * beta-Propiolactone can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * beta-Propiolactone should be handled as a CARCINOGEN WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * beta-Propiolactone can cause reproductive damage. Handle with extreme caution. * beta-Propiolactone can strongly irritate or even burn the eyes, with possible permanent damage (corneal opacities). * Breathing beta-Propiolactone can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. Higher exposure may cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. * Repeated or high exposure may damage the liver and kidneys. * Consult the OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1013. IDENTIFICATION * beta-Propiolactone is a colorless liquid with a strong odor. It is used as a disinfectant or sterilizing agent. REASON FOR CITATION * beta-Propiolactone is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NFPA, NTP, IARC and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN and is CORROSIVE. * 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 ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.5 ppm 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. * beta-Propiolactone may be a 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. * A regulated, marked area should be established where beta- Propiolactone is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to beta- Propiolactone 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 beta-Propiolactone 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 beta-Propiolactone: * Contact can severely burn the eyes with possible permanent damage (corneal opacities), causing blindness. * beta-Propiolactone can strongly irritate or even burn the skin. * Breathing beta-Propiolactone can irritate the nose, throat and lungs. Higher exposure may cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This is a medical emergency with severe shortness of breath. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to beta-Propiolactone and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * beta-Propiolactone may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause skin and stomach cancers 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 * beta-Propiolactone may damage the developing fetus. Other Long Term Effects * beta-Propiolactone may damage the liver and kidneys. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, for those with frequent or potentially high exposures, the following are recommended: * Periodic lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. * Tests for kidney and liver function. 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 smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. 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 beta-Propiolactone from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are required for this chemical by OSHA. Refer to the OSHA Standard: 29 CFR 1910.1013. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by beta- Propiolactone 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 beta- Propiolactone. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with beta-Propiolactone, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted beta- Propiolactone, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where beta-Propiolactone 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 beta-Propiolactone. 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. * 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. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with beta-Propiolactone you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * A regulated, marked area should be established where beta- Propiolactone is handled, used, or stored. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. beta-Propiolactone is stable if stored under refrigeration at 40 to 50oF (5 to 10oC). * beta-Propiolactone is not compatible with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE), ACETATES, THIOCYANATES and THIOSULFATES. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where beta-Propiolactone is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Common Name: beta-Propiolactone DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: None CAS Number: 57-57-8 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NFPA FLAMMABILITY 2 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- CARCINOGEN CORROSIVE POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * beta-Propiolactone is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or alcohol foam extinguishers. * 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 beta-Propiolactone is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup 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 beta- Propiolactone 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. Continue without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. 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. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 3.4 mmhg at 71oF (25oC) Flash Point: 158oF (70oC) Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 2-Oxetanone Other Names and Formulations: BPL; Hydracrylic Acid beta Lactone; 1,3-Propiolactone. ------------------------------------------ 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 beta-Propriolactone is a highly soluble liquid which hydrolizes in water to hydracrylic acid. It is a versatile intermediate in the production of other chemicals. beta-Propriolactone may enter the aquatic environment via effluents from chemical industries where it is manufactured or used, and 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. beta-Propriolactone is considered to have moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. 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. beta-Propriolactone is considered to have moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT The chemical properties of beta-Propriolactone indicate that, after a sufficient amount of time, it will tend to be distributed in the environment as follows: air, 19.24%; soil, <0.01%; water, 80.76%; suspended solids, <0.01%; aquatic biota, <0.01%; sediment, <0.01%. beta-Propriolactone will probably be slightly persistent in aquatic ecosystems. 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 beta-Propriolactone in edible tissues of most aquatic species that are consumed by humans will probably be about the same as the average concentration that was present in the water in which the organisms had been living. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.