Common Name: n-Nitrosomorpholine CAS Number: 59-89-2 DOT Number: None Date: December, 1989 ------------------------------------ HAZARD SUMMARY * n-Nitrosomorpholine can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * n-Nitrosomorpholine should be handled as a CARCINOGEN--WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Contact may irritate or even burn the skin and eyes. The vapor could irritate the eyes, causing the person to see halos around lights. The vapor can also irritate the nose, throat and lungs. * Exposure to n-Nitrosomorpholine can cause headache, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps and drowsiness. * n-Nitrosomorpholine may damage the liver and kidneys. IDENTIFICATION n-Nitrosomorpholine is a dark yellow liquid or a yellow crystalline (sand-like) material. It is used as a solvent for polyacrylonitrile and as a chemical intermediate. REASON FOR CITATION * n-Nitrosomorpholine is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by NTP, IARC and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN. * 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 n- Nitrosomorpholine. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. It should be recognized that n-Nitrosomorpholine can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. * n-Nitrosomorpholine 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. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to n- Nitrosomorpholine and 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 n-Nitrosomorpholine 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 n-Nitrosomorpholine: * Exposure to n-Nitrosomorpholine can cause headache, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps and drowsiness. * Contact may irritate the skin and eyes. The vapor could cause eye irritation. If this is severe, the person may notice that lights appear to have a halo around them. * Exposure may also cause brain effects similar to medications related to opium. * High exposures could cause a dangerous build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), 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 n-Nitrosomorpholine and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * n-Nitrosomorpholine may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause liver, lung, kidney and blood vessels cancer 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 * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, n-Nitrosomorpholine has not been tested for its ability to affect reproduction. Other Long-Term Effects * n-Nitrosomorpholine may damage the liver and kidneys. * Very irritating substance may affect the lungs. It is not known whether n-Nitrosomorpholine causes lung damage. MEDICAL Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Test for liver and kidney function. Interview for brain symptoms, including recent memory, mood (irritability, withdrawal), concentration, headaches, malaise and altered sleep patterns. Consider cerebellar, autonomic and peripheral nervous system evaluation. Positive and borderline individuals should be referred for neuropsychological testing. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical test 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 still 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 control is recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by n- Nitrosomorpholine should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to n- Nitrosomorpholine. * 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 n-Nitrosomorpholine, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted n- Nitrosomorpholine, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * D not eat, smoke, or drink where n-Nitrosomorpholine is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * For solid n-Nitrosomorpholine, use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean-up. 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 n-Nitrosomorpholine. 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. 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to n-Nitrosomorpholine does not occur. * 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. Common Name: n-Nitrosomorpholine DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide Code: No Citation CAS Number: 59-89-2 --------------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY Not Found Not Rated REACTIVITY Not Found Not Rated --------------------------------------------- CARCINOGEN POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE --------------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: O=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. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If n-Nitrosomorpholine is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until clean-up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area after clean-up is complete. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of n- Nitrosomorpholine 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 * Prior to working with n-Nitrosomorpholine you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * n-Nitrosomorpholine is not compatible with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE). * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from LIGHT. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where n-Nitrosomorpholine is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. 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 immediately. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with 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 Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Nitrosomorpholine; NMOR. -------------------------------------- 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 n-Nitrosomorpholine is an n-Nitrosamine chemical which, upon metabolic activation, has carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. 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. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the acute, short-term effects of n-Nitrosomorpholine to aquatic life, 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. As a chemical which, upon metabolic activation, has carcinogenic and mutagenic properties, n-Nitrosomorpholine may cause chronic, long-term effects in birds or land animals exposed to it, if it is capable of metabolic activation in bird or animal bodies. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the chronic, long-term effects of n-Nitrosomorpholine to aquatic life or plants. WATER SOLUBILITY n-Nitrosomorpholine 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 n-Nitrosomorpholine 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 99.4% of n-Nitrosomorpholine will eventually end up in water; the rest will end up in the air. 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 n-Nitrosomorpholine found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of n- Nitrosomorpholine in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.