Common Name: Dichlorvos CAS Number: 62-73-7 DOT Number: NA 2783 Date: January, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Dichlorvos 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. * Because this is a MUTAGEN, handle it as a possible cancer causing substance WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure can cause rapid severe poisoning with headaches, sweating, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, and death. * Fatal skin absorption can occur even if there is no feeling of irritation after contact. IDENTIFICATION Dichlorvos is a colorless to amber liquid with a mild chemical odor. It is used as an insecticide. REASON FOR CITATION * Dichlorvos is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, DEP and other authorities. * 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 1 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 1 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. * Dichlorvos is a MUTAGEN. Mutagens may have a cancer risk. 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 Dichlorvos 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 Dichlorvos to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information for workers, employers, and community residents. Health professionals may also find it useful. If this substance is part of a mixture, this Fact Sheet should be used along with the manufacturer supplied Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Dichlorvos: * Exposure to Dichlorvos 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 Dichlorvos and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Dichlorvos causes MUTATIONS (genetic changes). Such chemicals may have a cancer or reproductive risk and in fact, there is limited evidence that Dichlorvos causes cancer in animals. It may cause cancer of liver, esophagus, stomach and other types of cancer. * 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, Dichlorvos has been tested and has not been shown to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * High or repeated exposure may damage the nerves, causing weakness, "pins and needles", and poor coordination in arms and legs. * Repeated exposure may cause personality changes of depression, anxiety, or irritability. 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 12 weeks while red blood cell levels may be reduced for 13 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 Dichlorvos 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: Occupational Exposure During the Manufacture and Formulation of Pesticides #78 174. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Dichlorvos 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 Dichlorvos. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Dichlorvos, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Dichlorvos, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Dichlorvos 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 Dichlorvos. 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. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 1 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 200 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 200 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. Common Name: Dichlorvos DOT Number: NA 2783 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 62-73-7 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 0 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED 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 Hydrogen Chloride and Phosphoric Acid. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Dichlorvos is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Ventilate the 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 Dichlorvos 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 Dichlorvos you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. * Dichlorvos will attack some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings. FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION 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. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 0.032 mm Hg at 90oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Phosphoric Acid, 2,2 Di chloroethenyl Dimethyl Ester Other Names and Formulations: No Pest Strip; Equigand. ------------------------------------------ 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 Dichlorvos is a colorless to amber liquid organophosphate insecticide used to control pests in stored grain, on livestock and on pets. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges, agricultural run-off, 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. Dichlorvos has high acute toxicity to aquatic life and birds. Dichlorvos has caused germination decrease and sterility increase in certain agricultural crops. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of dichlorvos 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. Dichlorvos has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life.Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of dichlorvos to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Dichlorvos 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 Dichlorvos is moderately persistent in water, with a half-life of 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 99.75% of dichlorvos 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 dichlorvos found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of dichlorvos in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA., Phytotox.