Common Name: n-Nitrosodimethylamine CAS Number: 62-75-9 DOT Number: None Date: May, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * n-Nitrosodimethylamine can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * n-Nitrosodimethylamine should be handled as a CARCINOGEN WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * n-Nitrosodimethylamine can cause reproductive damage. Handle with extreme caution. * Exposure can cause severe liver injury. IDENTIFICATION n-Nitrosodimethylamine is a yellow liquid. It is used in rocket fuels, as an antioxidant solvent, and as a lubricant and softener for copolymers. REASOn-FOR CITATION * n-Nitrosodimethylamine is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NTP 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 OSHA, NIOSH and ACGIH consider n-Nitrosodimethylamine as a cancer suspect agent. Refer to the OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1016. It should be recognized that n-Nitrosodimethylamine can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. * n-Nitrosodimethylamine 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 n- Nitrosodimethylamine is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to n- Nitrosodimethylamine 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 n-Nitrosodimethylamine 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-Nitrosodimethylamine: * Exposure by skin contact and/or breathing can cause severe liver injury. Symptoms may not be noted early, but when they occur can include fatigue, poor appetite, reduced desire for cigarettes (in smokers), and jaundice (turning yellow). Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to n-Nitrosodimethylamine and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * n-Nitrosodimethylamine may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause liver, kidney and respiratory tract 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 * n-Nitrosodimethylamine may damage the developing fetus. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposures, even at "low" levels, can cause liver injury. This can lead to permanent damage with a shrunken liver (cirrhosis). * Other effects are unknown in humans. MEDICAL Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Liver function tests (these can under estimate damage unless done within a few days of exposure. 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. * Tobacco smoke can also contain this chemical, so smoking can add somewhat to total exposure. 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 n- Nitrosodimethylamine 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 1910.1016. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by n- Nitrosodimethylamine 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 n- Nitrosodimethylamine. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with n-Nitrosodimethylamine, 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- Nitrosodimethylamine, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where n-Nitrosodimethylamine 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 n-Nitrosodimethylamine. 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to n-Nitrosodimethylamine 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. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with n-Nitrosodimethylamine you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * n-Nitrosodimethylamine is not compatible with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE). * A regulated, marked area should be established where n- Nitrosodimethylamine is handled, used, or stored. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT. n-Nitrosodimethylamine is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Common Name: n-Nitrosodimethylamine DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 62-75-9 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY 2 Not Rated REACTIVITY 0 Not Rated ---------------------------------------- CARCINOGEN POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * n-Nitrosodimethylamine is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, 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-Nitrosodimethylamine 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 n- Nitrosodimethylamine 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 for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of 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: 142oF (61oC) Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Methanamine, N Methyl N Nitroso Other Names and Formulations: Dimethylnitrosoamine; DMNA; n-Methyl-n-Nitrosomethanamine. ------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ GENERAL INFORMATION Nitrosodimethylamine is a yellow liquid used as an antioxidant, additive for lubricants, softener of copolymers, and synthetic intermediate to make other chemicals. It was formerly used to make rocket fuels. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges, spills, or runoff from stored livestock foods in which it may form under certain conditions. 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. Nitrosodimethylamine has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. It has caused injuries of various kinds to plants. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of nitrosodimethylamine to birds or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Nitrosodimethylamine 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 Nitrosodimethylamine 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 99.7% of nitrosodimethylamine 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 nitrosodimethylamine found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of nitrosodimethylamine in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: ACQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA, Phytotox