Common Name: Diethyl Sulfate CAS Number: 64-67-5 DOT Number: UN 1594 Date: November, 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Diethyl Sulfate can affect you when breathed in. * Diethyl Sulfate is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Diethyl Sulfate can severely irritate the skin and eyes. * Exposure can cause nose, throat and lung irritation with cough and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposure can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. IDENTIFICATION Diethyl Sulfate is a colorless, oily liquid with a faint odor of ether. It is used in manufacturing isopropyl alcohol ethyl alcohol and certain other chemicals. REASON FOR CITATION * Diethyl Sulfate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT, NIOSH, IARC, NTP, NFPA 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 Diethyl Sulfate. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. * Diethyl Sulfate is a PROBABLE 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 * A regulated, marked area should be established where Diethyl Sulfate is handled, used, or stored. * 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 Diethyl Sulfate 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 Diethyl Sulfate 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 Diethyl Sulfate: * Diethyl Sulfate can severely irritate or even burn the skin and eyes. * Exposure can cause nose, throat and lung irritation with cough and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposure can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Diethyl Sulfate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Diethyl Sulfate is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is evidence that it causes lung and stomach cancer in animals, and limited evidence that it causes throat cancer in humans. * 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 * Diethyl Sulfate has caused cancer of the nervous system in the offspring of animals exposed during pregnancy. Other Long Term Effects * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether Diethyl Sulfate causes lung damage. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, for those with frequent or potentially high exposures, the following is recommended: * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. 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 control is recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Diethyl Sulfate from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Diethyl Sulfate 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 Diethyl Sulfate. * 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 Diethyl Sulfate, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the work shift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Diethyl Sulfate, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Diethyl Sulfate 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 Diethyl Sulfate. 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 Diethyl Sulfate 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 Diethyl Sulfate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Diethyl Sulfate is handled, used, or stored. * Diethyl Sulfate must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE) and POTASSIUM tert BUTOXIDE since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from WATER, MOISTURE and OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and NITRATES). * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Diethyl Sulfate is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Common Name: Diethyl Sulfate DOT Number: UN 1594 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 64-67-5 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 1 REACTIVITY - 1 ---------------------------------------- CARCINOGEN 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, foam, or alcohol foam extinguishers. * May emit corrosive Sulfuric acid fumes on contact with water. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including 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 Diethyl Sulfate 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. * Keep Diethyl Sulfate out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Diethyl Sulfate 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 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: 1 mm Hg at 116.6oF (47oC) Flash Point: 220oF (104oC) Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Sulfuric Acid, Diethyl Ester Other Names and Formulations: Diethyl Monosulfate; Ethyl Sulfate; DS. ------------------------------------------ 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 Diethyl Sulfate is a colorless, oily liquid with a peppermint odor. It is used chiefly as an ethylating agent in the production of certain organic chemicals, as an accelerator in the sulfation of ethylene, and in other chemical production steps. It is highly soluble in water, and may enter the aquatic environment via effluents from chemical plants 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. Diethyl Sulfate is considered to have slight 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. Diethyl Sulfate is considered to have slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT The chemical properties of Diethyl Sulfate indicate that, after a sufficient amount of time, it will tend to be distributed in the environment as follows: air, 6.95%; soil, 0.09%; water, 92.88%; suspended solids, <0.01%; aquatic biota, <0.01%; sediment 0.08%. Diethyl Sulfate 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 Diethyl Sulfate 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 SARA 313