Common Name: 2,4-Dimethylphenol CAS Number: 105-67-9 DOT Number: UN 2261 Date: May, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 2,4-Dimethylphenol can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * High exposure can cause headache, nausea, weakness, fainting, collapse and even death. * High or repeated exposure may damage the liver, kidneys, brain, pancreas and heart. * Contact can burn the skin and eyes, resulting in scars or blindness. * The vapors irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, and may cause nosebleeds, hoarseness, sore throat, coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a dangerous buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. IDENTIFICATION 2,4-Dimethylphenol is a colorless liquid. It is used in disinfectants, solvents, pharmaceuticals, insecticides, herbicides and as a plasticizer, additive and wetting agent. REASON FOR CITATION * 2,4-Dimethylphenol is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by EPA and DOT. * 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. EXPOSURE LIMITS No occupational exposure limits have been established for 2,4- Dimethylphenol. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. It should be recognized that 2,4-Dimethylphenol can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your expo sure. 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 2,4- Dimethylphenol 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 2,4-Dimethylphenol 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 2,4-Dimethylphenol: * High exposure through skin contact or vapors can cause headache, nausea, weakness, fainting, collapse and even death. * Contact can burn the skin and eyes, causing scarring or blindness. * Skin contact causes a burning feeling but the area can soon become numb, even as the chemical continues to pass through the skin into the body. Immediately remove any 2,4- Dimethylphenol on the skin. * The vapors irritate the skin, nose, throat and lungs, and may cause rash, nosebleeds, hoarseness, sore throat, coughing or shortness of breath. These indicate overexposure. Higher or more prolonged exposure can cause a dangerous buildup 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 2,4-Dimethylphenol and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, 2,4-Dimethylphenol has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, 2,4-Dimethylphenol has not been tested for its ability to affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * High or repeated exposure may cause damage to the kidneys, liver, brain, pancreas and heart muscle. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether 2,4-Dimethylphenol causes lung damage. MEDICAL Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Complete exam of the nervous system. * Liver and kidney function tests. * Consider chest x ray after acute over 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. 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 2,4-Dimethylphenol 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 2,4- Dimethylphenol should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 2,4- Dimethylphenol. * 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 2,4-Dimethylphenol, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 2,4- Dimethylphenol, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 2,4-Dimethylphenol 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 2,4-Dimethylphenol. 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 * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid 2,4-Dimethylphenol, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. 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 2,4-Dimethylphenol does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposure to 2,4-Dimethylphenol, 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: 2,4-Dimethylphenol DOT Number: UN 2261 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 105-67-9 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY 1 Not Rated REACTIVITY 0 Not Rated ---------------------------------------- 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 * 2,4-Dimethylphenol is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. * 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 2,4-Dimethylphenol 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 2,4- Dimethylphenol 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 2,4-Dimethylphenol you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 2,4-Dimethylphenol is not compatible with BASES, ACID CHLORIDES, ACID ANHYDRIDES, OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES AND NITRATES), and COPPER COMPOUNDS.. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where 2,4-Dimethylphenol 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. 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 area with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. 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 Flash Point: 230oF (110oC) Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Phenol, 2,4-Dimethyl Other Names and Formulations: 2,4-Xylenol; 1-Hydroxy-2,4-Dimethylbenzene; m-Xylenol. ------------------------------------------ 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 2,4-Dimethylphenol is a colorless, crystalline solid which occurs naturally in petroleum and coal tars. It is used commercially as a chemical feedstock for the synthesis of a wide variety of other chemicals and as an additive or constituent of lubricants, gasolines, and cresylic acid. It may enter the environment from industrial and municipal 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. 2,4-Dimethylphenol has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of 2,4-dimethylphenol to 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. 2,4-Dimethylphenol has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of 2,4-dimethylphenol to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 2,4-Dimethylphenol is moderately soluble in water. Concentrations of between 1 to 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 2,4-Dimethylphenol 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 91.7% of 2,4-dimethylphenol will eventually end up in water; about 3.5% will end up in terrestrial soils; about 3.25% will end up in aquatic sediments; and 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 2,4-dimethylphenol found in fish tissues is expected to be less than the average concentration of 2,4- dimethylphenol in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.