Common Name: Methoxychlor CAS Number: 72-43-5 DOT Number: NA 2761 Date: May, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Methoxychlor can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Methoxychlor should be handled as a CARCINOGEN WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Methoxychlor can cause reproductive damage. * Overexposure can cause anxiety, dizziness, headache, a feeling of being disoriented, weakness, "pins and needles", muscle twitching and tremor. Higher levels also can cause convulsions (seizures or "fits"), passing out and death. * Repeated overexposure may damage the kidneys. IDENTIFICATION Methoxychlor is a white, crystalline (sand like) solid. It is used to control insects and also in animal medicines. REASON FOR CITATION * Methoxychlor is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, DEP and EPA. * 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 10 mg/m3 total dust and 5 mg/m3 respirable fraction averaged over an 8 hour workshift. (Final Rule January 1989). ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 10 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. * Methoxychlor 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 Methoxychlor 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 Methoxychlor 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 Methoxychlor: * Overexposure can cause anxiety, dizziness, headache, being disoriented, weakness, a "pins and needles" feeling in arms or legs, muscle twitching and tremor. Somewhat higher levels can cause seizures ("fits"), passing out and even death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Methoxychlor and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Methoxychlor may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause liver, testes, ovary and spleen 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 * Methoxychlor may damage the testes (male reproductive glands). * There is limited evidence that Methoxychlor may damage the developing fetus. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated overexposure can damage the kidneys. * A rare bone marrow injury (aplastic anemia) has been reported after Methoxychlor overexposure, causing death. It is uncertain at this time whether this was caused by Methoxychlor. MEDICAL Medical Testing There is no special test for this chemical. However, if illness occurs or overexposure is suspected, medical attention is recommended. 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. 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, transfer Methoxychlor 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: 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 Methoxychlor 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 Methoxychlor. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Methoxychlor, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Methoxychlor, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Methoxychlor is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * 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 Methoxychlor. 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 dust proof goggles and face shield when working with powders or dust, 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. * Where the potential exists for exposure over 10 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 7500 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 7500 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: Methoxychlor DOT Number: NA 2761 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 72-43-5 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY Not Found Not Rated REACTIVITY Not Found Not Rated ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Methoxychlor may burn, but does not readily ignite. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Hydrogen Chloride and Chlorides. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Methoxychlor is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until cleanup is complete. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Methoxychlor 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 Methoxychlor you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE). 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 * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with 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. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Benzene, 1,1' (2,2,2 Trichloroethylidene) Bis 4 Methoxy Other Names and Formulations: Maralate; Marlate; Metox; Chemform; DMDT; Methoxy DDT; Maxie. ------------------------------------------ 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 Methoxychlor is a chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide used to control a variety of insect pests. It is a crystalline solid, used for insect control on fruit and shade trees, vegetables, dairy and beef cattle, home gardens, and around farm buildings (except poultry houses). It has served as a replacement for DDT in some cases. Methoxychlor may enter the environment from agricultural runoff, 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. Methoxychlor has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. It has caused injury to various agricultural crops and tree species. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of methoxychlor to 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. Methoxychlor has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of methoxychlor to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Methoxychlor is slightly soluble in water. Concentrations of less than 1 milligram will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Methoxychlor 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 50% of methoxychlor will eventually end up in terrestrial soil; about 46.8% in aquatic sediments; about 3% in water; and the rest will end up in the suspended aquatic solids. 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 methoxychlor found in fish tissues is expected to be much higher than the average concentration of methoxychlor in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA., Phytotox.