Common Name: 1,4-Dichlorobenzene CAS Number: 106-46-7 DOT Number: UN 1592 Date: November, 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 1,4-Dichlorobenzene can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, swelling of the eyes, hands and feet, and nausea. Higher levels can cause severe liver damage and death. * Repeated exposure can damage the nervous system, blood cells, lungs, liver and kidneys. * Exposure can irritate and burn the skin. Skin allergy may develop. IDENTIFICATION 1,4-Dichlorobenzene is a colorless or white crystalline (sand like) material with a mothball odor. It is used in liquid form as a deodorant to control mildew and mold. REASON FOR CITATION * 1,4-Dichlorobenzene is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, DEP, NFPA, 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. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.18 ppm. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. * 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 75 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 75 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 110 ppm as a STEL (short term exposure limit). * 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. 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 1,4- Dichlorobenzene 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 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 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 1,4-Dichlorobenzene: * Exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and swelling around the eyes, hands and feet. * Contact with the dust can cause skin burns. * Exposure to the vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. * Exposure to high concentrations can cause liver damage severe enough to cause death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 1,4-Dichlorobenzene and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Test evidence is inadequate to determine if 1,4- Dichlorobenzene causes cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * There is limited evidence that 1,4-Dichlorobenzene can damage the developing animal fetus. Other Long Term Effects * Exposure can damage the nervous system, causing weakness, trembling, and numbness in the arms and legs. * 1,4-Dichlorobenzene may cause a skin allergy. If an allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. * Exposure can damage the lungs, liver and kidneys. * This chemical can damage the blood cells, causing anemia. MEDICAL Medical Testing For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater, or significant skin contact) the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Kidney and liver function tests. * Complete blood count. * Lung function tests. * Interview for brain effects, including recent memory, mood (irritability, withdrawal), concentration, headaches, malaise and altered sleep patterns. Consider cerebellar, autonomic and peripheral nervous system evaluation. Positive and borderline individuals should be referred for neuropsychological testing. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin allergy. 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. * Because more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, drinking alcohol can increase the liver damage caused by 1,4-Dichlorobenzene. 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 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 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 1,4- Dichlorobenzene should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 1,4- Dichlorobenzene. * Eye wash fountains in the immediate work area should be provided for emergency use. * On skin contact with 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 1,4- Dichloro benzene, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 1,4-Dichlorobenzene is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Do not dry sweep for clean up. Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean up. 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 1,4-Dichlorobenzene. 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 when working with powders or dusts. * Wear gas proof goggles when exposed to the vapor from heated 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, 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 exposures over 75 ppm, 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. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, or canisters, to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Exposure to 1,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 1,000 ppm exists use an MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with 1,4-Dichlorobenzene you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 1,4-Dichlorobenzene must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS (such as PERMANGANATES, NITRATES, PEROXIDES, CHLORATES, and PERCHLORATES) since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from HEAT and FLAME. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where 1,4-Dichlorobenzene is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Common Name: 1,4-Dichlorobenzene DOT Number: UN 1592 DOT Emergency Guide code: 58 CAS Number: 106-46-7 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY 2 REACTIVITY 0 POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * 1,4-Dichlorobenzene is COMBUSTIBLE. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. Water can be used to keep fire exposed containers cool. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED 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 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 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. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient manner and deposit in sealed containers. * 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 1,4- Dichlorobenzene 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. Seek medical attention. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area 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. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 0.4 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 150oF (65.5oC) Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Benzene, 1,4-Dichloro Other Names and Formulations: p Dichlorobenzene; Dichlorocide; DCB. ------------------------------------------ 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 1,4-Dichlorobenzene (CAS No. 106-46-7) is used as an insecticide fumigant in moth balls. It is also used in toilet blocks as a disinfectant. Due to its wide and general use, 1,4-dichlorobenzene may enter the environment from many sources, such as municipal effluents and landfill leachates. 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. 1,4-Dichlorobenzene has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. 1,4-dichlorobenzene has caused injury to stems of woody fruit trees. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of 1,4-dichlorobenzene 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. 1,4-dichlorobenzene has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of 1,4-dichlorobenzene to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 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 1,4-Dichlorobenzene is non-persistent in water, with a half-life of less than 2 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% of 1,4-dichlorobenzene will eventually end up in the air; the rest will end up in the water. 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 1,4-dichlorobenzene found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of 1,4-dichlorobenzene in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.