Common Name: p-Phenylenediamine CAS Number: 106-50-3 DOT Number: UN 1673 DATE: December, 1989 ------------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * p-Phenylenediamine can affect you when breathed in and may be absorbed through the skin. * p-Phenylenediamine can cause severe skin irritation with rash and itching, and can cause eye irritation with possible permanent damage. Repeated exposure could cause the lenses of the eyes to become cloudy (cataract). * Breathing p-Phenylenediamine can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs causing cough, and/or shortness of breath. * Exposure to p-Phenylenediamine can interfere with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen (a condition called Methemoglobinemia). * Higher breathing exposure could cause a dangerous build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency with severe shortness of breath. * Exposure to high concentration may cause liver, kidney and brain damage. IDENTIFICATION p-Phenylenediamine is a white to purple-gray crystalline (sand- like) powder. It is used as an anti-oxidant in rubber processing, as a stabilizer in greases, lubrication and transformer oils, in photography, and fur and hair dyes. REASON FOR CITATION * p-Phenylenediamine is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT and EPA and other authorities. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substance 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 0.1 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift. (Final Rule January 1989). ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 mg/m3 average 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 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 p- Phenylenediamine and 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 p-Phenylenediamine 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 -p-Phenylenediamine: * p-Phenylenediamine can cause severe skin irritation with rash and itching, and can cause eye irritation with possible permanent damage. The eye irritation can cause the person to see halos around lights. * Breathing p-Phenylenediamine an irritate nose, throat, and lungs, causing cough and shortness of breath. * Exposure to p-Phenylenediamine can interfere with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen (a condition called methemoglobinemia). This can cause headache, weakness, dizzying and a blue color to the skin and lips. * Exposure could cause stomach upset, headache, increased blood pressure, dizzying, tremors, convulsions. Higher or more prolonged exposure could cause a dangerous build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency with severe shortness of breath. * p-Phenylenediamine may damage the bone marrow (aplastic anemia). This could reduce white blood cells (increased risk of infection), red blood cells (anemia, weakness), and/or blood platelets (problems with blood not clotting, bleeding, and bruising). Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to p-Phenylenediamine and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * p-Phenylenediamine has been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals and additional testing is required. While p-Phenylenediamine has not yet been identified as a carcinogen, it should be handled with caution since related chemicals (aromatic amines), including Aniline cause bladder 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 * There is evidence that p-Phenylenediamine is not a teratogen but additional testing is recommended to evaluate other adverse health effects since related chemicals (aromatic amines, including Aniline) affects women's reproductive cycle. Other Long-Term Effects * p-Phenylenediamine may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. * p-Phenylenediamine may cause an asthma-like allergy. Future exposures can cause asthma attacks with shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and/or chest tightness. * Repeated exposure may cause liver and kidney damage. Clouding of the lens of the eye could also occur (cataracts), with loss in vision. * Chemicals closely related to p-Phenylenediamine may damage the nervous system. Effects could include reduced memory, difficulty concentrating, mood changes and possibly affect other nerves in the body. It is not known whether p- Phenylenediamine has this effect. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Liver and kidney function tests. 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. * Lung function tests. These may be normal if the person is not having an attack at the time of the test. * Interview for brain symptoms, 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. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with a 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 controls recommended: * Where possible, automatically transfer p-Phenylenediamine 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 p- Phenylenediamine would change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to p- Phenylenediamine. * 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 p-Phenylenediamine, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted p- Phenylenediamine, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where p-Phenylenediamine 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 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 p-Phenylenediamine. 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 exposures over 0.1mg/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 25 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 25 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: p-Phenylenediamine DOT Number: UN 1673 DOT Emergency Guide Code: 53 CAS Number: 106-50-3 ------------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY 1 Not Rated REACTIVITY 0 Not Rated ------------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ------------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: O=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * p-Phenylenediamine may burn, but does not readily ignite. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, 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 p-Phenylenediamine is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until clean-up 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 p- Phenylenediamine 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 p-Phenylenediamine you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * p-Phenylenediamine is not compatible with ACIDS, ACID CHLORIDES, ACID ANHYDRIDES, CHLOROFORMATES and STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE). * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from LIGHT. 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. Seek medical attention for more than minor exposure or if rash or irritation is present. 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: 312 F (156 C) Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAME Chemical Name: 1,4-Benezenediamine Other Names and Formulations: 4-Aminoaniline; 1,4-Diaminobenzene. ------------------------------------------- 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 p-Phenylenediamine is a white to slightly red crystalline solid which darkens on exposure to air. It is used in the dyeing of furs and hair, in photography, in the production of the strong fiber Kevlar, as an antioxidant for plastics, elastomers, and gasoline, in the manufacture of azo dyes, in accelerating vulcanization, and as a chemical reagent. 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. p-Phenylenediamine has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life and high acute toxicity to birds. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of this chemical to plants 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. p-Phenylenediamine has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of p-Phenylenediamine to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY p-Phenylenediamine 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 p-Phenylenediamine 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 97.6% of p-Phenylenediamine 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 p-Phenylenediamine found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of p- Phenylenediamine in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA. eeb/birds