Common Name: p-Benzoquinone CAS Number: 106-51-4 DOT Number: UN 2587 Date: January, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * p-Benzoquinone can affect you when breathed in. * Skin or eye contact can cause severe irritation. A brown stain and/or ulcer can develop, especially with prolonged contact. * Repeated eye exposure to the vapor can cause brown staining and reduced vision. * The vapor also irritates the nose, throat and bronchial tubes, and may cause nosebleeds, hoarseness, cough, phlegm and/or tightness in the chest. High exposure could cause a dangerous fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. IDENTIFICATION p-Benzoquinone is a yellow, crystalline (sand like) material. It is used as a fungicide, a reagent in photography and to make dyes and other chemicals. REASON FOR CITATION * p-Benzoquinone is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, EPA, and NFPA. * 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 0.1 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. 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-Benzoquinone. * 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-Benzoquinone 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-Benzoquinone: * Skin contact causes severe irritation. Skin staining and skin ulcer can result, especially from prolonged contact. * Eye contact can cause severe irritation and staining and/or eye damage with loss of vision. * The vapor irritates the eyes, nose, throat and bronchial tubes and may cause nosebleeds, hoarseness, cough, phlegm and/or tightness in the chest. * High exposure could cause a dangerous fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency with severe shortness of breath. * Kidney and brain damage, with convulsion and even death, can occur with severe overexposure. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to p-Benzoquinone and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information available to the New Jersey Department of Health, p-Benzoquinone has been tested and further testing is required to evaluate its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, p-Benzoquinone has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated eye exposure to the vapor can gradually lead to brown staining and/or a deformed cornea, seriously affecting vision. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether p-Benzoquinone causes lung damage. 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: * Eye exam. * Consider lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. * Kidney function tests. 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, transfer liquid p-Benzoquinone 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-Benzoquinone should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to p- Benzoquinone. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with p-Benzoquinone, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where p-Benzoquinone 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 cleanup. 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 p-Benzoquinone. Wear solvent resistant 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 dust, unless full face piece 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 0.1 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. * Exposure to 75 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 75 ppm 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-Benzoquinone DOT Number: UN 2587 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 106-51-4 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 2 REACTIVITY - 1 ---------------------------------------- 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 * p-Benzoquinone is a COMBUSTIBLE SOLID. * 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 p-Benzoquinone 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. * 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-Benzoquinone 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-Benzoquinone you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * p-Benzoquinone must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE) since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from HEAT. * p-Benzoquinone will attack some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings. 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 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. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 0.1 mm Hg at 77oF (25oC) Flash Point: 100oF (37.7oC) Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 2,5-Cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione Other Names and Formulations: p-Quinone; 1,4-Benzoquinone; Chinone; Steara PBQ. ------------------------------------------ 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-Benzoquinone is a yellow crystalline solid with a penetrating chlorine-like odor. It is used as an oxidizing agent, in photography, in the manufacture of dyes and hydroquinone, in tanning hides, in making gelatin insoluble, in strengthening animal fibers, and as a chemical reagent. It may enter the environment from 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. p-Benzoquinone has high acute toxicity to aquatic life and moderate-to high acute toxicity to land animals. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of p-Benzoquinone to plants or birds. 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-Benzoquinone has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of p-benzoquinone to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY p-Benzoquinone 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-Benzoquinone 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. Virtually 100% of p-Benzoquinone will end up in 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 p-Benzoquinone found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of p-Benzoquinone in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.