Common Name: Acetonitrile CAS Number: 75-05-8 DOT Number: UN 1648 Date: January 31, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Acetonitrile can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Exposure can cause fatal Cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of chest tightness, nausea and vomiting, weakness, and shortness of breath may lead to death. * Acetonitrile can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, skin, and lungs. It may affect the thyroid gland. * It is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a FIRE HAZARD. It should be used and stored away from heat or flame. IDENTIFICATION Acetonitrile is a colorless liquid with an ether-like odor. It is used as a solvent and in making pesticides and pharmaceuticals. REASON FOR CITATION * Acetonitrile is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is FLAMMABLE. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. 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. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 170 ppm. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 40 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 20 ppm averaged over an 10-hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 40 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 60 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 Acetonitrile. * 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 Acetonitrile 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 Acetonitrile: * Exposure can cause fatal cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of flushing of the face, chest tightness, nausea and vomiting, weakness, and shortness of breath may lead to death. These reactions may begin hours after overexposure. * Acetonitrile can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. * Contact can cause skin irritation. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Acetonitrile and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Acetonitrile 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, Acetonitrile has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long-Term Effects * Repeated exposure may affect the thyroid gland, causing enlargement. * High exposures may damage the nervous system, liver, and kidneys. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether Acetonitrile causes lung damage. Medical Testing For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater), the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Blood Cyanide test and/or urine Thiocyanate test. (Blood Cyanide over 0.1 mg/1 or urine Thiocyanate over 20 mg/1 indicates overexposure.) * Maintain close medical monitoring. Slow release of cyanide from absorbed Acetonitrile may cause delayed symptoms. * Liver and 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. 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, automatically pump liquid Acetonitrile 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: Occupational Exposure to Acetonitrile # 78-212. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Acetonitrile 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 Acetonitrile. * 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 Acetonitrile, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Acetonitrile at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Acetonitrile 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 Acetonitrile. 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 splash-proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid , 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. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Acetonitrile you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Acetonitrile 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. * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where Acetonitrile is handled, used, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Metal containers used in the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Acetonitrile should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Common Name: Acetonitrile DOT Number: UN 1648 DOT Emergency Guide code: 28 CAS Number: 75-05-8 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 1 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Acetonitrile is a flammable liquid. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Hydrogen Cyanide. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Acetonitrile is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean-up 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 Acetonitrile as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID Antidotes and Special Procedures Acetonitrile can cause fatal Cyanide poisoning. Cyanide antidote kit must be kept in immediate work area. Persons trained in the use of this kit, oxygen use, and CPR must be available within 1-2 minutes. In the event of overexposure, and/or symptoms: * Remove from contaminated area. * Give Amyl Nitrate capsules (as directed, by trained personnel only). * Remove contaminated clothing and flush skin with large amounts of water. * 100% oxygen should be given by trained personnel. * Immediately transfer to emergency room. Observe for 24 to 48 hours. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Skin Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water. * Seek medical attention promptly. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 73 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 42oF (5.6oC) Water Solubility: Miscible Other Names and Formulations: Cyanomethane; Ethyl Nitrile; Methyl Cyanide. ------------------------------------------ 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 (609) 984-2202 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Acetonitrile is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. It is used as a solvent to extract and recover chemicals in the production of pharmaceuticals, plastics, and other products. It is also used in the photographic industry, in the extraction and refining of copper, in the textile and perfume industries, and in analytical chemistry laboratories. It may enter the environment through manufacturing effluents, municipal waste treatment plant 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. Acetonitrile has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the short-term effects of acetonitrile 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. Acetonitrile has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the long-term effects of acetonitrile to plants or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Acetonitrile 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 Acetonitrile 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 21% of acetonitrile will eventually end up in air; 79% 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 acetonitrile found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of acetonitrile in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.