Common Name: Propylene Oxide CAS Number: 75-56-9 DOT Number: UN 1280 Date: February 9, 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Propylene Oxide can affect you when breathed in. * Propylene Oxide should be handled as a CARCINOGEN--WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Propylene Oxide can cause severe eye burns leading to permanent damage. * Skin contact can cause severe irritation or burns. * Breathing exposure irritates the nose, throat and lungs. High or repeated exposure can damage the lungs and/or lead to pneumonia. * Overexposure can cause headache and make you feel dizzy, lightheaded and even pass out. Poor coordination can also occur. * Propylene Oxide is a HIGHLY FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE chemical and is a DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Propylene Oxide is a clear, colorless liquid. It is used as a fumigant and in making lubricants, detergents and other chemicals. REASON FOR CITATION * Propylene Oxide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, EPA and NFPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a MUTAGEN and FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE 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 100 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 20 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift. * 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. * Propylene Oxide 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 Propylene Oxide 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 Propylene Oxide 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 Propylene Oxide: * Skin contact, even with dilute solutions, can cause severe irritation and even burns, especially with prolonged contact (contaminated clothing). * Eye contact can cause burns with loss of vision. * The vapor irritates the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms may include nose bleeds, sore throat, hoarseness, cough, phlegm and/or difficulty breathing. * Higher exposure can cause lung damage and reduce resistance to pneumonia infections. * Exposure may cause headache, a feeling of being dizzy or lightheaded, poor coordination and even passing out. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Propylene Oxide and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Propylene Oxide may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause stomach and nose 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 * There is limited evidence that Propylene Oxide may decrease fertility in males and females. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated overexposure can damage the lungs and may also cause liver damage. * Propylene Oxide may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Liver 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 controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Propylene Oxide from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Before entering a confined space where Propylene Oxide may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: 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 Propylene Oxide. 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 splash-proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid Propylene Oxide, 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 20 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 2000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 2000 ppm exists, use a 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 Propylene Oxide you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Propylene Oxide must be stored to avoid contact with ANHYDROUS METAL CHLORIDES, IRON, STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC), STRONG BASES and PEROXIDES, COPPER or COPPER ALLOYS since violent reactions occur. * Propylene Oxide will attack some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Propylene Oxide is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Propylene Oxide should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. * Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of Propylene Oxide. * Wherever Propylene Oxide is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings. Common Name: Propylene Oxide DOT Number: UN 1280 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26 CAS Number: 75-56-9 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 4 REACTIVITY 2 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Propylene Oxide is a flammable liquid. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. * Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Propylene Oxide 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 Propylene Oxide as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state 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 Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of 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: 442 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 35oF Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Oxirane, Methyl- Other Names and Formulations: Propene Oxide; 1,2-Epoxypropene; Methyl Ethylene Oxide; 1,2- Propylene Oxide. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Project CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Propylene oxide is a colorless, flammable liquid used to make polyurethanes, propylene and dipropylene glycols, lubricants, surfactants and oil demulsifiers. It is also used as a solvent, fumigant, and soil sterilant. Propylene oxide may enter the environment from industrial discharges, as a leachate from the soil, or from 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. Propylene oxide has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of propylene oxide to plants, 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. Propylene oxide has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of propylene oxide to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Propylene oxide 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 Propylene oxide 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 70.3% of propylene oxide will eventually end up in 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 propylene oxide found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of propylene oxide in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.