Common Name: 1,2-Butylene Oxide CAS Number: 106-88-7 DOT Number: None Date: January 4, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 1,2-Butylene Oxide can affect you when breathed in. * Because this is a MUTAGEN, handle it as a possible cancer causing substance WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * 1,2-Butylene Oxide can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. * Skin blistering can occur on prolonged or repeated contact. * High exposure can cause you to become lightheaded or to pass out. IDENTIFICATION 1,2-Butylene Oxide is a watery white liquid. It is used as a stabilizer and to make other chemicals such as gasoline additives. REASON FOR CITATION * 1,2-Butylene Oxide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DEP, NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a MUTAGEN and is FLAMMABLE. * 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 No occupational exposure limits have been established for 1,2- Butylene Oxide. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. * 1,2-Butylene Oxide is a MUTAGEN. Mutagens may have a cancer risk. All contact with this chemical 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 1,2-Butylene 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 1,2-Butylene 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 1,2-Butylene Oxide: * Exposure to 1,2-Butylene Oxide can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, throat and lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. * High exposure can cause you to become lightheaded or to pass out. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 1,2-Butylene Oxide and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * 1,2-Butylene Oxide causes MUTATIONS (genetic changes). Such chemicals may have a cancer or reproductive risk. * 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 1,2-Butylene Oxide may decrease fertility in females. Other Long Term Effects * Prolonged or repeated contact can cause skin blistering. MEDICAL Medical Testing There is no special test for this chemical. However, if illness occurs or over exposure is suspected, medical attention is recommended. 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 1,2-Butylene Oxide from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Before entering a confined space where 1,2-Butylene 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: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by 1,2-Butylene Oxide should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 1,2- Butylene Oxide. * 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 1,2-Butylene Oxide, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 1,2- Butylene Oxide, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 1,2-Butylene Oxide 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 1,2-Butylene 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 when working with liquid 1,2-Butylene Oxide, 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to 1,2-Butylene Oxide does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposures to 1,2-Butylene Oxide, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved respirator with an organic vapor cartridge/canister. More protection is provided by a full facepiece respirator than by a half mask respirator, and even greater protection is provided by a powered air purifying respirator. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect 1,2-Butylene Oxide, 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. * Where the potential for high exposures exists, 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. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with 1,2-Butylene Oxide you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from WATER as 1,2-Butylene Oxide may vigorously react with water in the presence of acids, bases and certain salts. * 1,2-Butylene Oxide must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and NITRATES) and BASES since violent reactions occur. * SOURCES OF IGNITION (such as SMOKING and open FLAMES) are prohibited where 1,2-Butylene Oxide is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of 1,2-Butylene 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 1,2-Butylene Oxide. * Wherever 1,2-Butylene Oxide is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. Common Name: 1,2-Butylene Oxide DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 106-88-7 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 3 REACTIVITY - 2 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * 1,2-Butylene Oxide is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. * Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If 1,2-Butylene Oxide 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. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Keep 1,2-Butylene Oxide out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 1,2-Butylene Oxide 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. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin 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. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 144 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 5oF (-15oC) Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Oxirane, Ethyl Other Names and Formulations: 1,2-Epoxybutane; 2-Ethyloxirane; Propyl Oxirane. ------------------------------------------ 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 1,2-Butylene Oxide is a liquid used mainly as an acid scavenger for chlorine-containing materials such as trichloroethylene, and as a deterrent of container corrosion in the preparation of vinyl chloride and copolymer resin solutions. 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. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of 1, 2-Butylene Oxide to aquatic life, 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. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of 1, 2-Butylene Oxide to aquatic life, plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 1, 2-Butylene Oxide is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with aliter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 1, 2-Butylene 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 77% of 1, 2-Butylene 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 1, 2-Butylene Oxide found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of 1, 2- Butylene Oxide in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.