Common Name: Phosphorous (yellow) CAS Number: 7723-14-0 DOT Number: UN 1381 Date: November, 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Phosphorous (yellow) can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * On contact with skin, Phosphorous (yellow) may ignite and produce severe burns. Eye contact can cause severe damage. Sudden death may occur after minor Phosphorous (yellow) burns. * Exposure to fumes is extremely irritating to eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. * Very high exposure may cause severe or fatal poisoning. * Repeated low exposure can destroy bone, especially the jaw bone. * Phosphorous (yellow) is FLAMMABLE and is a FIRE HAZARD. * Phosphorous (Yellow) ignites spontaneously with moist air. IDENTIFICATION Phosphorous (yellow) is a white to yellow, crystalline (sand like) solid with a waxy appearance. It is used in smoke bombs, chemical fertilizers, explosives and to kill rodents. REASON FOR CITATION * Phosphorous (yellow) is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it 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 OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.1 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. It should be remembered that Phosphorous (yellow) can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. 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 Phosphorous (yellow) 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 Phosphorous (yellow) 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 Phosphorous (yellow): * On contact with skin, Phosphorous (yellow) may ignite and produce severe burns. Contact with eyes can cause serious damage. * Exposure to fumes is extremely irritating to eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. * Very high exposure may cause severe or fatal poisoning. * Sudden death, possibly due to irregular heartbeat, may occur after relatively minor (10 15%) burns. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Phosphorous (yellow) and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Phosphorous (yellow) 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, Phosphorous (yellow) has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated low exposure can cause destruction of bone, especially the jaw bone. This process can extend into one or both eye sockets. * Repeated low exposure can also cause low blood count (anemia), weight loss, and bronchitis. * Exposure can damage the liver and kidneys. * Exposure can damage the nervous system. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, for those with frequent or potentially high exposures, the following are recommended: * Complete blood count with differential. * X ray of teeth and jaw and dental exam. * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * EKG. * 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. Conditions Made Worse By Exposure Destruction of the jaw bone may be more likely to occur in persons with poor teeth. Persons requiring dental work should not be exposed until problems are corrected. 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, automatically transfer Phosphorous (yellow) 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 Phosphorous (yellow) should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Phosphorous (yellow). * 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 Phosphorous (yellow), immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Phosphorous (yellow), whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Phosphorous (yellow) 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 Phosphorous (yellow). 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 0.1 mg/m3, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator equipped with particulate (dust/fume/ mist) filters. Particulate filters must be checked every day before work for physical damage, such as rips or tears, and replaced as needed. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Phosphorous (yellow), 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 Phosphorous (yellow) you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area. * Always keep Phosphorous (yellow) under water and protect from physical damage. * Phosphorous (yellow) must be stored to avoid contact with AIR, ORGANIC MATERIALS (such as WOOD, PAPER and OIL), OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and NITRATES), and HALOGENS (such as CHLORINE, FLUORINE, BROMINE and IODINE) since violent reactions occur. Phosphorous (yellow) also must be stored to avoid contact with ALKALINE MATERIALS (such as SODIUM HYDROXIDE and POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE) because of the extreme fire hazard and because poisonous PHOSPHINE gas is produced. * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where Phosphorous (yellow) is handled, used, or stored. * Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of Phosphorous (yellow). * Wherever Phosphorous (yellow) is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. Common Name: Phosphorous (yellow) DOT Number: UN 1381 DOT Emergency Guide code: 38 CAS Number: 7723-14-0 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA 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 * Phosphorous (yellow) is a FLAMMABLE SOLID which ignites spontaneously on contact with moist air. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Oxides of Phosphorous. * Use water, dry chemical, CO2, sand, or earth to extinguish fire. * FIRE MAY RESTART AFTER IT HAS BEEN EXTINGUISHED. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Phosphorous (yellow) is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Keep spilled material wet and cover with wet sand or dirt. * Collect solidified material and keep under water in drums. * Keep Phosphorous (yellow) out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, un less the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Phosphorous (yellow) 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. Continue without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Brush all traces of dry chemical from skin. Submerge burning Phosphorous (yellow) in water or 1% copper sulfate solution if embedded in skin or wash exposed area with large amounts of water. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical attention immediately. People with Phosphorous (yellow) skin burns should be observed for 1 2 days for possible delayed effects. 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 health effects may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 0.026 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Phosphorous (white) Other Names and Formulations: RAT NIP; Bonide Blue Death Rat Killer. ------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ GENERAL INFORMATION Phosphorus (yellow or white) is an elemental solid which, in the commercial white form (99.9% pure), has a slight yellowish color. It is an abundant element distributed in igneous and sedimentary rocks and the commercial grade is obtained from phosphate rock. White phosphorus is used to make fertilizers, detergents, food and beverages, metal treatment, roach and rodent poisons, and military products. It is an essential constituent of protoplasm, nervous tissue and bones. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, 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. Acute toxicity of phosphorus to aquatic life is unknown and cannot be predicted as no toxicity tests have been conducted with elemental phosphorus. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of phosphorus 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. Chronic toxicity of phosphorus to aquatic life is unknown and cannot be predicted as no toxicity tests have been conducted with elemental phosphorus. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of phosphorus to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Phosphorus is moderately soluble in water. Concentrations of between 1 to 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of 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. Yellow phosphorus, also known as white phosphorus, is a form of element phosphorus that will probably be slowly oxidized by the dissolved oxygen in water, but which burns in air. The concentration of phosphorus found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of phosphorus in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.