Common Name: Dimethyl Sulfate CAS Number: 77-78-1 DOT Number: UN 1595 Date: January 31, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Dimethyl Sulfate can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Dimethyl Sulfate is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, and burning of the eyes. Symptoms may not begin until hours after expo sure and can rapidly progress to death. * Contact causes severe but delayed burning of the eyes and skin. * Overexposure can cause fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), severe eye damage, and fatal damage to the heart and liver. IDENTIFICATION Dimethyl Sulfate is a colorless oily liquid with a faint onion odor. It is used in making other chemicals. REASON FOR CITATION * Dimethyl Sulfate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT and NFPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN, a MUTAGEN and is CORROSIVE. * 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 EXPOSURES OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 1 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * 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. * Dimethyl Sulfate is a PROBABLE 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. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Dimethyl Sulfate is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Dimethyl Sulfate and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. As part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Dimethyl Sulfate to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information for workers, employers and community residents. Health professionals may also find it useful. If this substance is part of a mixture, this Fact Sheet should be used along with the manufacturer supplied Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Dimethyl Sulfate: * The first symptoms after exposure are headaches, dizziness and burning of the eyes. These may not occur until hours later. These symptoms can go rapidly to chest tightness, cough, trouble breathing, a dangerous fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema) with severe shortness of breath and death. * Contact can severely burn the eyes, causing permanent damage with loss of vision. It can burn and blister the skin, leaving scars. These effects can be delayed for hours. * Severe burning when passing urine, loss of voice and irritation of the nose and throat also can occur with exposure. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Dimethyl Sulfate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Dimethyl Sulfate is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is some evidence that it causes nose and throat cancer in humans and it has been shown to cause nose and throat 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 * Dimethyl Sulfate has caused CANCER in the offspring of animals exposed during pregnancy. Other Long Term Effects * Dimethyl Sulfate can irritate the lungs. Repeated exposures may cause bronchitis to develop, with coughing, phlegm and/or shortness of breath. * Dimethyl Sulfate may damage the liver, kidneys and heart. * Long term exposure may cause chronic eye damage (corneal scars). * Repeated exposure may cause hair loss. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following is recommended: * Liver and lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure occurs, repeat the above and: * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. 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, automatically pump liquid Dimethyl Sulfate 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 Dimethyl Sulfate 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 Dimethyl Sulfate. * Eye wash fountains in the immediate work area should be provided for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Dimethyl Sulfate at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Dimethyl Sulfate 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 Dimethyl Sulfate. 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. * ACGIH recommends viton as fair to excellent protective material. Eye Protection * Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory protection. 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. * At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet operated in the continuous flow mode. A MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full face piece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode is also recommended. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Dimethyl Sulfate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Dimethyl Sulfate is handled, used, or stored. * Dimethyl Sulfate must be stored to avoid contact with WATER, STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE) and STRONG AMMONIA SOLUTIONS, since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from HEAT or FLAME. Do not allow this chemical to contact water. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Dimethyl Sulfate is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Common Name: Dimethyl Sulfate DOT Number: UN 1595 DOT Emergency Guide code: 57 CAS Number: 77-78-1 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 2 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE POISONOUS GAS PRODUCED IN FIRE COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Dimethyl Sulfate is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GAS IS 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 Dimethyl Sulfate is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Ventilate the 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 Dimethyl Sulfate as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your local 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 * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of water. Seek medical attention immediately. 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: 0.5 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 182oF Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Sulfuric Acid, Dimethyl Ester Other Names and Formulations: Methyl Sulfate; DMS. ------------------------------------------ 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 Dimethyl Sulfate is a colorless oily liquid used to make many organic chemicals. 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. Dimethyl Sulfate has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of dimethyl sulfate 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. Dimethyl Sulfate has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of dimethyl sulfate to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Dimethyl Sulfate is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more 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. Dimethyl Sulfate will react rapidly with water and therefore will not accumulate in aquatic organisms or the environment. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.