Common Name: 1,3-Butadiene CAS Number: 106-99-0 DOT Number: UN 1010 Date: July 31, 1986 ------------------------------------------ HAZARD SUMMARY * 1,3-Butadiene can affect you when breathed in. * Handle as a CARCINOGEN WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Breathing the vapor can cause you to become lightheaded or pass out. Very high exposures may cause death. * Exposure can also irritate the eyes, nose, mouth and throat. * Contact with the liquid may irritate the skin and cause frostbite. * 1,3-Butadiene is a HIGHLY FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE LIQUID/GAS and a DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION 1,3-Butadiene is a colorless gas with a mildly aromatic, pleasant odor, or a colorless liquid below 23oF. It is used in making rubber products (tires) and chemicals. REASON FOR CITATION * 1,3-Butadiene 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 FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE. * 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. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 1.6 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 1,000 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 10 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * 1,3-Butadiene 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 1,3-Butadiene. * 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 1,3-Butadiene 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 1,3-Butadiene: * The liquid may irritate the skin and cause frostbite on contact. * Exposure to the gas can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. * Breathing the vapor may cause you to become sleepy and lightheaded. Very high exposures may cause you to pass out or even die. * Breathing the vapor may also irritate the lungs, causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 1,3-Butadiene and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * 1,3-Butadiene may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause breast, uterus, lung and skin cancer in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Reproductive Hazard * There is limited evidence that 1,3-Butadiene is a teratogen in animals. Until further testing has been done, it should be treated as a possible teratogen in humans. * There is limited evidence that it may also damage the testes and ovaries. Other Long Term Effects * Chronic (long term) health effects are unknown at this time. 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. 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 transfer 1,3-Butadiene 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 1,3-Butadiene should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 1,3- Butadiene. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use where the liquid is used. * On skin contact with 1,3-Butadiene, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 1,3- Butadiene at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 1,3-Butadiene 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 1,3-Butadiene. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * Where exposure to cold equipment, vapors, or liquid may occur employees should be provided with special clothing designed to prevent the freezing of body tissues. * 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 1,3-Butadiene, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn or wear gas proof goggles, 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 10 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 20,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 20,000 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 * 1,3-Butadiene must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE), COPPER and COPPER ALLOYS since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from HEAT. High heat can cause a violent chemical reaction that will rupture the container. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where 1,3-Butadiene is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of 1,3-Butadiene. * Prior to working with 1,3-Butadiene you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Common Name: 1,3-Butadiene DOT Number: UN 1010 DOT Emergency Guide code: 17 CAS Number: 106-99-0 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 4 REACTIVITY 2 ---------------------------------------- FLAMMABLE GAS AND LIQUID CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE CORROSIVE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * 1,3-Butadiene is a FLAMMABLE GAS. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Stop the flow of gas to extinguish flame. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If 1,3-Butadiene is leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from areas of leaks until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of leak to disperse the gas. * Stop flow of gas. If source of leak is a cylinder and the leak cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking cylinder to a safe place in the open air, and repair leak or allow cylinder to empty. * If a liquid then absorb in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Keep 1,3-Butadiene out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build up of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 1,3-Butadiene 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. Seek medical attention. Skin Contact with Liquid * Quickly immerse affected part in warm water. Seek medical attention. 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: 910 mm Hg at 68oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 1,3-Butadiene Other Names and Formulations: Biethylene; Butadiene; Pyrrolylene. ------------------------------------------ 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 1,3-Butadiene is a colorless gas produced by the petrochemical industry and used in the manufacture of synthetic rubber. 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. 1,3-Butadiene has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of 1,3-butadiene 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. 1,3-Butadiene has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of 1,3-butadiene to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 1,3-Butadiene 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 1,3-Butadiene is non-persistent in water, with a half-life of less than 2 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. Virtually all of 1,3-butadiene will end up in the air. 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 1,3-butadiene found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of 1,3-butadiene in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.