Common Name: 1,2-Dichloropropane CAS Number: 78-87-5 DOT Number: UN 1279 Date: June 30, 1986 ------------------------------------------ HAZARD SUMMARY * 1,2-Dichloropropane can affect you when breathed in and by passing through skin. * The vapor can irritate the nose, throat, eyes and air passages. * Repeated or prolonged skin contact can cause rash. * High or repeated exposure can damage the liver, kidneys and brain. Early symptoms include headaches, nausea, personality changes. * High exposure can irritate the lungs. It can also make you lightheaded, dizzy and cause you to pass out. * 1,2-Dichloropropane is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a FIRE HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION 1,2-Dichloropropane is a colorless liquid with a chloroform like odor. It is used as a solvent, degreaser, in dry cleaning fluids and as an insecticide. REASON FOR CITATION * 1,2-Dichloropropane 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. * 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 = 0.25 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 75 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 75 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 110 ppm as a STEL (short term exposure limit). * 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. 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- Dichloropropane 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-Dichloropropane 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-Dichloropropane: * The vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and air passages. * Eye contact causes strong irritation. * High exposure can damage the liver, kidneys and adrenal glands. Brain damage can also occur which may be permanent. Early symptoms of brain effects are headaches, lightheadedness, nausea and a feeling of drunkenness. More serious effects include changes in vision, speech, poor muscle coordination, shakes, seizures, fits, coma and death. * Exposure may also increase risk of serious, even life threatening heart rhythm changes. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 1,2-Dichloropropane and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * There is limited evidence that 1,2-Dichloropropane causes cancer in animals. It may cause cancer of the liver. * 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 * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, 1,2-Dichloropropane has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure can damage the liver, kidneys and brain; and may damage the adrenal glands. At lower levels of liver and kidney damage, standard tests may be normal. * Repeated or prolonged skin contact can cause irritation and rash. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, for those with frequent or potentially high exposures, the following are recommended: * Liver and kidney function tests. * Exam of the nervous system. 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 more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, drinking alcohol may increase the liver damage caused by 1,2- Dichloropropane. Conditions Made Worse By Exposure Persons with significant liver disease may be at somewhat increased risk from exposure. 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 1,2-Dichloropropane 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 1,2- Dichloropropane 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 1,2- Dichloropropane. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * On skin contact with 1,2-Dichloropropane, 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- Dichloropropane, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 1,2-Dichloropropane 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-Dichloropropane. Wear solvent resistant 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, 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 75 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an organic vapor cartridge/canister. Increased protection is obtained from full facepiece powered air purifying respirators. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect 1,2-Dichloropropane, 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. * Exposure to 2,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 2,000 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 * Prior to working with 1,2-Dichloropropane you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 1,2-Dichloropropane must be stored to avoid contact with ALUMINUM since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE), STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC), o DICHLOROBENZENE and 1,2-DICHLOROETHANE. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where 1,2-Dichloropropane is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of 1,2-Dichloropropane 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-Dichloropropane. * Wherever 1,2-Dichloropropane is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. Common Name: 1,2-Dichloropropane DOT Number: UN 1279 DOT Emergency Guide code: 27 CAS Number: 78-87-5 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- FLAMMABLE LIQUID POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * 1,2-Dichloropropane is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Chlorine. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Vapors form flammable mixtures with air and may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. Water may be ineffective, except to blanket fire. * 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-Dichloropropane 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-Dichloropropane 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 1,2- Dichloropropane 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 * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with soap and 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. * Medical observation for 2 days is recommended after breathing or substantial skin overexposure, as some organ damage may not be obvious immediately. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 40 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 60oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Propane, 1,2-Dichloro Other Names and Formulations: Propylene Chloride; Propylene Dichloride. ----------------------------------------- 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-Dichloropropane is used as an oil and fat solvent, in dry cleaning fluids, in degreasing, and in insecticidal fumigant mixtures. Dichloropropane may enter the environment from industrial discharges, runoff from agricultural land, and municipal effluents. When heated to decomposition, 1,2-dichloropropane gives off toxic fumes of phosgene. 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. 1,2-Dichloropropane has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of 1,2-dichloropropane 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. 1,2-Dichloropropane has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of 1,2-dichloropropane to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 1,2-Dichloropropane is slightly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1 milligram or less will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 1,2-Dichloropropane 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 99% of 1,2-dichloropropane will eventually end up in the 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-dichloropropane found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of 1,2-dichloropropane in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.