Common Name: Chloroacetic Acid CAS Number: 79-11-8 DOT Number: UN 1751 (solid) Date: January, 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Chloroacetic Acid can affect you when breathed in. * Chloroacetic Acid is a CORROSIVE CHEMICAL and skin or eye contact can cause severe irritation or burns. * The dust or spray can irritate the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. * Exposure can cause a feeling of anxiety, blurred vision, "pins and needles", muscle twitching and hallucinations. This can go on to convulsions ("fits") and death. These effects can be delayed for several hours after exposure, giving the victim no warning during exposure. * High or repeated exposure can damage the kidneys. IDENTIFICATION Chloroacetic Acid is a white to light brownish crystalline (sugar or sand like) material. It is used to make dyes and other chemicals, as an herbicide and a disinfectant. REASON FOR CITATION * Chloroacetic Acid is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT, NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance list because it 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 EXPOSURE LIMITS No occupational exposure limits have been established for Chloroacetic Acid. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. * Chloroacetic Acid may cause mutations. 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 Chloroacetic Acid. * 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 Chloroacetic Acid 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 Chloroacetic Acid: * Skin or eye contact can cause severe irritation or burns. * The dust or spray can irritate the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. * This may cause nosebleeds, sore throat, hoarseness and/or cough with phlegm. * Exposure can cause very severe effects delayed in starting for several hours. These may begin with a feeling of anxiety, restlessness, "pins and needles", blurred vision and/or hallucinations (hearing things). This can go on to convulsions (seizures or "fits") and even death. These can occur even if the victim feels okay during exposure, and develop after a delay of several hours. Death, if it occurs, is usually from irregular heart beat (ventricular fibrillation). Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Chloroacetic Acid and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Chloroacetic Acid may cause mutations (genetic changes) in living cells. Whether or not it poses a cancer or re productive hazard needs further study. * There is limited evidence that Chloroacetic Acid causes cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Chloroacetic Acid has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated skin contact can cause rash from irritation. * Repeated exposure can damage the kidneys and may also affect liver and/or thyroid function. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether Chloroacetic Acid causes lung damage. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, for those with frequent or potentially high exposures, the following are recommended: * Lung function tests. * Kidney function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may also be useful: * Liver function tests. * 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, transfer Chloroacetic Acid 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 Chloroacetic Acid should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Chloroacetic Acid. * 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 Chloroacetic Acid, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Chloroacetic Acid 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 Chloroacetic Acid. 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Chloroacetic Acid does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposures over Chloroacetic Acid, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with a high efficiency particulate filter. 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 Chloroacetic Acid, 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 Chloroacetic Acid you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Chloroacetic Acid must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE), STRONG BASES and STRONG REDUCING AGENTS since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from METALS and COMBUSTIBLES. Common Name: Chloroacetic Acid DOT Number: UN 1751 (solid) DOT Emergency Guide code: 60 CAS Number: 79-11-8 --------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 1 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- CORROSIVE POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Chloroacetic Acid may burn, but does not readily ignite. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Chlorine and Phosgene Gas. * Use water spray to keep fire exposed containers cool. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Chloroacetic Acid is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until cleanup is complete. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Chloroacetic Acid 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 immediately. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of 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 at least 24 hours after breathing overexposure is recommended. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 1.0 mm Hg at 43oF Flash Point: 302oF Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Acetic Acid, Chloro Other Names: MCA; Chloroethanoic Acid; Monochloroacetic Acid. ------------------------------------------ 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 Chloroacetic acid is a white crystalline solid. It is used as an intermediate to make other chemicals, and 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. Chloroacetic acid has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. It has caused death and injury to several agricultural and ornamental crops. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of chloroacetic acid to 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. Chloroacetic acid has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of chloroacetic acid to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Chloroacetic acid 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 Chloroacetic acid is moderately persistent in water, with a half-life of between 20 to 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 97% of chloroacetic acid will eventually end up in water; the rest will end up in the air. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living oranisms 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 chloroacetic acid found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of chloroacetic acid in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.