Common Name: Peroxyacetic Acid CAS Number: 79-21-0 DOT Number: UN 2131 Date: January, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Peroxyacetic Acid can affect you when breathed in. * Eye contact can cause severe irritation and burns leading to permanent damage. * Peroxyacetic Acid can irritate the skin, nose, throat and lungs causing coughing. Higher exposure may cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. * High or repeated exposure may cause liver and kidney damage. IDENTIFICATION Peroxyacetic Acid is a colorless liquid. It is an organic peroxide used in bleaching textiles, paper, oils, waxes and starch, as a bactericide and fungicide in food processing, and as a catalyst for epoxy resins. REASON FOR CITATION * Peroxyacetic Acid is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT, DEP and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is REACTIVE and CORROSIVE. 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 Peroxyacetic Acid. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. * Peroxyacetic Acid is a very strong irritant, so direct exposure should be prevented. 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 Peroxyacetic Acid 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 Peroxyacetic 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 Peroxyacetic Acid: * Contact can irritate and burn the eyes leading to permanent damage. * Peroxyacetic Acid can irritate and may burn the skin. * Breathing Peroxyacetic Acid can irritate the nose, throat and lungs causing cough and difficulty in breathing. Higher exposure may cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Peroxyacetic Acid and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Peroxyacetic Acid has been tested and further testing is required to determine its ability to cause cancer. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Peroxyacetic Acid has been tested and has not been shown to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Higher or repeated exposure may cause liver and kidney damage. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Liver and kidney 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, automatically pump liquid Peroxyacetic Acid from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Use explosive proof techniques. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Peroxyacetic 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 Peroxyacetic 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 Peroxyacetic Acid, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the work shift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Peroxyacetic Acid, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Peroxyacetic 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 Peroxyacetic Acid. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment sup pliers/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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Peroxyacetic Acid does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposures to Peroxyacetic Acid, 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 Peroxyacetic Acid you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Transport of Peroxyacetic Acid is regulated by DOT. * Peroxyacetic Acid must be stored to avoid contact with ORGANIC OR COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS, OLEFINS, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, ACETIC ANHYDRIDE, and REDUCING SUBSTANCES since violent reactions occur. Common Name: Peroxyacetic Acid DOT Number: UN 2131 DOT Emergency Guide code: 51 CAS Number: 79-21-0 ---------------------------------------- NFPA Hazard Rating FLAMMABILITY 2 REACTIVITY 4 ---------------------------------------- REACTIVE, CORROSIVE STRONG OXIDIZER CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * It is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * Spontaneous chemical reaction, fire or explosion may occur if Peroxyacetic Acid is mixed with readily oxidizable, organic or flammable materials (wood, paper, oils, solvents, etc.) or chemical accelerants. * Peroxyacetic Acid explodes at 230oF (110oC), and is sensitive to shock, particularly if organic solvents are used in place of Acetic Acid solution. * POISONOUS GASES ARE 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 Peroxyacetic Acid 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 Peroxyacetic Acid out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Peroxyacetic Acid as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 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 * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of 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. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Flash Point: 105oF (40.5oC) in 60% Acetic Acid Solution; 133oF (56oC) 32% Peroxyacetic Acid in dilute Acetic Acid and less than 6% Hydrogen Peroxide Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Ethaneperoxoic Acid Other Names and Formulations: Acetic Peroxide; Acetyl Hydroperoxide; PAA. ------------------------------------------ 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 Peroxyacetic acid is a liquid with an acrid odor. It is a strong oxidizing agent, and is used as such in the production of other chemicals. Peroxyacetic acid 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. Peroxyacetic acid has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of Peroxyacetic acid 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. Peroxyacetic acid has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of peroxyacetic acid to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Peroxyacetic acid 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. Peroxyacetic acid is not likely to be very persistent in the environment. It will probably not accumulate in edible tissues of aquatic species that are consumed by humans. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.