Common Name: 2-Nitropropane CAS Number: 79-46-9 DOT Number: UN 2608 Date: January 12, 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 2-Nitropropane can affect you when breathed in. * 2-Nitropropane may cause mutations. Handle with extreme caution. * Exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting and diarrhea. At levels causing these symptoms, severe liver damage can occur that can cause death. * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Higher levels can irritate the lungs and may cause a build up of fluid. This can cause death. * Exposure may also damage the kidneys, heart and may interfere with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. This can cause weakness, trouble breathing and a bluish color to the skin and lips. * 2-Nitropropane is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a FIRE HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION 2-Nitropropane is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor. It is used as a solvent especially for vinyl and epoxy coatings, as a rocket propellant and gasoline additive, and to make other chemicals. REASON FOR CITATION * 2-Nitropropane is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, DEP, NIOSH, EPA 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. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 25 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. NIOSH: Recommends the lowest feasible level. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 10 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * 2-Nitropropane 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 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 2-Nitropropane 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 2-Nitropropane: * Exposure can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and diarrhea. At levels causing these symptoms, severe liver damage can occur and can cause death. * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Higher levels can irritate the lungs and may cause a build up of fluid (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * Exposure may interfere with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen (a condition called methemoglobinemia). This can cause headaches, nausea, weakness and a bluish color to the skin and lips. Higher levels can cause trouble breathing, collapse and even death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 2-Nitropropane and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * 2-Nitropropane may cause mutations (genetic changes) in living cells. Whether or not it poses a cancer or reproductive hazard needs further study and in fact, there is limited evidence that 2-Nitropropane causes cancer in animals. It may cause cancer of the liver. Reproductive Hazard * There is limited evidence that 2-Nitropropane may damage the developing fetus. Other Long Term Effects * High or repeated exposures may damage the kidneys and heart. MEDICAL TESTING For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater), the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Liver function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Consider chest x ray after acute over exposure. * Kidney function tests. * Blood methemoglobin level. 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. 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 controls are recommended: * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: 2- Nitropropane #78 127. * Before entering a confined space where 2-Nitropropane may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by 2-Nitropropane should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 2- Nitropropane. * On skin contact with 2-Nitropropane, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 2-Nitropropane 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 2-Nitropropane. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove clothing material for your operation. * ACGIH recommends Butyl rubber and Polyvinyl as a protective material. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day and put on before work. 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 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 2-Nitropropane you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 2-Nitropropane must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG BASES and STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC) and METAL OXIDES since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. * Protect storage containers from physical damage. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where 2-Nitropropane is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of 2-Nitropropane 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 2-Nitropropane. Common Name: 2-Nitropropane DOT Number: UN 2608 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26 CAS Number: 79-46-9 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 1 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE VAPORS FORM EXPLOSIVE MIXTURES WITH AIR ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * 2-Nitropropane is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Nitrogen Oxide. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. * Vapors form explosive mixtures with air. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If 2-Nitropropane 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 2-Nitropropane 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 2-Nitropropane 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. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with 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 is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 12.9 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 82oF Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Propane, 2-Nitro Other Names and Formulations: 2NP; Dimethylnitronethane; Isonitro propane; Nitroisopropane. ------------------------------------------ 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 2-Nitropropane is a liquid used as a solvent for vinyl resins, lacquers, synthetic rubbers, fats, oils, dyes, and other organic materials; as an intermediate in chemical syntheses, and as a propellant. 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. 2-Nitropropane has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of 2-Nitropropane 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. 2-Nitropropane has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of 2-Nitropropane to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 2-Nitropropane 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 2-Nitropropane 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 59.3% of 2-Nitropropane 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 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 2-Nitropropane found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of 2- Nitropropane in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.