Common Name: Phthalic Anhydride CAS Number: 85-44-9 DOT Number: UN 2214 Date: October 30, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Phthalic Anhydride can affect you when breathed in. * Contact may cause severe burns of the eye, nose, throat, and skin. The extent of the damage may not be immediately apparent. * The chemical may cause a skin allergy to develop, so that even small future exposures can cause itching and skin rash. * Exposure may also lead to lung allergy. Once this allergy develops, very small future exposures cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. IDENTIFICATION Phthalic Anhydride is a white solid with a choking odor. It is used in making plastics, dyes, chemicals and insecticides. REASON FOR CITATION * Phthalic Anhydride is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH. * 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 = 0.05 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 2 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 1 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. 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 Phthalic Anhydride. * 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 Phthalic Anhydride 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 Phthalic Anhydride: * Contact can cause severe skin burns. If spilled on the skin, it is not immediately painful, but may produce a deeper burn if not removed immediately. * It can severely burn the eyes, leading to permanent damage. * Breathing the vapor may irritate the lungs, causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Phthalic Anhydride and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * There is no evidence that Phthalic Anhydride causes cancer in animals. This is based on test results presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health from published studies. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Phthalic Anhydride has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * The chemical may cause a skin allergy. If an allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. * It may also cause an asthma like lung allergy. Future exposures can cause asthma attacks with shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and/or chest tightness. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether Phthalic Anhydride causes permanent lung damage. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Lung function tests. These may be normal if person is not having an attack at the time. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin allergy. 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 Phthalic Anhydride 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 Phthalic Anhydride should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Phthalic Anhydride. * 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 Phthalic Anhydride, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Phthalic Anhydride at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Phthalic Anhydride is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean up. DO NOT DRY SWEEP. 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 Phthalic Anhydride. 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 splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquids containing Phthalic Anhydride or dust proof goggles 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. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 1 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with a high efficiency particulate filter. Particulate filters must be checked every day before work for physical damage, such as rips or tears, and replaced as needed. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Phthalic Anhydride, 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 face piece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode. * Exposure to 10,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 10,000 ppm exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. Common Name: Phthalic Anhydride DOT Number: UN 2214 DOT Emergency Guide code: 60 CAS Number: 85-44-9 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 1 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- COMBUSTIBLE SOLID POISONOUS GAS PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Phthalic Anhydride is a COMBUSTIBLE SOLID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED 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 Phthalic Anhydride is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill to disperse the gas. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Phthalic Anhydride as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Phthalic Anhydride you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Phthalic Anhydride must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE and BROMINE) since violent reactions occur. * Sources of ignition (such as smoking and open flames) are prohibited where Phthalic Anhydride is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. 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 immediately. 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: 0.03 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 304 Of Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 1,3 Isobenzofurandione Other Names and Formulations: 1,2 Benzenedicarboxylic Anhydride; 1,3 Phthalandione; Phthalic Acid Anhydride. ------------------------------------------ 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 Phthalic Anhydride a solid compound and is the main commercial form of phthalic acid. It is used mainly to make phthalic plasticizers, unsaturated polyester resins, and alkyd resins. Other uses are in the manufacture of dyes, saccharin, flame retardants, phenol- phthalein, pesticides, and anthranilic acid. 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. Phthalic Anhydride has low acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of Phthalic Anhydride 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. Phthalic Anhydride has low chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Phthalic Anhydride to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Phthalic Anhydride 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. Phthalic Anhydride will react rapidly with water to form phthalic acid and therefore will not accumulate in aquatic organisms or the environment. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.