Common Name: 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol CAS Number: 88-06-2 DOT Number: NA 2020 Date: June, 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol can affect you when breathed in. * 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and skin. * Exposure to high levels can cause weakness, difficulty breathing tremors (shakes), convulsions (fits) coma and death. * 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol may be contaminated with 2,3,7,8- Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. IDENTIFICATION 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol is a colorless to yellow solid with a strong odor. It is used as a wood and glue preservative, insecticide ingredient, bactericide and for anti mildew treatment. REASON FOR CITATION * 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT, IARC, NTP, CAG and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN. * 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 2,4,6- Trichlorophenol. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. * 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact 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. * A regulated, marked area should be established where 2,4,6- Trichlorophenol is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to 2,4,6- Trichlorophenol 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 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol 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 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol: * Exposure to high levels can cause weakness difficulty in breathing, tremors (shakes), convulsions (fits) coma and death. * Exposure to 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and skin. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been shown to cause leukemia and liver cancer in animals. * 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, 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol has not been tested for its ability to affect reproduction adversely. Other Long Term Effects * 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol has not been tested for other chronic (long term) health effects. However a related chemical, Phenol, can cause liver and kidney damage. * If 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol is contaminated with 2,3,7,8- Tetrachlorodibenzoparadioxin, an acne like skin rash, liver damage and nervous system damage with symptoms of weakness, pain in the legs and numbness may occur. MEDICAL TESTING There is no special test for this chemical. However, if illness occurs or over exposure is suspected, medical attention is recommended. 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 control is recommended: * Where possible, transfer 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol 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 2,4,6- Trichlorophenol 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 2,4,6- Trichlorophenol. * 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 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 2,4,6- Trichlorophenol, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol 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 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol. 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 * 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol does not occur. * 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. Common Name: 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol DOT Number: NA 2020 DOT Emergency Guide code: 53 CAS Number: 88-06-2 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 1 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- CARCINOGEN POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol may burn, but does not readily ignite. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Chlorine and Hydrogen Chloride. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol 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 2,4,6- Trichlorophenol 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 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol is not compatible with ACID CHLORIDES, ACID ANHYDRIDES, and STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE). * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. * A regulated, marked area should be established where 2,4,6- Trichlorophenol is handled, used, or stored. 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 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. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 1 mm Hg at 170oF (76.6oC) Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Phenol, 2,4,6 Trichloro Other Names and Formulations: TCP; 2,4,6 T; Omal; Phenachlor. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Project CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol is a crystalline solid with a strong phenolic odor. It is used directly as a fungicide, bactericide, and preservative agent. It is also used to produce more highly chlorinated phenols. It may enter the environment from industrial or municipal waste water treatment discharges, leaching from site of application, 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. 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. It has caused germination decrease in several agricultural crops. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol 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. 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate to predict the long-term effects of 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol is moderately soluble in water. Concentrations of between 1 to 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol 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 56.25% of 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol will eventually end up in air; about 27.8% will end up in water; about 8.25% will end up in terrestrial soils, and about 7.7% will end up in aquatic sediments. 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 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.