Common Name: 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol CAS Number: 88-89-1 DOT Number: UN 1344/UN 0154 Date: November, 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * It may cause mutations--handle with extreme caution. * High exposure can destroy red blood cells and damage the liver and kidneys. These effects may cause death. * Contact can burn the eyes and irritate the skin, nose, mouth, and throat. * Exposure may cause a skin allergy. Once it develops, even very low exposures can result in itching and a skin rash. * Crystals of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol are EXPLOSIVE - DO NOT DISTURB. * 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is a HIGHLY FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE chemical and is a DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol, (commonly known as Picric Acid), is a pale yellow, odorless paste or liquid. It is used as a laboratory reagent, and in making dyes and explosives. REASON FOR CITATION * 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NFPA and EPA. 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 0.1 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour work-shift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 0.3 mg/m3 as a STEL (short term exposure limit). * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. * 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol 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 2,4,6- Trinitrophenol 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-Trinitrophenol 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-Trinitrophenol: * Contact may irritate the skin, causing a rash or burning feeling, and can severely burn the eyes, leading to permanent damage. * Breathing the dust or mist may irritate the mouth, nose, and throat. * Exposure can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. * High exposure can destroy red blood cells and damage the liver and kidneys. These effects may cause death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol may cause mutations (genetic changes) in living cells. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol has been tested and has not been shown 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 damage the liver and kidneys. * Long-term exposure may cause the skin and hair to turn yellow. MEDICAL Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure has occurred, the following may be useful: * Liver and kidney function tests. * Complete blood count. * 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 pump liquid 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol 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- Trinitrophenol should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 2,4,6- Trinitrophenol. * Eye wash fountains in the immediate work area should be provided for emergency use. * On skin contact with 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol, 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- Trinitrophenol, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol 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-Trinitrophenol. Wear acid- resistant 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. * ACGIH recommends Natural Rubber, Neoprene, and Nitrile Rubber as good to excellent protective materials. 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. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 0.1 mg/m3 use a MSHA/ NIOSH approved respirator with a high efficiency particulate filter. More protection is provided by a full facepiece respirator than by a half-mask respirator, and even greater protection is provided by a powered-air purifying respirator. 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 2,4,6- Trinitrophenol, 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, pre-filters, 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 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Crystalline 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol must never be disturbed because an explosion may result. 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol must be used, handled and stored wet with at least 10% water. * 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol must be stored to avoid contact with METALS (such as COPPER, LEAD and ZINC), METAL SALTS, AMMONIUM SALTS, CALCIUM SALTS, LIME, CONCRETE, STRONG BASES, and STRONG OXIDIZERS, since violent reactions occur. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol 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 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol. * Wherever 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings. * Inspect containers and add water every 6 months as needed. Material older than 2 years should be disposed of. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well-ventilated area away from HEAT or SHOCK since violent reactions occur. Common Name: 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol DOT Number: UN 1344/UN 0154 DOT Emergency Guide code: 33 CAS Number: 88-89-1 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 4 REACTIVITY - 4 ---------------------------------------- FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE DO NOT USE CHEMICAL OR CO2 EXPLOSIVE WHEN DRY ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is FLAMMABLE and HIGHLY EXPLOSIVE. * Use water only to extinguish smaller fires and to keep containers cool. DO NOT use chemical or CO2 extinguishers. * Use fire extinguishing equipment from an explosion-safe location. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Nitrogen Oxides. * 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 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Immediately wet down the spill and area. * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment 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. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 2,4,6- Trinitrophenol 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 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. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: Less than 1 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 302oF (150oC) Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Phenol, 2,4,6-Trinitro- Other Names and Formulations: Picric Acid; Carbazotic Acid; Melinite. ------------------------------------------ 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 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is a pale yellow solid. The chemical explodes when rapidly heated, or by percussion. 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is used to make explosives, colored glass and matches; in the leather industry; in electric batteries; in etching copper; as a textile mordant and as a reagent. 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol 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. 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of picric 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. 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol 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 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is highly persistent in water, with a half- life of greater than 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 99% of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol will eventually end up in water; the rest will be divided about equally between terrestrial soils and 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-Trinitrophenol found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of picric acid in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.