Common Name: o-Toluidine CAS Number: 95-53-4 DOT Number: UN 1708 Date: October 30, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * o-Toluidine can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * o-Toluidine is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * It may damage the kidneys or bladder, causing bloody urine. * High exposure can lower the ability of the blood to carry oxygen, causing bluish skin or lips, dizziness, headaches, collapse and even death. * Contact can cause severe eye burns. * Repeated skin contact can cause cracking and drying of the skin. IDENTIFICATION o-Toluidine is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a weak, pleasant odor. It is used in making dyes, other chemicals and in medical testing. REASON FOR CITATION * o-Toluidine is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NTP, CAG and NFPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CANCER CAUSING AGENT and a MUTAGEN. * 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 = 0.25 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 5 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 2 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * o-Toluidine is a PROBABLE CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. * 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. 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 o- Toluidine is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to o-Toluidine. * 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 o-Toluidine 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 o-Toluidine: * Contact can severely burn the eyes, leading to permanent damage. * Breathing the vapor or skin contact with the liquid can lower the ability of the blood to carry oxygen (a condition called methemoglobinemia). This results in bluish color to skin and lips (cyanosis), headaches, dizziness, collapse and death. * The chemical can damage the kidneys and bladder, causing bloody urine. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to o-Toluidine and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * o-Toluidine is a PROBABLE CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans. It has been shown to cause bladder, liver, blood vessel and other types of cancer in animals. Dyestuffs workers, exposed to o- Toluidine and other chemicals, have an excess of bladder cancer. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a cancer causing agent. 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, o-Toluidine has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * o-Toluidine may damage the kidneys and bladder, causing bloody urine. * Skin contact with the liquid may cause drying of the skin. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following is recommended: * Urine exam for blood and abnormal cells (urine cytology). If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Methemoglobin level every 3 to 6 hours for 18 to 24 hours. Examine urine for blood. 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, automatically pump liquid o-Toluidine 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 o-Toluidine 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 o- Toluidine. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * On skin contact with o-Toluidine, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted o-Toluidine at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where o-Toluidine 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 o-Toluidine. 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. * 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. * Exposure to 100 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 100 ppm exists use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with o-Toluidine you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * A regulated, marked area should be established where o- Toluidine is handled, used, or stored. * o-Toluidine must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS, (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE, and FLUORINE) be cause violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area away from HEAT. * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where o-Toluidine is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Common Name: o-Toluidine DOT Number: UN 1708 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 95-53-4 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 2 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * o-Toluidine is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or 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 o-Toluidine is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Ventilate the 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 o-Toluidine 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. 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 soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If Symptoms Develop * 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 then 1 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 185oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 2 Methylbenzenamine Other Names and Formulations: o-Aminotoluene; 2 Methyl 1 aminobenzene; 2 Methylaniline. ------------------------------------------ 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 o-Toluidine is a manufactured chemical. It is used to make various dyes, printing textiles, blue-black, and making various colors fast to acids. o-Toluidine may enter the environment in industrial and municipal waste treatment plant discharges. 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. o-Toluidine has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life and moderate-to-high acute toxicity to birds. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of o- Toluidine to plants 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. o-Toluidine has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of o-Toluidine to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY o-Toluidine 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 o-Toluidine 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 84% of o-Toluidine will eventually end up in water; about 15.8% will end up in air; and 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 o-Toluidine found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of o-Toluidine in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.