Common Name: Methyl Acrylate CAS Number: 96-33-3 DOT Number: UN 1919 Date: October 30, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Methyl Acrylate can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Breathing high levels may cause severe lung irritation and may lead to fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * Prolonged exposure to Methyl Acrylate may cause liver and kidney damage. * Prolonged contact can cause severe damage to the skin and eyes. * Exposure may cause a skin allergy to develop. * Methyl Acrylate is a FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE LIQUID and is a FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Methyl Acrylate is a clear, colorless liquid with a sharp sweet, and fruity odor. It is used to manufacture polymers, Vitamin B1, adhesives, and surfactants. REASON FOR CITATION * Methyl Acrylate is on the RTK Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT and NFPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE. * 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. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.0048 ppm. * 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. * 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 10 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 10 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * 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. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Methyl Acrylate 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 Methyl Acrylate 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 Methyl Acrylate: * Breathing Methyl Acrylate may irritate the lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * Prolonged contact can cause severe eye and skin damage. * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Methyl Acrylate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Methyl Acrylate has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Methyl Acrylate has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Methyl Acrylate may damage the liver and kidneys. * It may also cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether Methyl Acrylate causes lung damage. MEDICAL 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: * Lung function tests. 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. * Consider chest x ray after acute over exposure. * Liver and kidney function tests. 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 Methyl Acrylate 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 Methyl Acrylate should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Methyl Acrylate. * 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 Methyl Acrylate, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Methyl Acrylate 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 Methyl Acrylate. 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 liquid, 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 10 ppm, 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 1,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 1,000 ppm exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Methyl Acrylate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Methyl Acrylate must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and NITRATES) since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from HEAT and MOISTURE. At temperatures above 70oF, a violent reaction could take place. * Methyl Acrylate should always be used with an inhibitor. Check that the correct concentration of inhibitor is used; if it is not, a violent reaction could occur. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Methyl Acrylate is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Methyl Acrylate 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 Methyl Acrylate. * Wherever Methyl Acrylate is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. Common Name: Methyl Acrylate DOT Number: UN 1919 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26 CAS Number: 96-33-3 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY Not Found REACTIVITY Not Found ---------------------------------------- FLAMMABLE LIQUID POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Methyl Acrylate is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. Water can be used to keep fire exposed containers cool. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * The vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance to cause a fire or explosion far from the source. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Methyl Acrylate 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 Methyl Acrylate out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Methyl Acrylate 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 30 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 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 over exposure, as pulmonary edema may be de layed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 68.2 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 13oF Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 2 Propenoic Acid, Methyl Ester Other Names and Formulations: Methyl Propenoate; Methoxycarbonylethylene; Acrylic Acid Methyl Ester. ------------------------------------------ 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 Methyl Acrylate is a liquid with an acrid odor. It is used to make leather finish resins, textile and paper coatings, plastic films, and acrylic fibers. 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. Methyl Acrylate has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of methyl acrylate 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. Methyl Acrylate has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of methyl acrylate to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Methyl Acrylate 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 Methyl acrylate is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life 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 85% of methyl acrylate will eventually end up in air; the rest will end up in the 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. The concentration of methyl acrylate found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of methyl acrylate in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.