Common Name: Benzotrichloride CAS Number: 98-07-7 DOT Number: UN 2226 Date: January, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Benzotrichloride can affect you when breathed in and may enter the body through the skin. * Benzotrichloride is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Contact can cause severe skin and eye irritation. * Breathing the vapor can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. * Overexposure may affect the nervous system, causing weakness, fatigue, headache, irritability, sleeplessness and loss of appetite. * Repeated exposure may damage the kidneys and liver. IDENTIFICATION Benzotrichloride is a colorless to yellow liquid which fumes when exposed to air. It is used to make dyes. Commercial grades may contain Hydrochloric Acid, Benzylidene Chloride, or Benzyl Chloride. REASON FOR CITATION * Benzotrichloride is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT, IARC, NTP, DEP, NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN and CORROSIVE. * 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 Benzotrichloride. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. * Benzotrichloride 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. * It should be recognized that Benzotrichloride can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. 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 Benzotrichloride is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Benzotrichloride 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 Benzotrichloride 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 Benzotrichloride: * Contact can cause severe skin and eye irritation. * Breathing the vapor can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. It may also cause headache, weakness, fatigue, irritability and poor appetite. Higher levels could cause you to pass out and/or cause a dangerous buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This is a medical emergency with severe shortness of breath that can cause death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Benzotrichloride and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Benzotrichloride is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is some evidence that it causes lung cancer in humans and it has been shown to cause lung, stomach and skin 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, Benzotrichloride has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure may affect the nervous system, causing weakness, fatigue, headache, irritability, sleeplessness and loss of appetite. * Long term effects on the brain and other organs are unknown. * Benzotrichloride may damage the liver and kidneys. MEDICAL Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Liver and kidney function tests. * Exam of the nervous system. 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 Benzotrichloride 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 Benzotrichloride 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 Benzotrichloride. * 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 Benzotrichloride, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the work shift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Benzotrichloride, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Benzotrichloride 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 Benzotrichloride. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment sup pliers/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 required and 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 Benzotrichloride 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. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Benzotrichloride you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Benzotrichloride is handled, used, or stored. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Benzotrichloride is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * In the presence of moisture, Benzotrichloride may release fumes of Hydrogen Chloride and Benzoic Acid. Common Name: Benzotrichloride DOT Number: UN 2226 DOT Emergency Guide code: 60 CAS Number: 98-07-7 ---------------------------------------- NFPA Hazard Rating FLAMMABILITY 1 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- CORROSIVE CARCINOGEN POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Benzotrichloride may burn, but does not readily ignite. Benzotrichloride may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Benzotrichloride 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 Benzotrichloride 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 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with 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. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Flash Point: 207oF (97oC) Water Solubility: Decomposes OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Benzene, Trichloromethyl Other Names and Formulations: Benzenyl Chloride; Phenylchloroform; Toluene Trichloride; Benzoic Trichloride. ------------------------------------------ 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 Benzotrichloride is a colorless, oily liquid with a pungent odor. It is used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, such as benzoyl chloride, benzotrifluoride, dyes, and ultraviolet light stabilizers. 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. Benzotrichloride has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life and high acute toxicity to birds. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of benzotrichloride 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. Benzotrichloride has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of benzotrichloride to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Benzotrichloride 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 Benzotrichloride is non-persistent in water, with a half-life of less than 2 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 98% of benzotrichloride will eventually end up in air; and about 0.7%, respectively, will end up in water, terrestrial soil, 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 benzotrichloride found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of benzotrichloride in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.