Common Name: Cumene CAS Number: 98-82-8 DOT Number: UN 1918 Date: January, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Cumene can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Exposure can cause you to become dizzy, lightheaded, and to pass out. * Contact can irritate the eyes. It may also cause a skin rash. * Exposure may irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. IDENTIFICATION Cumene is a colorless liquid with a sharp, penetrating odor. It is used as an industrial solvent and occurs in petroleum. REASON FOR CITATION * Cumene is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, DEP, NFPA and EPA. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. 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 = 0.088 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 50 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 50 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 Cumene. * 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 Cumene 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 Cumene: * The liquid may irritate the skin, causing a rash or burning feeling on contact. * Contact can irritate the eyes. * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. Higher levels can cause you to become dizzy, lightheaded, and to pass out. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Cumene and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Cumene 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, Cumene has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Long term exposure can cause drying and cracking of the skin. * Exposure may damage the lungs, liver, and kidneys. * This chemical has not been adequately evaluated to determine whether brain or other nerve damage could occur with repeated exposure. However, many solvents and other petroleum based chemicals have been shown to cause such damage. Effects may include reduced memory and concentration, personality changes (withdrawal, irritability), fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced coordination, and/or effects on nerves supplying internal organs (autonomic nerves) and/or nerves to the arms and legs (weakness, "pins and needles"). MEDICAL Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Interview for brain effects, including recent memory, mood (irritability, withdrawal), concentration, headaches, malaise and altered sleep patterns. Consider cerebellar, autonomic and peripheral nervous system evaluation. Positive and borderline individuals should be referred for neuropsychological testing. 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 Cumene 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 Cumene should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Cumene. * On skin contact with Cumene, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Cumene 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 Cumene. Wear solvent 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. 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 25 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved respirator with an organic vapor cartridge. 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. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Cumene, 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, prefilters, 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. * Exposure to 8,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 8,000 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 Cumene you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Cumene must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS, such as PERMANGANATES, NITRATES, PEROXIDES, CHLORATES, and PERCHLORATES, since 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 Cumene is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Common Name: Cumene DOT Number: UN 1918 DOT Emergency Guide code: 28 CAS Number: 98-82-8 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 2 REACTIVITY - 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Cumene is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. * Use a dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. Water can be used to keep fire exposed containers cool. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. * 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 Cumene 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. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Cumene 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 POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area 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: 8 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 111oF (43.9oC) Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Benzene, (1-Methylethyl) Other Names and Formulations: Cumol; Isopropylbenzene; 2-Phenylpropane. ------------------------------------------ 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 Cumene is a liquid petrochemical produced mainly from benzene. Its major use is in the production of phenol, acetone, and a-methylstyrene, all of which are components in plastic resins. A minor use is as a component in aviation gasoline to improve the octane rating. Cumene 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. Cumene 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 cumene 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. Cumene has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of cumene to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Cumene 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 Cumene 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 99.6% of cumene 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 cumene found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of cumene in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.