Common Name: Benzal Chloride CAS Number: 98-87-3 DOT Number: None Date: August 1, 1987 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Benzal Chloride can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Exposure can irritate the eyes and skin and cause excessive tearing. * Very high levels may cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, and to pass out. * Breathing Benzal Chloride can irritate the nose, throat and lungs. Higher levels can cause a build up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. IDENTIFICATION Benzal Chloride is a colorless, oily liquid with a faint odor. It is used to make dyes, Benzaldehyde, and Cinnamic acid. REASON FOR CITATION * Benzal Chloride is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DEP. * 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 Benzal Chloride. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. It should be recognized that Benzal Chloride 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. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Benzal Chloride 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 Benzal Chloride 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 Benzal Chloride: * Contact can irritate the eyes and skin and may cause excessive tearing. * Breathing Benzal Chloride can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs causing a cough, shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. Higher levels may cause a build up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * Exposure to very high levels can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, and to pass out. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Benzal Chloride and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * There is limited evidence that Benzal Chloride causes cancer in animals. * 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, Benzal Chloride has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long-Term Effects * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether Benzal Chloride causes lung damage. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, for those with frequent or potentially high exposures, the following are recommended: * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. 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 Benzal Chloride 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 Benzal Chloride should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Benzal Chloride. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * On skin contact with Benzal Chloride, 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 Benzal Chloride, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Benzal Chloride 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 Benzal Chloride. 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 Benzal Chloride, 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Benzal Chloride does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposure to Benzal Chloride, 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 Benzal Chloride you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from ACIDS and ACID FUMES because of the danger of releasing toxic Chloride gases including Phosgene. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Benzal Chloride is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Benzal Chloride should be stabilized with an additive such as PROPYLENE OXIDE to help reduce the possibility of dangerous reactions. Common Name: Benzal Chloride DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 98-87-3 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY Not Found REACTIVITY Not Found ---------------------------------------- COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID 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 * Benzal Chloride is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or alcohol foam extinguishers. * Use water spray to keep fire exposed containers cool. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Hydrogen Chloride and Phosgene. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Benzal Chloride is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Use water spray to reduce vapors. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Keep Benzal Chloride out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build up of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Benzal Chloride 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 * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin 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. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 0.975 mm Hg at 94oF Flash Point: 149oF Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Benzene, Dichloro Methyl Other Names and Formulations: Alpha, alpha Dichlorotoluene. ------------------------------------------ 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 Benzal chloride is a colorless liquid with an aromatic odor. It is used to make other chemicals, with the largest use being penzaldehyde production. It may enter the environment from manufacturing effluents or from 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. Benzal chloride has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the short-term toxicity of benzal chloride 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. Benzal chloride has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the long-term effects of benzal chloride to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Benzal chloride 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 Benzal chloride 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 93% of benzal chloride will eventually end up in air; about 5% will end up in water; and about 0.6% will end up in terrestrial soils and aquatic sediments, respectively. 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 benzal chloride found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of benzal chloride in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.