Common Name: Benzoyl Chloride CAS Number: 98-88-4 DOT Number: UN 1736 Date: August 1, 1987 ------------------------------------------ HAZARD SUMMARY * Benzoyl Chloride can affect you when breathed in. * Benzoyl Chloride is a corrosive chemical. Contact can cause severe irritation and burns of the eyes and skin. * The vapor irritates the eyes, skin, nose, throat and bronchial tubes. High exposures could cause a dangerous fluid buildup in the lungs. This can cause death. * Repeated exposures could cause chronic rash, warts and reduced sense of smell. IDENTIFICATION Benzoyl Chloride is a colorless liquid with a strong odor. It is used in making other chemicals, dyes and medicines. REASON FOR CITATION * Benzoyl Chloride is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT, DEP and NFPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is CORROSIVE. 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 Benzoyl Chloride. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. 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 Benzoyl Chloride. * 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 Benzoyl 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 Benzoyl Chloride: * Eye contact could cause severe eye burns with possible damage to vision. * Skin contact could cause burns or severe irritation. * The vapors irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and bronchial tubes. Heavy exposure could cause a dangerous buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Benzoyl Chloride and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * There is limited evidence that there is an increased risk of lung cancer in the manufacture of Benzoyl Chloride. It is not known what causes this increased risk. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Benzoyl Chloride has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposures could lead to chronic sore throat, chronic sinus symptoms, loss or reduced sense of smell (thus affecting taste of foods) and/or chronic rash. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether Benzoyl 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 Benzoyl 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 Benzoyl 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 Benzoyl Chloride. * 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 Benzoyl Chloride, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Benzoyl 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 Benzoyl 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, 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 Benzoyl Chloride does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposures to Benzoyl 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 Benzoyl Chloride you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Benzoyl Chloride must be stored to avoid contact with WATER and STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE) and ALCOHOLS since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from COMBUSTIBLES. Common Name: Benzoyl Chloride DOT Number: UN 1736 DOT Emergency Guide code: 39 CAS Number: 98-88-4 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 2 REACTIVITY 1 ---------------------------------------- DO NOT USE WATER BENZOYL CHLORIDE RELEASES PHOSGENE GAS AND HYDROGEN CHLORIDE ON CONTACT WITH WATER ----------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Benzoyl Chloride is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. * Reacts violently with WATER or STEAM releasing HEAT, PHOSGENE and CORROSIVE FUMES. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Benzoyl Chloride 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 Benzoyl 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 buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Benzoyl Chloride as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your 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. Seek medical attention. 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: 1 mm Hg at 32oF Flash Point: 162oF Water Solubility: Decomposes in water OTHER NAMES AND FORMULATIONS: Benzene carbonyl Chloride; Benzonic Acid, Chloride; alpha Chloro benzaldehyde. ------------------------------------------ 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 Benzoyl chloride is a colorless liquid with a sharp, penetrating odor. It is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of organic chemicals leading to the development of various products, including dyes, resins, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, and polymers. 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. Benzoyl chloride has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of benzoyl 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. Benzoyl chloride has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of benzoyl chloride to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Benzoyl 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 Benzoyl chloride will react rapidly with water and therefore will not accumulate in aquatic organisms or the environment. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.