Common Name: Cyclohexane CAS Number: 110-82-7 DOT Number: UN 1145 Date: March, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Cyclohexane can affect you when breathed in. * Exposure may cause nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness and drowsiness. Unconsciousness and death may occur at high exposures. * It can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. * Prolonged or repeated skin contact will cause cracking, drying and chapping of exposed areas. * Cyclohexane is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a FIRE HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Cyclohexane is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. It is used as a paint remover, a solvent for lacquers and resins, and in making organic materials like nylon. REASON FOR CITATION * Cyclohexane is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT and NFPA. * This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is FLAMMABLE. 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 = 25 ppm. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. * 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 OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 300 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift. (Final Rule, January 1989). ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 300 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift. 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 Cyclohexane. * 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 Cyclohexane 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 Cyclohexane: * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. * Exposure to high levels can cause nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness and drowsiness. Unconsciousness and death may occur at higher exposures. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Cyclohexane and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Cyclohexane 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, Cyclohexane has not been tested for its ability to affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Prolonged or repeated skin contact can cause drying, cracking and chapping of the exposed areas. * Cyclohexane may affect the liver and kidneys. MEDICAL Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * 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. 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. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Cyclohexane should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Cyclohexane. * On skin contact with Cyclohexane, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Cyclohexane 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 Cyclohexane. 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 gas-proof goggles, 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 300 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 10,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 10,000 ppm exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. Common Name: Cyclohexane DOT Number: UN 1145 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26 CAS Number: 110-82-7 ----------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 0 ----------------------------------------- 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 * Cyclohexane is a flammable liquid. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * 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 Cyclohexane 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. * For small quantities, absorb on paper towels. Evaporate in a safe place (such as a fume hood). Allow sufficient time for vapors to completely clear hood ductwork, then burn the paper away from combustible materials. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Cyclohexane as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state 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. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Cyclohexane you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Cyclohexane 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. * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where Cyclohexane is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Cyclohexane 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 Cyclohexane. * Wherever Cyclohexane is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings. FIRST AID Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. 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. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 95 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: -4oF (-19.9oC) Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Cyclohexane Other Names and Formulations: Hexahydrobenzene; Hexamethylene; Hexanaphthene. ------------------------------------------ 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 (609) 984-2202 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Cyclohexane is a volatile and flammable liquid commonly used as a solvent for lacquers and resins; as a paint and varnish remover; for extracting essential oils; in the manufacturing of many other chemicals such as benzene, adipic acid, cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone; in the manufacturing of solid fuel for camp stoves; and in fungicidal formulations. Cyclohexane enters the environment mainly in industrial and municipal discharges. 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. Cyclohexane has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. It has caused membrane damage in an ornamental crop species. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of cyclohexane to 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. Cyclohexane has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of cyclohexane to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Cyclohexane 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 Cyclohexane 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. Virtually 100% of cyclohexane will end up in the air. 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 cyclohexane found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of cyclohexane in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA., Phytotox.