Common Name: Pyridine CAS Number: 110-86-1 DOT Number: UN 1282 Date: January 31, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Pyridine can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and skin. Higher levels can cause stomach upset, headache, mental changes and even coma and death. * Repeated exposure to lower levels can cause severe liver injury and brain damage, with personality change and confusion. * Contact can burn and damage the eyes. * Pyridine is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a FIRE HAZARD. At high temperatures it can release Cyanide gas. IDENTIFICATION Pyridine is a colorless or yellow liquid with a strong sickening odor. It is used in making pharmaceuticals and as a solvent. REASON FOR CITATION * Pyridine 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. * Definitions are attached. 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 = 0.17 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 5 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 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 Pyridine. * 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 Pyridine to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information for workers, employers, and community residents. Health professionals may also find it useful. If this substance is part of a mixture, this Fact Sheet should be used along with the manufacturer supplied Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Pyridine: * Exposure to Pyridine can irritate the skin, nose, and throat. * Contact can burn the eyes, leading to permanent damage. * High levels can cause you to become dizzy, lightheaded, and may cause a coma and death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Pyridine and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * There is no evidence that Pyridine causes cancer in animals. This is based on test results presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health from published studies. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Pyridine has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure can cause severe liver damage. It can also damage the kidneys. * Pyridine can damage the nervous system and brain, causing confusion and mental changes. * Pyridine may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. * Repeated exposure can cause headache, nausea, trouble sleeping and back pain. MEDICAL Medical Testing For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater, or significant skin contact), the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Liver function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Exam of the nervous system. * Kidney function tests. * Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin allergy. 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 more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, drinking alcohol can increase the liver dam age caused by Pyridine. * If skin rash develops from Pyridine, exposure to sunlight may make the rash worse. 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 controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Pyridine from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Only approved explosion proof electrical wiring and equipment, and non sparking tools should be used in hazardous locations. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Pyridine should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Pyridine. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Pyridine at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Pyridine 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 Pyridine. 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. * Rubber and Plastic gloves SHOULD NOT be used. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquids containing Pyridine, 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 5 ppm use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an organic vapor cartridge/canister. 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 Pyridine, 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 face piece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode. * Exposure to 3,600 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 3,600 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 Pyridine you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Pyridine must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE, and FLUORINE), STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC, and NITRIC), CHLOROSULFONIC ACID, MALEIC ANHYDRIDE, and OLEUM IODINE, because violent reactions occur. * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where Pyridine is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Metal containers used in the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Pyridine 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 Pyridine. * Wherever Pyridine is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. Common Name: Pyridine DOT Number: UN 1282 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26 CAS Number: 110-86-1 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- FLAMMABLE LIQUID POISONOUS GAS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Pyridine is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. The vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance to cause a fire or explosion far from the source. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GAS IS 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 Pyridine 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. * Keep Pyridine out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sew er is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Pyridine as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Pro gram 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 30 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 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. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 18 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 68oF Water Solubility: Miscible OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Pyridine Other Names and Formulations: Azabenzene; Azine. ------------------------------------------ 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 Pyridine is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic disagreeable odor. It is used as a solvent for anhydrous mineral salts and in the synthesis of other organic chemicals 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. Pyridine has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life, birds and land animals. It has caused bud kills in an agricultural crop. 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. Pyridine has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of pyridine to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Pyridine is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Pyridine is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life 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 57% of pyridine will eventually end up in water; the rest 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 pyridine found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of pyridine in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA, Phytotox.