Common Name: Zinc Potassium Chromate CAS Number: 11103-86-9 DOT Number: None Date: March 5, 1987 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Zinc Potassium Chromate can affect you when breathed in and may enter the body through the skin. * Zinc Potassium Chromate should be handled as a CARCINOGEN-- WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Repeated exposure can cause a hole in the bone dividing the inner nose. Nose bleeds and sores are earlier signs. * Exposure can irritate the skin causing rash or skin ulcers. It can also trigger a skin allergy, so that even low exposures cause rash. IDENTIFICATION Zinc Potassium Chromate is a yellow powder. It is used as a rust inhibitor in metal paints and as an artist's color. REASON FOR CITATION * Zinc Potassium Chromate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by NIOSH and ACGIH. 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 OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.1 mg/m3 for Chromic Acid and Chromates measured as Chromium Trioxide, not to be exceeded at any time. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.025 mg/m3 for Chromium VI compounds measured as Chromium averaged over an 10-hour work-shift and 0.05 mg/m3 not to be exceeded during any 15 minute work period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.05 mg/m3 for Chromium VI compounds measured as Chromium averaged over an 8-hour work-shift. * 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 Zinc Potassium Chromate 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 Zinc Potassium Chromate 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 Zinc Potassium Chromate: * Exposure, especially to higher levels, may irritate the throat and air passages. * Eye contact may cause irritation. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Zinc Potassium Chromate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * While Zinc Potassium Chromate has not been identified as a carcinogen, certain kinds of Chromium compounds, known as hexavalent Chromium or Chromium VI compounds, have been determined to be human carcinogens. Zinc Potassium Chromate is such a compound and should therefore be handled with extreme caution. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Zinc Potassium Chromate has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long-Term Effects * Repeated exposure can cause nose bleeds and sores in the nose. If exposure persists, this can lead to a hole in the bone dividing the inner nose. * Repeated skin contact can cause rash and even skin ulcers. * Skin allergy can occur. Once this develops, even low exposure can trigger rash. MEDICAL TESTING Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Urine test for Chromates. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * 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. 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 transfer Zinc Potassium Chromate from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Chromium (VI) #76-129. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Zinc Potassium Chromate should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Zinc Potassium Chromate. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * On skin contact with Zinc Potassium Chromate, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Zinc Potassium Chromate, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Zinc Potassium Chromate is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean-up. Do not dry sweep. 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 Zinc Potassium Chromate. 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 * Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory protection. 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. * At any exposure level, 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 30 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 30 mg/m3 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: Zinc Potassium Chromate DOT Number: None DOT Emergency guide code: No citation CAS Number: 11103-86-9 ----------------------------------------- NFPA Hazard Rating FLAMMABILITY No citation REACTIVITY No citation ----------------------------------------- MAY BURN POISONOUS GASES AND FUMES PRODUCED IN FIRE ----------------------------------------- FIRE HAZARDS * Zinc Potassium Chromate may burn, but does not readily ignite. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * Poisonous gases and fumes are produced in a fire. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Zinc Potassium Chromate is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until clean-up is complete. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Zinc Potassium Chromate 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. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Zinc Potassium Chromate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Zinc Potassium Chromate must be stored to avoid contact with HYDRAZINE since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from FLAMMABLE and COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. FIRST AID 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 contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Chromate (1-), Hydroxy-ota Oxodizincaceti-, Potassium Other Names: Tetrachromic Acid, Potassium Zinc Salt; Chromium Potassium Zinc Oxide; Zinc Yellow. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Project CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Zinc is one of the most commonly used metals in the world. Its major uses are for galvanizing steel, producing alloys, and for serving as an ingredient in rubber and paints. Zinc is an essential element for life when present in trace amounts. Zinc exists as a variety of salts. Zinc may enter the environment in the discharge from galvanizing plants, as a leachate from galvanized structures and natural ores, and from municipal waste treatment plant 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. The toxicity of zinc to aquatic life is related to water hardness, with increased toxicity occurring in softer waters. Zinc and its salts have high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of zinc and its compounds 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. Zinc and its salts have high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of zinc and its salts to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Zinc exists as a variety of salts, many of which are highly soluble in water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Zinc and its salts are highly persistent in water, with half-lives greater than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. 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 zinc found in fish tissues is expected to be considerably higher than the average concentration of zinc in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.