Common Name: Diethanolamine CAS Number: 111-42-2 DOT Number: None Date: January, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Diethanolamine can affect you when breathed in. * Contact can irritate and burn the eyes. * Exposure can irritate the nose and throat. * Diethanolamine can irritate the skin. * This chemical may cause skin and lung allergies. IDENTIFICATION Diethanolamine exists as a colorless powder or liquid with a slight ammonia like odor. It is used as an absorbent for acid gases, as a chemical intermediate, and as a detergent. REASON FOR CITATION * Diethanolamine is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by ACGIH, NFPA and EPA. * 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 you 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 = 0.27 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 ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 3 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 Diethanolamine 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 Diethanolamine 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 Diethanolamine: * Exposure to Diethanolamine can irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. * Contact can burn the eyes. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Diethanolamine and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Diethanolamine 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, Diethanolamine has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Many closely related chemicals cause skin and lung allergies. Diethanolamine may also have this effect. * This chemical has not been adequately evaluated to determine whether brain or other nerve damage could occur with repeated exposure. However, many solvents and other petroleum based chemicals have been shown to cause such damage. Effects may include reduced memory and concentration, personality changes (withdrawal, irritability), fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced coordination, and/or effects on nerves supplying internal organs (autonomic nerves) and/or nerves to the arms and legs (weakness, "pins and needles"). 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: * Skin testing with dilute Diethanolamine may help diagnose allergy if done by a qualified allergist. 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 Diethanolamine 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 Diethanolamine should change into clean clothing promptly. * On skin contact with Diethanolamine, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Eye wash fountains in the immediate work area should be provided for emergency use. * On skin contact with Diethanolamine, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Diethanolamine, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Diethanolamine 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 Diethanolamine. 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 when working with liquid or dust proof goggles when working with solids, 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 Diethanolamine does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposure to Diethanolamine, use a MSHA/ NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an organic vapor cartridge/ canister and particulate prefilter. Increased protection is obtained from full facepiece powered air purifying respirators. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Diethanolamine, 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 higher exposures exists, 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. Common Name: Diethanolamine DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 111-42-2 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 1 REACTIVITY - 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Diethanolamine may burn, but does not readily ignite. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. Water can be used to keep fire exposed containers cool and to disperse vapors. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED 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 Diethanolamine 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. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Diethanolamine 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 Diethanolamine you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area away from OXIDIZERS. FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with 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: less than or equal to 0.01 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 300oF (149oC) Water Solubility: Highly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Ethanol, 2,2'-Iminobis Other Names and Formulations: Diolamine; 2,2-Iminodiethanol; n,n-Diethanolamine. ------------------------------------------ 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 Diethanolamine is used to scrub natural and other gases of impurities. It is used as a rubber chemical intermediate, to make surface active agents used in textile specialties, as an emulsifier and dispersing agent in various agricultural chemicals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It may enter the environment from industrial and municipal discharges, and from agricultural and urban runoff. 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. Diethanolamine has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of ethanolamine 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. Diethanolamine has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of diethanolamine to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Diethanolamine 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 Diethanolamine 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. Virtually 100% of diethanolamine will end up in water. 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. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.