Common Name: 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide CAS Number: 1120-71-4 DOT Number: None Date: October 30, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide should be handled as a CARCINOGEN WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure may irritate the nose and throat, especially if 1,2- Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide is heated. IDENTIFICATION 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide is a white crystalline solid or a colorless liquid that is used in making other chemicals. REASON FOR CITATION * 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by ACGIH and CAG. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN and a MUTAGEN. * Definitions are attached. 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 1,2- Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. It should be recognized that 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. * 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide may be a CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. 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 1,2-Oxathiolane- 2,2-Dioxide and upon exiting from the work area. * 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 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide 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 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2- Dioxide: * Exposure may irritate the nose and throat, especially if 1,2- Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide is heated. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause leukemia and other types of cancer in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard * There is limited evidence that 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide has caused CANCER in the offspring of animals exposed during pregnancy. Other Long Term Effects * There are no other long term effects known at this time. Medical Testing There is no special test for this chemical. However, if illness occurs or overexposure is suspected, medical attention is recommended. 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 control is recommended: * Where possible, automatically transfer 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2- Dioxide 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 1,2- Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 1,2- Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide. * If there is a possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum. 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 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide. 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. * Wear dust proof goggles and face shield when working with powders or dust, 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 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposure to 1,2-Oxathiolane- 2,2-Dioxide, 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 face piece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. Common Name: 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 1120-71-4 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY Not Found REACTIVITY Not Found ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CARCINOGEN ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide is a COMBUSTIBLE SOLID. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Oxides of Sulfur. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 1,2-Oxathiolane- 2,2-Dioxide as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Solid 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide melts at temperatures above 88oF. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION 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 Flash Point: Greater than 235oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble Other Names and Formulations: 1,3 Propane Sultone. ------------------------------------------ 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 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide is used to modify cellulose, starch and carbohydrates; for coating resins and water-insoluble pharmaceutical chemicals to increase their solubility in water; and in dying processes. 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide 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. Toxicity tests with aquatic organisms have not been conducted with 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide, so the acute toxicity to aquatic life is unknown and cannot be predicted. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of 1,2- Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide 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. Toxicity tests with aquatic organisms have not been conducted with 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide, so the chronic toxicity to aquatic life is unknown and cannot be predicted. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of 1,2- Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide 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 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide is highly persistent in water, with a half-life 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. About 100% of 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide will eventually 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. The concentration of 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of 1,2-Oxathiolane-2,2-Dioxide in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.