Common Name: Di-n-Octyl Phthalate CAS Number: 117-84-0 DOT Number: None Date: January 31, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Di-n-Octyl Phthalate can affect you when breathed in and may enter the body through the skin. * Eye contact may cause irritation. * Repeated skin contact may cause dryness, cracking and rash. * Breathing the vapor may irritate the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. High exposure levels can irritate the lungs and, if prolonged, could cause death. * High or repeated overexposure could affect the liver or kidneys. IDENTIFICATION Di-n-Octyl Phthalate is a colorless, oily liquid. It is used as a plasticizer in plastic products manufacture. REASON FOR CITATION * Di-n-Octyl Phthalate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DEP and NFPA. * 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 Di-n- Octyl Phthalate. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. It should be recognized that Di-n-Octyl Phthalate can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. 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 Di-n-Octyl Phthalate 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 Di-n-Octyl Phthalate 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 Di-n-Octyl Phthalate: * Eye contact may cause irritation. * Breathing the vapor may irritate the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. Higher levels can irritate the lungs, causing damage. Prolonged overexposure could cause death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Di-n-Octyl Phthalate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Di-n-Octyl Phthalate has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * There is limited evidence that Di-n-Octyl Phthalate is a teratogen in animals. Until further testing has been done, it should be treated as a possible teratogen in humans. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated skin contact could cause dryness, cracking and rash. * Repeated high exposures may damage the kidneys and liver. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether Di-n-Octyl Phthalate causes lung damage. 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: * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. * 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. 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 Di-n-Octyl Phthalate 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 Di-n-Octyl Phthalate should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Di-n- Octyl Phthalate. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Di-n-Octyl Phthalate at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Di-n-Octyl Phthalate 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 Di-n-Octyl Phthalate. 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. * ACGIH recommends Butyl rubber, Nitrile rubber and Viton as a protective material. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid, 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 Di-n-Octyl Phthalate does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposures to Di-n-Octyl Phthalate, 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. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Di-n-Octyl Phthalate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Di-n-Octyl Phthalate must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE) and STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC) and ALKAHALIDES since violent reactions occur. Common Name: Di-n-Octyl Phthalate DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 117-84-0 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 1 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Use dry chemical, CO2, 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 Di-n-Octyl Phthalate is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * 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 Di-n-Octyl Phthalate as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your local fire department. ========================================== 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 * 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. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: Less than 0.2 mm Hg at 302oF Flash Point: 420oF Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 1,2 Benzenedicarboxylic Acid, Dioctyl Ester Other Names and Formulations: Phthalic Acid, Dioctyl Ester; DNOP; Cellulex DOP; Dinopol NOP. ------------------------------------------ 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 Dioctyl phthalate are a group of phthalate which includes the most common production phthalate (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate). [Phthalic acid esters represent a large family of chemicals used as plasticizers primarily for the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).] This hazard evaluation is for dioctyl phthalate other than di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate such as di-n-octyl phthalate. Di-n-Octyl Phthalate may enter the environment from industrial discharges, municipal waste water treatment 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. Di-n-Octyl Phthalate has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of di-n-octyl phthalate 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. Di-n-Octyl Phthalate has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of di-n-octyl phthalate to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Di-n-Octyl Phthalate is slightly soluble in water. Concentrations of less than 1 milligram will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Di-n-Octyl Phthalate 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. About 51% of di-n-octyl phthalate will eventually end up in terrestrial soil; about 47% will end up in aquatic sediments; and about 2% will end up in 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 di-n-octyl phthalate found in fish tissues is expected to be considerably higher than the average concentration of di-n-octyl phthalate in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.