Common Name: 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine CAS Number: 119-90-4 DOT Number: None Date: January 15, 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine can affect you when breathed in. * 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine is a CARCINOGEN--HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * No acute health effects are known at this time. IDENTIFICATION 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine is a colorless, crystalline (sugar or sand- like) material which may turn violet upon standing. It is used as an intermediate in making dyes. REASON FOR CITATION * 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by IARC, NTP, EPA and CAG. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN. 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 3,3'- Dimethoxybenzidine. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. * 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine is a PROBABLE 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. * A regulated, marked area should be established where 3,3'- Dimethoxybenzidine is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to 3,3'- Dimethoxybenzidine 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 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine 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 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine: * No acute health effects are known at this time. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is some evidence that it has been shown to cause ovary, breast, bladder, intestine, skin and stomach 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 * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, for those with frequent or potentially high exposures, the following are recommended: * Exam of the breast, bladder, intestine, skin, stomach and ovary. 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 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to: Special Occupational Hazard Reviews for Benzidine-based Dyes #80-109. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by 3,3'- Dimethoxybenzidine 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 3,3'- Dimethoxybenzidine. * On skin contact with 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine 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. * 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 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine. 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine does not occur. * 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. Common Name: 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No citation CAS Number: 119-90-4 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating 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 * 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine may burn, but does not readily ignite. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, foam extinguishers or water spray extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Hydrogen Chloride and Nitrogen Oxide. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine 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 3,3'- Dimethoxybenzidine as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact the NJ 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 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine may react with OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and NITRATES). * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. * A regulated, marked area should be established where 3,3'- Dimethoxybenzidine is handled, used, or stored. 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 Flash Point: 403oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 1,1'-Biphenyl-4,4'-Diamine, 3,3'-Dimethoxy- Other Names and Formulations: Bianisidine; o-Dianisidine; Fast Blue; Blue Base; CI Disperse Black 6. ------------------------------------------ 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 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine is a violet colored crystalline solid used to make azo dyes. It 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. 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine 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. 3,3-'Dimethoxybenzidine has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine is moderately soluble in water. Concentrations of between 1 to 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine is moderately persistent in water, with a half-life of between 20 to 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 99% of this chemical will eventually end up in water; about 0.5%, respectively, will end up in terrestrial soil and aquatic sediments. 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 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL, Duluth, U.S.EPA, Phytotox.