Common Name: p-Cresidine CAS Number: 120-71-8 DOT Number: None Date: May, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * p-Cresidine can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * p-Cresidine should be handled as a CARCINOGEN--WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure may interfere with the ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen to body organs (methemoglobinemia), which can cause blue skin and lips at higher levels. * Eye contact could cause irritation or even burns with eye damage. * Repeated exposure may irritate the skin, nose, throat and possibly lungs. Damage to the liver, kidneys and spleen could also occur. IDENTIFICATION p-Cresidine is a brown solid or white crystalline (sand-like) material. It is used in making dyes. REASON FOR CITATION * p-Cresidine is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DEP, NTP, IARC and EPA. * 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 p- Cresidine. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. It should be recognized that p-Cresidine can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. * p-Cresidine 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 p-Cresidine 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 p-Cresidine 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 p-Cresidine: * Contact could irritate or burn the skin and eyes. * p-Cresidine can interfere with the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen to body organs (methemoglobine-mia). If this reaches higher levels, blue skin and lips can be seen. * The vapors irritate the nose, throat and possibly lungs. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to p-Cresidine and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * p-Cresidine may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause urinary bladder and liver 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 Other Long-Term Effects * p-Cresidine may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause urinary bladder and liver cancer in animals. * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, p-Cresidine has not been tested for its ability to affect reproduction. * Repeated exposure may damage the liver, spleen, and kidneys, and may cause anemia. Changes in the lining of the womb may occur in women (endometrial hyperplasia). * Some related chemicals (aromatic amines) cause skin or lung allergy, with redness and itching (skin) or wheezing and cough (lung). Once allergy develops, even low exposures can trigger symptoms. It is not known whether p-Cresidine also has these effects. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Complete urine tests, urine test for abnormal cells (early cancer screening) * PAP test (women). * Complete blood count. * Tests for kidney function. * Exam of the thyroid. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Tests for methemoglobin; liver and kidney function. * 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 dam-age 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 Smoking can also increase risk of bladder cancer. Persons with exposure to p-Cresidine who also smoke should try to stop smoking, since cancer risk may then be reduced. 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 p-Cresidine 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 p-Cresidine should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to p- Cresidine. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with p-Cresidine, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted p-Cresidine, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where p-Cresidine 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 p-Cresidine. 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 p-Cresidine 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: p-Cresidine DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 120-71-8 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY 1 Not Rated REACTIVITY 0 Not Rated ---------------------------------------- CARCINOGEN POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Nitrogen Oxides. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If p-Cresidine is spilled take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until clean-up is complete. * Ventilate area after 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 p-Cresidine 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 p-Cresidine you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * p-Cresidine is not compatible with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE). * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. FIRST AID Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of 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. * Effects of overexposure may be delayed; medical observation is recommended. PHYSICAL DATA Flash Point: 230oF (110oC) Water Solubility: Slightly soluble in hot water OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Benzenamine, 2-Methoxy-5-Methyl- Other Names and Formulations: 5-Methyl-o-Anisidine; 2-Methoxy-5-Methyl-aniline; ortho-Anisidine. ------------------------------------------ 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 p-Cresidine is a white crystalline solid used to produce the dye FD & C Red 40. 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. p-Cresidine has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of p-Cresidine 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. p-Cresidine has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of p-cresidine to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY p-Cresidine 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 p-Cresidine 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 70.4% of p-Cresidine will eventually end up in water; about 29% will end up air; and the rest will be divided about equally between terrestrial soils 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 p-Cresidine found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of p-Cresidine in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.