Common Name: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene CAS Number: 120-82-1 DOT Number: UN 2321 Date: October 30, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene may damage the developing fetus. * Exposure may damage the liver and kidneys. * Contact can irritate the eyes and skin. Prolonged contact may cause skin burns. * Exposure can irritate the nose and throat. IDENTIFICATION 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. It is used in heat transfer fluids, as a dielectric fluid and in making chemicals, insecticides and fungicides. REASON FOR CITATION * 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by ACGIH, DOT, 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 air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing any workrelated health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 1.4 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 5 ppm, which should not be exceeded at any time. * The above exposure limit is for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limit listed above. 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 1,2,4- Trichlorobenzene 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 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 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 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene: * Exposure can irritate the nose, throat and eyes. * Contact can irritate the skin. Prolonged contact may cause skin burns. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene may damage the developing fetus. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposures may damage the liver and kidneys. Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Liver and kidney function tests. * Urinary 2,5 Dichlorophenol excretion test. 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 pump liquid 1,2,4- Trichlorobenzene 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 1,2,4- Trichlorobenzene should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 1,2,4- Trichlorobenzene. * On skin contact with 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 1,2,4- Trichlorobenzene, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 1,2, 4 Trichlorobenzene 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 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene. 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 pro tection 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. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 5 ppm, 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: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene DOT Number: UN 2321 DOT Emergency Guide code: 54 CAS Number: 120-82-1 ---------------------------------------- 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 * 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Chlorides. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * Water may be used to blanket the fire. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 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. * 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 1,2,4- Trichlorobenzene 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 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGA NATES, CHLORATES and NITRATES) since violent reactions occur. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 0.4 mm Hg at 101oF Flash Point: 222oF Water Solubility: Insoluble Chemical Name: Benzene, 1,2,4 Trichloro ------------------------------------------ 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 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene has been used as a carrier to apply dyes to polyester materials, a termite pesticide, an aquatic herbicide, an herbicide intermediate, a heat transfer medium, a dielectric fluid in transformers, a degreaser, and a lubricant. 1,2,4- Trichlorobenzene may enter the environment from industrial discharges, municipal waste treatment discharges, spills, or in runoff following insect control applications. 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. 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Its use as an herbicide indicates it can be expected to have high acute toxicity to plants. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of 1,2,4- Trichlorobenzene to 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. 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 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 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 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 93% of 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene will eventually end up in air; about 2.6% and 2.4%, respectively, will end up in terrestrial soil and aquatic sediments; the rest will end up in the 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 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene found in fish tissues is expected to be much higher than the average concentration of 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.