Common Name: 2,4-Dinitrotoluene CAS Number: 121-14-2 DOT Number: UN 2038/UN 1600 Date: October 30, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 2,4-Dinitrotoluene can affect you when breathed and by passing through skin. * It should be handled as a CARCINOGEN WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure can interfere with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen (methemoglobinemia) causing headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and blue color of the skin. * Repeated or prolonged exposure can cause low blood count and liver damage. * Contact with molten 2,4-Dinitrotoluene or hot fumes can cause severe skin and eye burns. * 2,4-Dinitrotoluene is a HIGHLY REACTIVE CHEMICAL and is a DANGEROUS EXPLOSION HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION 2,4-Dinitrotoluene is a yellow crystalline solid often found in the molten state. It is used in making plastics and explosives. REASON FOR CITATION * 2,4-Dinitrotoluene is on the RTK Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT and DEP. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN, a MUTAGEN, and is REACTIVE. * 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 OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 1.5 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 1.5 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * 2,4-Dinitrotoluene 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. * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits 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 2,4- Dinitrotoluene 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 2,4-Dinitrotoluene 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 2,4-Dinitrotoluene: * Contact with molten 2,4-Dinitrotoluene or hot fumes can cause severe skin and eye burns. Permanent eye damage may result. * Exposure can interfere with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen (methemoglobinemia). This can cause symptoms of weakness, dizziness, headaches, and blue coloration of the lips and nose. * Higher exposures can cause nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, followed by shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, unconsciousness, and death. The onset of these symptoms may be delayed for several hours after exposure. These symptoms can occur from skin contact. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 2,4-Dinitrotoluene and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * 2,4-Dinitrotoluene may be a CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans since it has been shown to cause liver cancer in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a cancer causing agent. 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, 2,4-Dinitrotoluene has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * 2,4-Dinitrotoluene can damage the liver. * Repeated or prolonged exposures may cause low blood count (anemia). MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Complete blood count. * Urinary Dinitrotoluene level. * Liver function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Methemoglobin level. 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 * Drinking alcohol (wine, liquor, or beer) can make the effects of overexposure to 2,4-Dinitrotoluene worse. * Because more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, drinking alcohol can increase the liver damage caused by 2,4-Dinitrotoluene. 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 2,4-Dinitrotoluene from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Current Intelligence Bulletin #44, Dinitrotoluenes (Publication #85 109). In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically transfer 2,4-Dinitrotoluene from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Current Intelligence Bulletin #44, Dinitrotoluenes (Publication #85 109). Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by 2,4- Dinitrotoluene 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 2,4- Dinitrotoluene. * 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 2,4-Dinitrotoluene, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 2,4-Dinitrotoluene is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Do not dry sweep for cleanup. Use a vacuum. 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 2,4-Dinitrotoluene. 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. * NIOSH recommends Butyl Rubber as a protective material. Eye Protection * Wear gas proof goggles and a face shield when working with molten 2,4-Dinitrotoluene. * Wear dust proof goggles when working with powders or dust, unless full face piece 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. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 1.5 mg/m3, 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. * Exposure to 200 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 200 mg/m3 exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with 2,4-Dinitrotoluene you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 2,4-Dinitrotoluene must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS, such as CHLORINE, CHLORINE DIOXIDE, BROMINE, NITRATES, and PERMANGANATES; CAUSTICS, such as SODIUM HYDROXIDE and POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE; and CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS, such as TIN or ZINC, since violent reactions occur. Contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS can cause fire or explosions. Also, striking it or dropping it may cause detonation and explosion. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area away from HEAT (temperatures above 482oF). * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where 2,4-Dinitrotoluene is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of 2,4-Dinitrotoluene. * Wherever 2,4-Dinitrotoluene is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. Common Name: 2,4-Dinitrotoluene DOT Number: UN 2038/UN 1600 DOT Emergency Guide code: 56/56 CAS Number: 121-14-2 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 1 REACTIVITY 3 ---------------------------------------- COMBUSTIBLE/REACTIVE POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Molten 2,4-Dinitrotoluene is COMBUSTIBLE. It may burn, but does not readily ignite. * Use extreme caution when fighting a fire, since 2,4- Dinitrotoluene could explode. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or water spray extinguishers. If the fire is advanced, evacuate the area. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If 2,4-Dinitrotoluene is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill. * 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 2,4- Dinitrotoluene as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your State Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your 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. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If Symptoms Develop * 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. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 1 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 404oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Benzene, 1 Methyl 2,4-Dinitro Other Names and Formulations: 2,4-DNT; DNT; Dinitrotoluol; NCI CO1865. ------------------------------------------ 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 2.4-Dinitrotoluene is a manufactured chemical used as an ingredient in explosives, a stabilizer in the manufacture of smokeless powder, a raw material for dyestuffs, and for urethane polymers. 2,4-Dinitrotoluene may enter the environment from industrial discharges. 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. 2,4-Dinitrotoluene has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of 2,4-Dinitrotoluene 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. 2,4-Dinitrotoluene has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of 2,4-dinitrotoluene to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 2,4-Dinitrotoluene 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 2,4-dinitrotoluene 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 98.5% of 2,4-dinitrotoluene will eventually end up in water; about 0.75%, 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 2,4-dinitrotoluene found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of 2,4-dinitrotoluene in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.