Common Name: Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate CAS Number: 126-72-7 DOT Number: None Date: January 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate should be handled as a CARCINOGEN WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate can cause reproductive damage. * Repeated exposure in men may reduce ability to produce sperm and reduce the size of the testes (male reproductive glands). * Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate can cause skin and eye irritation. * Exposure can cause skin allergy. When allergy develops, even very low exposure can cause rash and itching. * High or repeated exposure can damage the kidneys. IDENTIFICATION Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate is a thick, pale yellow liquid or crystalline powder. It has been used as a flame retardant for plastics and synthetic fabrics. REASON FOR CITATION * Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by NTP, IARC and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN. * 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 Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. * It should be recognized that Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. * Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate 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 Tris (2,3- Dibromopropyl) Phosphate 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 Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate 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 Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate: * Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate can cause skin and eye irritation. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause kidney, liver, stomach and lung cancers in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Reproductive Hazard * Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate decreases fertility and damages the sperm in male animals. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure can damage the kidneys. * Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, for those with frequent or potentially high exposures, the following are recommended: * Kidney function tests. These should be repeated following any suspected over exposure. * 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 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 Tris (2,3- Dibromopropyl) Phosphate 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 Tris (2,3- Dibromopropyl) Phosphate should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate 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. 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 Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate. 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 Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate 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: Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) phosphate DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 126-72-7 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY 1 Not Rated REACTIVITY 0 Not Rated ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CARCINOGEN ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Bromine and Oxides of Phosphorus. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of liquid 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. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Tris (2,3- Dibromopropyl) Phosphate 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 Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate is handled, or stored. FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of water. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. PHYSICAL DATA Flash Point: Greater than 233oF (112oC) OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 1 Propanol, 2,3-Dibromo , Phosphate (3:1) Other Names and Formulations: TRIS; Tris(2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphoric Acid Ester. ------------------------------------------ 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 Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate is a viscous liquid that is used as a flame retardant, formerly in children`s sleepwear. 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. Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate 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. Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate 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 Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate 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 66.8% of Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate will eventually end up in water; 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 Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of Tris (2,3-Dibromopropyl) Phosphate in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.