Common Name: Chloroprene CAS Number: 126-99-8 DOT Number: UN 1991 Date: January, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Chloroprene can affect you when breathed and by passing through skin. * Because this is a MUTAGEN, handle it as a possible cancer causing substance WITH EXTREME CAUTION. It may also damage the developing fetus, cause spontaneous abortions, and interfere with sperm production. * High exposure can cause you to become dizzy, lightheaded and to pass out. High or repeated exposure may damage the liver, kidneys and lungs. * Contact can irritate and burn the eyes and skin. * It can cause temporary loss of hair. * Chloroprene is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. IDENTIFICATION Chloroprene is a colorless liquid with an ether like odor. It is used in making synthetic rubber (neoprene). REASON FOR CITATION * Chloroprene is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, DEP, NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a MUTAGEN and is FLAMMABLE. * 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 25 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 1 ppm, not to be exceeded during any 15 minute work period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 10 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * Chloroprene is a MUTAGEN. Mutagens may have a cancer risk. All contact with this chemical 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 Chloroprene. * 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 Chloroprene 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 Chloroprene: * Contact can irritate the skin and can cause eye burns. * Exposure to high concentrations can cause you to become dizzy, lightheaded and to pass out. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Chloroprene and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Chloroprene causes MUTATIONS (genetic changes). Such chemicals may have a cancer risk. * Although there is insufficient information available to evaluate Chloroprene for its ability to cause cancer, there are studies that suggest an increase of lung and skin cancer may occur in workers exposed to Chloroprene. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a cancer causing agent. Reproductive Hazard * Chloroprene may damage the developing fetus, cause spontaneous abortions, and interfere with sperm production. Other Long Term Effects * High or repeated exposure may damage the liver, kidneys and lungs. * Chloroprene can cause temporary loss of hair on exposed body parts. Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Kidney and liver functions tests. * Lung function tests. 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 pump liquid Chloroprene from drums, barrels, or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Occupational Exposure to Chloroprene #77 210. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Chloroprene should change into clean clothing promptly. * Eye wash fountains in the immediate work area should be provided for emergency use. * On skin contact with Chloroprene, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Chloroprene 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 Chloroprene. Wear solvent resistant 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 Vinyl or Rubber coated protective materials. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and faceshield when working with the liquid unless full facepiece 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Chloroprene does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposures to Chloroprene 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 400 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 400 ppm 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 Chloroprene you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Chloroprene must be stored to avoid contact with PEROXIDES and other OXIDIZERS, such as PERMANGANATES, NITRATES, CHLORATES, and PERCHLORATES, since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area at temperatures below 5OoF (10oC). * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where Chloroprene is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Chloroprene should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. * Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of Chloroprene. Common Name: Chloroprene DOT Number: UN 1991 DOT Emergency Guide code: 30 CAS Number: 126-99-8 ---------------------------------------- NFPA Hazard Rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Chloroprene is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. Use dry chemical, CO2 or alcohol foam extinguishers. Water can be used to keep fire exposed containers cool. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Hydrogen Chloride. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE 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 Chloroprene 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. * Keep Chloroprene out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Chloroprene 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. ========================================== 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. 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. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 179 mmhg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 4oF (15.6oC) Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 1,3 Butadiene, 2 Chloro Other Names and Formulations: 2-Chloro-1,3-Butadiene; Chlorobutadiene; beta-Chloroprene. ------------------------------------------ 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 Chloroprene is a colorless, volatile liquid used to make synthetic elastomer rubbers. 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. Chloroprene has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of chloroprene 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. Chloroprene has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of chloroprene to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Chloroprene 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 Chloroprene is non-persistent in water, with a half-life of less than 2 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 99.25% of chloroprene will eventually end up in air; 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 chloroprene found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of chloroprene in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.