Common Name: Nickel Carbonyl CAS Number: 13463-39-3 DOT Number: UN 1259 Date: September, 1987 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Nickel Carbonyl can affect you when breathed and by passing through skin. * Nickel Carbonyl is a CARCINOGEN and may be a TERATOGEN--HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure can cause headaches, dizziness and nausea. These may improve, but hours or days later lung damage and death can occur. * Nickel Carbonyl can cause a skin allergy to develop. * Health effects occur at levels below the TLV. * Nickel Carbonyl is a FLAMMABLE and a HIGHLY REACTIVE CHEMICAL and it is a FIRE and DANGEROUS EXPLOSION HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Nickel Carbonyl is a pale yellow liquid with a musty odor. It is used in refining Nickel ore, forming Nickel films and as a catalyst in chemical reactions. REASON FOR CITATION * Nickel Carbonyl is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, IARC and NFPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN and is REACTIVE and FLAMMABLE. 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 work-related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.30 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 OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.001 ppm averaged over an 8-hour work-shift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.001 ppm averaged over an 10-hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.05 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift. * 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. * Nickel Carbonyl is a PROBABLE 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. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Nickel Carbonyl is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Nickel Carbonyl 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 Nickel Carbonyl 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 Nickel Carbonyl: * Breathing Nickel Carbonyl fumes can cause headache, dizziness and/or nausea. Medical observation is advised for up to 3 days or more, since delayed lung effects may occur. This can include trouble breathing, cough and lung damage. Death can occur in severe cases. * Nickel Carbonyl fumes irritate the throat and airways. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Nickel Carbonyl and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Nickel Carbonyl is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is some evidence that it causes lung and nasal sinus cancer in humans and it has been shown to cause lung 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 * Nickel Carbonyl may be a teratogen in humans since it has been shown to be a teratogen in animals. Other Long-Term Effects * Permanent lung damage may occur after a single high exposure or lower repeated exposures. * Skin allergy may develop with rash. Rash often begin as an itch, with later redness and bumps. Once allergy develops, even small future exposures can cause rash. Rash may persist for weeks after exposure stops but usually improve in 1-2 weeks. * High or repeated exposures may cause damage to the heart muscle, liver and/or kidney. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Lung function tests. * Urine or plasma test for Nickel (unexposed persons have urine levels under 10 micrograms per liter). If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Daily urine Nickel for several days. * Lung function tests. * Chest x-ray (persons with urine levels over 100 micrograms per liter need medical observation). * Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin allergy. * Liver and kidney 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. Mixed Exposures Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. Conditions Made Worse By Exposure Persons who are allergic to Nickel are more likely to develop an allergic skin rash. These persons often have a history of allergy to Nickel-coated jewelry, watch bands, and possibly prolonged contact with keys, coins, etc. 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 Nickel Carbonyl from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Before entering a confined space where Nickel Carbonyl may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Nickel Carbonyl 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 Nickel Carbonyl. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Nickel Carbonyl, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Nickel Carbonyl, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Nickel Carbonyl 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 Nickel Carbonyl. 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. * 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. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Nickel Carbonyl you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Nickel Carbonyl must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE) since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC). * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Nickel Carbonyl is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Nickel Carbonyl 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 Nickel Carbonyl. * Wherever Nickel Carbonyl is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Nickel Carbonyl is handled, used, or stored. Common Name: Nickel Carbonyl DOT Number: UN 1259 DOT Emergency Guide code: CAS Number: 13463-39-3 ----------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 3 ----------------------------------------- FLAMMABLE/REACTIVE POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE CARCINOGEN --------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Nickel Carbonyl is a flammable liquid. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Carbon Monoxide. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Nickel Carbonyl is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean-up 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 Nickel Carbonyl out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build-up of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Nickel Carbonyl 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 Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. 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. * Medical observation for up to 3 days is recommended as serious health effects can be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 321 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: Less than -4oF Water Solubility: Insoluble Other Names and Formulations: Nickel Tetracarbonyl. ------------------------------------------ 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 Nickel is one of the most common metals occurring in surface waters. It occurs naturally in surface waters from the weathering of rocks. Other sources of nickel and compounds to the environment include the burning of coal and other fossil fuels and discharges from such industries as electroplating and smelting. 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. Water hardness affects nickel toxicity to aquatic organisms -the softer the water, the higher the toxicity. Nickel and its compounds have high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of nickel and its compounds 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. Nickel and its compounds have high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of nickel and its compounds to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Nickel and its compounds have water solubilities ranging from low to high. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Nickel and its compounds are highly persistent in water, with half- lives greater than 200 days. 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 nickel and its compounds found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of nickel and its compounds in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.