Common Name: Barium Perchlorate CAS Number: 13465-95-7 DOT Number: UN 1447 Date: August 1, 1987 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Barium Perchlorate can affect you when breathed in. * Contact can burn the eyes and skin. * Breathing the dust or mist can irritate the nose, throat and bronchial tubes, causing cough and phlegm. * After repeated exposure, Barium may show up as spots in the lungs on x-ray. * Some Barium chemicals are contaminated with Silica, which scars the lungs. * Perchlorates can interfere with thyroid function, affect the red blood cells (methemoglobinemia) or damage bone marrow (aplastic anemia). IDENTIFICATION Barium Perchlorate is a white odorless crystalline (sugar or sand- like) solid which can be present in solution. It is used to make explosives and in experimental rocket fuels. REASON FOR CITATION * Barium Perchlorate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH and DOT. 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 * These exposure limits are recommended for all soluble Barium compounds. OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.5 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.5 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift. 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 Barium Perchlorate. * 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 Barium Perchlorate 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 Barium Perchlorate: * Skin or eye contact causes severe irritation or burns. * Breathing the dust or mist can irritate the nose, throat and bronchial tubes, causing cough and phlegm. * Overexposure can interfere with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen (methemoglobinemia). This can cause headaches, dizziness and a bluish color to the skin and lips. Higher levels can cause trouble breathing, collapse and even death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Barium Perchlorate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Barium Perchlorate has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Barium Perchlorate has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long-Term Effects * Repeated exposure may cause Barium to show up as spots in the lungs on a chest x-ray. This usually takes 1 to 2 years to develop and can remain for years after exposure. It is not in itself believed to affect lung function but chronic cough from dust irritation could affect lung function. * Repeated skin contact can cause chronic dryness and cracking. * Repeated exposure to Perchlorates can interfere with normal function of the thyroid gland and may cause goiter. * Overexposure to Perchlorates has caused fatal aplastic anemia, a severe damage to bone marrow. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether Barium Perchlorate causes lung damage. MEDICAL Medical Testing For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater), the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Thyroid function tests. * Complete blood count. * Test for Methemoglobin. 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 * Industrial grade Barium compounds may be contaminated with Silica. Exposure to such dust can lead to gradual lung scarring (which may look similar on chest x-ray to Barium alone) and reduced lung function. Find out whether your Barium Perchlorate is contaminated with Silica. * 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. 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. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Barium Perchlorate should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Barium Perchlorate. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * On skin contact with Barium Perchlorate, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Barium Perchlorate 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 Barium Perchlorate. 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 dust-proof goggles and face shield when working with powders or dust, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. * Wear splash-proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid Barium Perchlorate, 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. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 0.5 mg/m3, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with a high efficiency particulate filter. Greater protection is provided by a powered-air purifying respirator. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Barium Perchlorate, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator-to-face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals . * Where the potential exist for high exposures or for Barium Perchlorate, as a solution use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied- air respirator with a full face-piece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood or helmet in the continuous flow mode. * Exposure to 250 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 250 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. Common Name: Barium Perchlorate DOT Number: UN 1447 DOT Emergency Guide code: 42 CAS Number: 13465-95-7 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY Not Found REACTIVITY Not Found ---------------------------------------- REACTS WITH ORGANIC AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS AND METALS 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 * Barium Perchlorate does not burn, but contact with organic and combustible materials or heat or shock may cause fires or explosions. * In case of fire, evacuate the area and fight the fire from a safe, protected location. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Chlorides. * 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 Barium Perchlorate 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. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Barium Perchlorate as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state 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. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Barium Perchlorate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Barium Perchlorate must be stored to avoid contact with ORGANIC and COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS (such as PAPER, WOOD and OIL), FINELY DIVIDED METALS (specifically MAGNESIUM and ALUMINUM), SULFUR, CALCIUM HYDRIDE and STRONTIUM HYDRIDE since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from HEAT SOURCES and SOURCE OF SHOCK. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Barium Perchlorate is handled, used, or stored. FIRST AID 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 contaminated skin with large amounts of 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. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Soluble CHEMICAL NAME: Perchloric Acid, Barium Salt ------------------------------------------ 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 Barium is a yellowish-white solid which exists in a variety of salt forms. Barium and its salts have a wide variety of applications, including uses in nuclear reactors, electronic tubes, as additives in lubricating oils, in the manufacture of pyrotechnics and explosives, in tanning and finishing leathers, as a mordant for fabrics and dyes, in electroplating, aluminum refining, and rubber manufacture; and in the production of paints and enamels. Barium may enter the environment from industrial and municipal waste treatment plant 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. Barium and its salts have moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of barium or its salts 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. Barium and its salts have moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of barium or its salts to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Most of the barium salts are either highly or moderately soluble in water. Concentrations of 1 to 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Barium is highly persistent in water, with a half-life greater than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. 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 barium found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.