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 Common Name:    1,2-Dihydroxybenzene 
 CAS Number:     120-80-9 
 DOT Number:     None 
 Date:           January 31, 1986 
 ----------------------------------------- 
 
 HAZARD SUMMARY 
 *    1,2-Dihydroxybenzene can affect you when breathed in. It can 
      also rapidly enter the body through the skin. 
 *    Death can occur from extensive skin contact. 
 *    Because this is a MUTAGEN, handle it as a possible cancer 
      causing substance with extreme caution. 
 *    Lower exposures can cause skin burns, headaches, nausea, 
      muscle twitching and convulsions. 
 *    Skin allergy with rash can also occur. 
 *    Eye contact can cause severe burns. 
 *    Exposure lowers the ability of the blood to carry oxygen, 
      causing a bluish color of the skin. 
 
 IDENTIFICATION 
 1,2-Dihydroxybenzene is a white to brownish crystalline solid. It 
 is used in making rubber, photography chemicals, dyes, fats, oils, 
 cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. 
 
 REASON FOR CITATION 
 *    1,2-Dihydroxybenzene is on the Hazardous Substance List 
      because it is cited by ACGIH, DEP and NFPA. 
 *    This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List 
      because it is a MUTAGEN. 
 *    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 EXPOSURES 
 
 ACGIH:    The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 ppm  
           averaged over an 8 hour workshift.  
 
 *    1,2-Dihydroxybenzene 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 1,2- 
      Dihydroxybenzene 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 1,2-Dihydroxybenzene to potentially exposed workers. 
 
 This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information for workers, 
 employers, and community residents. Health professionals may also 
 find it useful. If this substance is part of a mixture, this Fact 
 Sheet should be used along with the manufacturer supplied Material 
 Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). 
 
 HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION 
 
 Acute Health Effects 
 The following acute (short term) health effects may occur 
 immediately or shortly after exposure to 1,2-Dihydroxybenzene: 
 
 *    Death can occur especially from extensive skin exposure. 
 *    Lower exposures can cause skin burns, nausea, vomiting, 
      headaches, tremors, muscle twitching and convulsions. 
 *    Eye contact can cause severe burns with eye damage. 
 
 Chronic Health Effects 
 The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some 
 time after exposure to 1,2-Dihydroxybenzene and can last for months 
 or years: 
 
 Cancer Hazard 
 *    1,2-Dihydroxybenzene causes MUTATIONS (genetic changes). Such 
      chemicals may have a cancer or reproductive risk. 
 *    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, 1,2-Dihydroxybenzene has been 
      tested and has not been shown to adversely affect 
      reproduction. 
 
 Other Long Term Effects 
 *    Skin allergy with rash may occur. Once allergy develops, 
      future exposures even to vapor.