Common Name: 1,4-Dichlorobenzene
CAS Number: 106-46-7
DOT Number: UN 1592
Date: November, 1988
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* 1,4-Dichlorobenzene can affect you when breathed in and by
passing through your skin.
* Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, swelling of the eyes,
hands and feet, and nausea. Higher levels can cause severe
liver damage and death.
* Repeated exposure can damage the nervous system, blood cells,
lungs, liver and kidneys.
* Exposure can irritate and burn the skin. Skin allergy may
develop.
IDENTIFICATION
1,4-Dichlorobenzene is a colorless or white crystalline (sand like)
material with a mothball odor. It is used in liquid form as a
deodorant to control mildew and mold.
REASON FOR CITATION
* 1,4-Dichlorobenzene is on the Hazardous Substance List because
it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, DEP, NFPA,
and EPA.
* 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.
* ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.18 ppm.
* The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not
smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed.
* 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 75
ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 75 ppm
averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 110 ppm as a STEL
(short term exposure limit).
* 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 1,4-
Dichlorobenzene 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 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 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 1,4-Dichlorobenzene:
* Exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and swelling
around the eyes, hands and feet.
* Contact with the dust can cause skin burns.
* Exposure to the vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
* Exposure to high concentrations can cause liver damage severe
enough to cause death.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to 1,4-Dichlorobenzene and can last for months
or years:
Cancer Hazard
* Test evidence is inadequate to determine if 1,4-
Dichlorobenzene causes cancer in animals.
Reproductive Hazard
* There is limited evidence that 1,4-Dichlorobenzene can damage
the developing animal fetus.
Other Long Term Effects
* Exposure can damage the nervous system, causing weakness,
trembling, and numbness in the arms and legs.
* 1,4-Dichlorobenzene may cause a skin allergy. If an allergy
develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a
skin rash.
* Exposure can damage the lungs, liver and kidneys.
* This chemical can damage the blood cells, causing anemia.
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV
or greater, or significant skin contact) the following are
recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that:
* Kidney and liver function tests.
* Complete blood count.
* Lung function tests.
* Interview for brain effects, including recent memory, mood
(irritability, withdrawal), concentration, headaches, malaise
and altered sleep patterns. Consider cerebellar, autonomic and
peripheral nervous system evaluation. Positive and borderline
individuals should be referred for neuropsychological testing.
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may
be useful:
* 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.
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.
* Because more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver
damage, drinking alcohol can increase the liver damage caused
by 1,4-Dichlorobenzene.
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 1,4-Dichlorobenzene
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 1,4-
Dichlorobenzene should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 1,4-
Dichlorobenzene.
* Eye wash fountains in the immediate work area should be
provided for emergency use.
* On skin contact with 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, immediately wash or
shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift,
wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 1,4-
Dichloro benzene, whether or not known skin contact has
occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 1,4-Dichlorobenzene is
handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be
swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
* Do not dry sweep for clean up. Use a vacuum or a wet method to
reduce dust during clean up.
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 1,4-Dichlorobenzene. 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 when working with powders or dusts.
* Wear gas proof goggles when exposed to the vapor from heated
1,4-Dichlorobenzene, 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 75 ppm, 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.
* If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator,
you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect 1,4-Dichlorobenzene,
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.
* Exposure to 1,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and
health. If the possibility of exposures above 1,000 ppm exists
use an 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 1,4-Dichlorobenzene you should be
trained on its proper handling and storage.
* 1,4-Dichlorobenzene must be stored to avoid contact with
OXIDIZERS (such as PERMANGANATES, NITRATES, PEROXIDES,
CHLORATES, and PERCHLORATES) since violent reactions occur.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated
area away from HEAT and FLAME.
* Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where 1,4-Dichlorobenzene is used, handled, or
stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or
explosion hazard.
Common Name: 1,4-Dichlorobenzene
DOT Number: UN 1592
DOT Emergency Guide code: 58
CAS Number: 106-46-7
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Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA
FLAMMABILITY 2
REACTIVITY 0
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
----------------------------------------
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* 1,4-Dichlorobenzene is COMBUSTIBLE.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers.
Water can be used to keep fire exposed containers cool.
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED 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 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 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.
* Collect powdered material in the most convenient manner and
deposit in sealed containers.
* Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar
material and deposit in sealed containers.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 1,4-
Dichlorobenzene as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state
Environmental Program 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.
Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area
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.
PHYSICAL DATA
Vapor Pressure: 0.4 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC)
Flash Point: 150oF (65.5oC)
Water Solubility: Insoluble
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name:
Benzene, 1,4-Dichloro
Other Names and Formulations:
p Dichlorobenzene; Dichlorocide; DCB.
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
1,4-Dichlorobenzene (CAS No. 106-46-7) is used as an insecticide
fumigant in moth balls. It is also used in toilet blocks as a
disinfectant. Due to its wide and general use, 1,4-dichlorobenzene
may enter the environment from many sources, such as municipal
effluents and landfill leachates.
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.
1,4-Dichlorobenzene has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life.
1,4-dichlorobenzene has caused injury to stems of woody fruit
trees. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the
short-term effects of 1,4-dichlorobenzene to 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.
1,4-dichlorobenzene has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the
long-term effects of 1,4-dichlorobenzene to plants, birds, or land
animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
1,4-Dichlorobenzene 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
1,4-Dichlorobenzene 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% of 1,4-dichlorobenzene will
eventually end up in the 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 1,4-dichlorobenzene found in fish tissues is
expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of
1,4-dichlorobenzene in the water from which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.
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