Common Name: 1,4-Dioxane
CAS Number: 123-91-1
DOT Number: UN 1165
Date: January 31, 1986
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* 1,4-Dioxane can affect you when breathed in and by passing
through your skin.
* 1,4-Dioxane is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
* Higher levels can cause you to feel lightheaded, dizzy and
even to pass out. Irritation of the nose, throat and air
passages may be noticed.
* High or repeated overexposure can cause upset stomach and
serious liver and kidney damage. This can cause death.
* 1,4-Dioxane is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a FIRE HAZARD.
IDENTIFICATION
1,4-Dioxane is a colorless liquid with a mild ether like odor. It
is used as a solvent and in textile processing, printing processes
and detergent preparations.
REASON FOR CITATION
* 1,4-Dioxane is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is
regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, IARC, NTP,
CAG and DEP.
* This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List
because it is a CARCINOGEN.
* Definitions are attached.
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 workrelated health problems, see a doctor trained to
recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with
you.
* ODOR THRESHOLD = 24 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
100 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift.
NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 1.0 ppm,
which should not be exceeded during any 30 minute
period.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 25 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.
* 1,4-Dioxane 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 1,4-
Dioxane is handled, used, or stored.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to 1,4-Dioxane 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-Dioxane 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 1,4-Dioxane:
* Eye contact may cause irritation.
* Higher vapor exposure can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded
and even to pass out. You may notice irritation of the nose
and throat, headaches or upset stomach.
* High exposure can cause serious kidney or liver damage. Death
can result.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to 1,4-Dioxane and can last for months or
years:
Cancer Hazard
* 1,4-Dioxane is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been
shown to cause liver, nasal cavity and gall bladder 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
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, 1,4-Dioxane has not been tested
for its ability to adversely affect reproduction.
Other Long Term Effects
* Repeated exposures can lead to serious kidney and liver
damage. Symptoms are often not noticed early, although some
persons experience poor appetite, upset stomach and tenderness
in the abdomen.
* Repeated skin contact can cause dryness and increased exposure
through the skin.
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:
* Liver function tests.
* Kidney function tests, including routine urine test.
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 more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver damage,
drinking alcohol may increase the liver damage caused by 1,4-
Dioxane.
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 1,4-Dioxane from
drums or other storage containers to process containers.
* Specific engineering controls are recommended for this
chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: 1,4-
Dioxane #77 226.
* Before entering a confined space where 1,4-Dioxane 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 1,4-Dioxane
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-
Dioxane.
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided.
* On skin contact with 1,4-Dioxane, 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-Dioxane, whether
or not known skin contact has occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 1,4-Dioxane 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 1,4-Dioxane. 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.
* ACGIH recommends Butyl rubber as a protective material.
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 1,4-Dioxane you should be trained on its
proper handling and storage.
* A regulated, marked area should be established where 1,4-
Dioxane is handled, used, or stored.
* 1,4-Dioxane must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG
OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE) since
violent reactions occur.
* Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where 1,4-Dioxane is handled, used, or stored.
* Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more
of 1,4-Dioxane 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 1,4-Dioxane.
Common Name: 1,4-Dioxane
DOT Number: UN 1165
DOT Emergency Guide code: 26
CAS Number: 123-91-1
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NJ DOH Hazard rating
FLAMMABILITY 3
REACTIVITY 1
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FLAMMABLE LIQUID
CARCINOGEN
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
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Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* 1,4-Dioxane is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers.
* 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 1,4-Dioxane 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 1,4-Dioxane 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 1,4-Dioxane as
a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program
for specific recommendations.
==========================================
FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your local 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.
Skin Contact
* Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with
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. Consider 24 hour
observation after vapor overexposure.
PHYSICAL DATA
Vapor Pressure: 29 mm Hg at 68oF
Flash Point: 54oF
Water Solubility: Miscible
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES:
1,4-Diethylenedioxide; Diethylene Ether; Di(Ethylene Oxide);
Dioxyethylene Ether; Tetrahydro 1,4-Dioxin.
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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-Dioxane is a manufactured chemical; it is used as a solvent for
many chemicals such as various cellulose compounds, resins, oils,
waxes, dyes, etc. It may enter the environment from industrial
discharges and leaching from landfills.
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-Dioxane has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-
term effects of 1,4-Dioxane 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.
1,4-Dioxane has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-
term effects of 1,4-Dioxane to plants, birds, or land animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
1,4-Dioxane 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
1,4-Dioxane is moderately persistent in water, with a half-life of
between 20 to 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount
of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded.
About 91% of 1,4-Dioxane will eventually end up in water; the rest
will end up in the air.
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-Dioxane found in fish tissues is expected
to be about the same as the average concentration of 1,4-Dioxane in
the water from which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.
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