Common Name: 2,4-Dimethylphenol
CAS Number: 105-67-9
DOT Number: UN 2261
Date: May, 1989
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* 2,4-Dimethylphenol can affect you when breathed in and by
passing through your skin.
* High exposure can cause headache, nausea, weakness, fainting,
collapse and even death.
* High or repeated exposure may damage the liver, kidneys,
brain, pancreas and heart.
* Contact can burn the skin and eyes, resulting in scars or
blindness.
* The vapors irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, and may cause
nosebleeds, hoarseness, sore throat, coughing and/or shortness
of breath. Higher exposures can cause a dangerous buildup of
fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency.
IDENTIFICATION
2,4-Dimethylphenol is a colorless liquid. It is used in
disinfectants, solvents, pharmaceuticals, insecticides, herbicides
and as a plasticizer, additive and wetting agent.
REASON FOR CITATION
* 2,4-Dimethylphenol is on the Hazardous Substance List because
it is cited by EPA and DOT.
* 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.
EXPOSURE LIMITS
No occupational exposure limits have been established for 2,4-
Dimethylphenol. This does not mean that this substance is not
harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed.
It should be recognized that 2,4-Dimethylphenol can be absorbed
through your skin, thereby increasing your expo sure.
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 2,4-
Dimethylphenol 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 2,4-Dimethylphenol 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.
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HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to 2,4-Dimethylphenol:
* High exposure through skin contact or vapors can cause
headache, nausea, weakness, fainting, collapse and even death.
* Contact can burn the skin and eyes, causing scarring or
blindness.
* Skin contact causes a burning feeling but the area can soon
become numb, even as the chemical continues to pass through
the skin into the body. Immediately remove any 2,4-
Dimethylphenol on the skin.
* The vapors irritate the skin, nose, throat and lungs, and may
cause rash, nosebleeds, hoarseness, sore throat, coughing or
shortness of breath. These indicate overexposure. Higher or
more prolonged exposure can cause a dangerous buildup of fluid
in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with
severe shortness of breath.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to 2,4-Dimethylphenol and can last for months
or years:
Cancer Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, 2,4-Dimethylphenol 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, 2,4-Dimethylphenol has not been
tested for its ability to affect reproduction. Other Long Term
Effects
* High or repeated exposure may cause damage to the kidneys,
liver, brain, pancreas and heart muscle.
* Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not
known whether 2,4-Dimethylphenol causes lung damage.
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may
be useful:
* Complete exam of the nervous system.
* Liver and kidney function tests.
* Consider chest x ray after acute over exposure.
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.
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 2,4-Dimethylphenol
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 2,4-
Dimethylphenol should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 2,4-
Dimethylphenol.
* Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work
area for emergency use.
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided.
* On skin contact with 2,4-Dimethylphenol, immediately wash or
shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift,
wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 2,4-
Dimethylphenol, whether or not known skin contact has
occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 2,4-Dimethylphenol 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 2,4-Dimethylphenol. 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 splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when
working with liquid 2,4-Dimethylphenol, 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.
* Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure
to 2,4-Dimethylphenol does not occur.
* Where the potential exists for exposure to 2,4-Dimethylphenol,
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.
Common Name: 2,4-Dimethylphenol
DOT Number: UN 2261
DOT Emergency Guide code: 55
CAS Number: 105-67-9
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Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA
FLAMMABILITY 1 Not Rated
REACTIVITY 0 Not Rated
----------------------------------------
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
* 2,4-Dimethylphenol is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers.
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE.
* 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 2,4-Dimethylphenol 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.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 2,4-
Dimethylphenol as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state
Environmental Program for specific recommendations.
==========================================
FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department.
==========================================
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with 2,4-Dimethylphenol you should be trained
on its proper handling and storage.
* 2,4-Dimethylphenol is not compatible with BASES, ACID
CHLORIDES, ACID ANHYDRIDES, OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES,
PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES AND NITRATES), and COPPER
COMPOUNDS..
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated
area.
* Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where 2,4-Dimethylphenol is used, handled, or
stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or
explosion hazard.
FIRST AID
POISON INFORMATION
Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue
without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting
upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area
with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention
immediately.
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 is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after
breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed.
PHYSICAL DATA
Flash Point: 230oF (110oC)
Water Solubility: Slightly soluble
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name: Phenol, 2,4-Dimethyl
Other Names and Formulations:
2,4-Xylenol; 1-Hydroxy-2,4-Dimethylbenzene; m-Xylenol.
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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
2,4-Dimethylphenol is a colorless, crystalline solid which occurs
naturally in petroleum and coal tars. It is used commercially as
a chemical feedstock for the synthesis of a wide variety of other
chemicals and as an additive or constituent of lubricants,
gasolines, and cresylic acid. It may enter the environment from
industrial and municipal 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.
2,4-Dimethylphenol has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-
term effects of 2,4-dimethylphenol 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.
2,4-Dimethylphenol has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-
term effects of 2,4-dimethylphenol to plants, birds, or land
animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
2,4-Dimethylphenol 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
2,4-Dimethylphenol 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 91.7% of 2,4-dimethylphenol will eventually end up
in water; about 3.5% will end up in terrestrial soils; about 3.25%
will end up in aquatic sediments; and 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 2,4-dimethylphenol found in fish tissues is
expected to be less than the average concentration of 2,4-
dimethylphenol in the water from which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.
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