Common Name: 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol
CAS Number: 88-89-1
DOT Number: UN 1344/UN 0154
Date: November, 1988
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol can affect you when breathed in and by
passing through your skin.
* It may cause mutations--handle with extreme caution.
* High exposure can destroy red blood cells and damage the liver
and kidneys. These effects may cause death.
* Contact can burn the eyes and irritate the skin, nose, mouth,
and throat.
* Exposure may cause a skin allergy. Once it develops, even
very low exposures can result in itching and a skin rash.
* Crystals of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol are EXPLOSIVE - DO NOT
DISTURB.
* 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is a HIGHLY FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE
chemical and is a DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD.
IDENTIFICATION
2,4,6-Trinitrophenol, (commonly known as Picric Acid), is a pale
yellow, odorless paste or liquid. It is used as a laboratory
reagent, and in making dyes and explosives.
REASON FOR CITATION
* 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is on the Hazardous Substance List
because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NFPA
and EPA.
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
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is
0.1 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour work-shift.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 mg/m3
averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 0.3 mg/m3 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.
* 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol may cause mutations. All contact with
this chemical 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.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to 2,4,6-
Trinitrophenol 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 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol 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 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol:
* Contact may irritate the skin, causing a rash or burning
feeling, and can severely burn the eyes, leading to permanent
damage.
* Breathing the dust or mist may irritate the mouth, nose, and
throat.
* Exposure can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, and/or
diarrhea.
* High exposure can destroy red blood cells and damage the liver
and kidneys. These effects may cause death.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol and can last for months
or years:
Cancer Hazard
* 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol may cause mutations (genetic changes) in
living cells.
Reproductive Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol has been
tested and has not been shown to adversely affect
reproduction.
Other Long-Term Effects
* The chemical may cause a skin allergy. If an allergy
develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a
skin rash.
* It may damage the liver and kidneys.
* Long-term exposure may cause the skin and hair to turn yellow.
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
If symptoms develop or overexposure has occurred, the following may
be useful:
* Liver and kidney function tests.
* Complete blood count.
* 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.
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 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol
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 2,4,6-
Trinitrophenol should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 2,4,6-
Trinitrophenol.
* Eye wash fountains in the immediate work area should be
provided for emergency use.
* On skin contact with 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol, immediately wash or
shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift,
wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 2,4,6-
Trinitrophenol, whether or not known skin contact has
occurred.
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol 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 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol. Wear acid-
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 Natural Rubber, Neoprene, and Nitrile Rubber
as good to excellent protective materials.
Eye Protection
* Wear dust-proof goggles and face shield when working with
powders or dust, 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 0.1 mg/m3 use a
MSHA/ NIOSH approved respirator with a high efficiency
particulate filter. More protection is provided by a full
facepiece respirator than by a half-mask respirator, and even
greater protection is provided by a powered-air purifying
respirator. Particulate filters must be checked every day
before work for physical damage, such as rips or tears, and
replaced as needed.
* If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator,
you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect 2,4,6-
Trinitrophenol, 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, pre-filters,
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 for high exposures exists, 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 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol you should be
trained on its proper handling and storage.
* Crystalline 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol must never be disturbed
because an explosion may result. 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol must be
used, handled and stored wet with at least 10% water.
* 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol must be stored to avoid contact with
METALS (such as COPPER, LEAD and ZINC), METAL SALTS, AMMONIUM
SALTS, CALCIUM SALTS, LIME, CONCRETE, STRONG BASES, and STRONG
OXIDIZERS, since violent reactions occur.
* Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is used, handled, or
stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or
explosion hazard.
* Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more
of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol 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 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol.
* Wherever 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is used, handled, manufactured,
or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and
fittings.
* Inspect containers and add water every 6 months as needed.
Material older than 2 years should be disposed of.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well-ventilated
area away from HEAT or SHOCK since violent reactions occur.
Common Name: 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol
DOT Number: UN 1344/UN 0154
DOT Emergency Guide code: 33
CAS Number: 88-89-1
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Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA
FLAMMABILITY - 4
REACTIVITY - 4
----------------------------------------
FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
DO NOT USE CHEMICAL OR CO2
EXPLOSIVE WHEN DRY
----------------------------------------
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is FLAMMABLE and HIGHLY EXPLOSIVE.
* Use water only to extinguish smaller fires and to keep
containers cool. DO NOT use chemical or CO2 extinguishers.
* Use fire extinguishing equipment from an explosion-safe
location.
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Nitrogen
Oxides.
* 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 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is spilled or leaked, take the following
steps:
* Immediately wet down the spill and area.
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment 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 2,4,6-
Trinitrophenol as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your 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.
==========================================
FIRST AID
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 water. Seek medical attention.
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: Less than 1 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC)
Flash Point: 302oF (150oC)
Water Solubility: Soluble
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name:
Phenol, 2,4,6-Trinitro-
Other Names and Formulations:
Picric Acid; Carbazotic Acid; Melinite.
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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
2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is a pale yellow solid. The chemical explodes
when rapidly heated, or by percussion. 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is
used to make explosives, colored glass and matches; in the leather
industry; in electric batteries; in etching copper; as a textile
mordant and as a reagent. 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol may enter the
environment from industrial 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.
2,4,6-Trinitrophenol has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-
term effects of picric acid 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.
2,4,6-Trinitrophenol has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-
term effects of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol to plants, birds, or land
animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
2,4,6-Trinitrophenol 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
2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is highly persistent in water, with a half-
life of 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. About 99% of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol will eventually end up
in water; the rest will be divided about equally between
terrestrial soils and aquatic sediments.
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 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol found in fish tissues is
expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of
picric acid in the water from which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.
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