Common Name: 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine
CAS Number: 91-94-1
DOT Number: None
Date: May, 1989
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine can affect you when breathed in and by
passing through your skin.
* 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine is a CARCINOGEN--HANDLE WITH EXTREME
CAUTION.
* 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine may cause a skin allergy.
IDENTIFICATION
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine is a gray to purple crystalline (sugar or
sand-like) solid. It is used as an intermediate in making dyes and
pigments, and as a curing agent for urethane foams.
REASON FOR CITATION
* 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine is on the Hazardous Substance List
because it is cited by OSHA, ACGIH, IARC, NTP, DEP and EPA.
* This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List
because it is a CARCINOGEN and a MUTAGEN.
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: 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine is identified by OSHA as an
occupational carcinogen. OSHA has not established a
permissible exposure limit.
ACGIH: An exposure limit has not been determined for this
suspected carcinogen.
It should be recognized that 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine can be absorbed
through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure.
* 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine 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 3,3'-
Dichlorobenzidine is handled, used, or stored.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to 3,3'-
Dichlorobenzidine 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 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine 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 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine:
* No acute health effects are known at this time.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine and can last for
months or years:
Cancer Hazard
* 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans.
There is some evidence that it causes liver, breast, bladder,
intestine, and skin cancer in humans. It has been shown to
cause liver, breast, bladder, intestine and skin 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
* 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine has caused cancer in the offspring of
animals exposed during pregnancy.
Other Long-Term Effects
* 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine may cause a skin allergy. If allergy
develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a
skin rash.
MEDICAL TESTING
Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, for
those with frequent or potentially high exposures, the following
are recommended:
* Exam of the liver, breast, bladder, intestine and skin.
* 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.
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 sub-stance 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 transfer 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine
from drums or other storage containers to process containers.
* Specific engineering controls are required for this chemical
by OSHA. Refer to the OSHA standard: 29 CFR 1910.1007.
* Specific engineering controls are recommended for this
chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document:
Special Occupational Hazard Review for Benzidine Based Dyes
#80-109.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by 3,3'-
Dichlorobenzidine should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members
could be exposed.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 3,3'-
Dichlorobenzidine.
* On skin contact with 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine, immediately wash
or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the
workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine, whether or not known skin contact has
occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine is
handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be
swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
* Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean-up.
Do not dry sweep.
* When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA)
filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum.
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 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine. 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
* 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
* 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.
Common Name: 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine
DOT Number: None
DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation
CAS Number: 91-94-1
-----------------------------------------
Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA
FLAMMABILITY Not Found Not Listed
REACTIVITY Not Found Not Listed
-----------------------------------------
CARCINOGEN
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
---------------------------------------
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Chlorine,
Nitrogen Oxides and Benzidine.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine is spilled, take the following steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill until clean-up is complete.
* Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe
manner and deposit in sealed containers.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 3,3'-
Dichlorobenzidine 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.
==========================================
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine you should be
trained on its proper handling and storage.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated
area.
* A regulated, marked area should be established where 3,3'-
Dichlorobenzidine is handled, used, or stored.
FIRST AID
Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15
minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids.
Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water.
Breathing
* Remove the person from exposure.
PHYSICAL DATA
Water Solubility: Slightly soluble
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name:
1,1'-Biphenyl-4,4'-Diamine, 3,3'-Dichloro-
Other Names and Formulations:
DCB; o,o'-Dichlorobenzidine; 3,3'-Dichloro-1,1'-Biphenyl-4,4'-
Diamine.
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
------------------------------------------
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine is a white, crystalline solid used to make
azo dyes. It 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.
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine has high acute toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-
term effects of 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine 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.
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-
term effects of 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine to plants, birds, or land
animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine 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
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine 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 60% of 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine 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 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine found in fish tissues
is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of
3,3'-dichlorobenzidine in the water from which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.
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