Common Name: 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine
CAS Number: 119-93-7
DOT Number: None
Date: April, 1986
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine can affect you when breathed in and can
rapidly enter the body through the skin.
* 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME
CAUTION.
* Exposure can irritate the nose and throat.
* 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine may affect the kidneys and bladder.
IDENTIFICATION
3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine is a white to red colored crystalline solid
(sugar or sand like). It is used in making dyes and in chemical
testing procedures.
REASON FOR CITATION
* 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine is on the Hazardous Substance List
because it is cited by ACGIH, NTP, CAG and NIOSH.
* This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List
because it is a CARCINOGEN and a MUTAGEN.
* 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.
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.02 mg/m3,
which should not be exceeded during any 60 minute work
period.
* The above exposure limit is for air levels only. When skin
contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air
levels are less than the limit listed above.
* 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine 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'-
Dimethylbenzidine is handled, used, or stored.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to 3,3'-
Dimethylbenzidine 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'-Dimethylbenzidine to potentially exposed workers.
T his 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 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine:
* High exposure may irritate the nose and throat.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine and can last for
months or years:
Cancer Hazard
* 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. It
has been shown to cause bladder, intestine, skin and other
types of cancer in animals.
* There is increased bladder cancer when exposure to 3,3'-
Dimethylbenzidine is combined with exposure to Benzidine (a
known carcinogen) and other Biphenyl Amines, such as in the
dye industry.
* 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, 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine has not
been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction.
Other Long Term Effects
* 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine may affect the kidneys and bladder.
Medical Testing
Before employment and every 6 months thereafter, the following are
recommended to detect bladder cancer at an early stage:
* Kidney function tests.
* Urine cytology test (a test for abnormal cells in urine).
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 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 transfer 3,3'-
Dimethylbenzidine 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 3,3'-
Dimethylbenzidine 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'-
Dimethylbenzidine.
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided.
* On skin contact with 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine, 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'-
Dimethylbenzidine, whether or not known skin contact has
occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine 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'-Dimethylbenzidine. 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 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.
Common Name: 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine
DOT Number: None
DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 0742
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NJ DOH Hazard rating
FLAMMABILITY 0
REACTIVITY 0
----------------------------------------
POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE
----------------------------------------
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine is a COMBUSTIBLE SOLID.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers.
* POISONOUS GAS IS 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 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine is spilled or leaked, take the following
steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill or leak until cleanup 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'-
Dimethylbenzidine as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state
Environmental Program for specific recommendations.
==========================================
FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your local fire
department.
==========================================
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine you should be
trained on its proper handling and storage.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated
area away from DIRECT LIGHT.
* Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine is used, handled, or
stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or
explosion hazard.
* A regulated, marked area should be established where 3,3'-
Dimethylbenzidine is handled, used, or stored.
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
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water.
PHYSICAL DATA
Flash Point: 185oF
Water Solubility: Slightly soluble
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name:
1,1' Biphenyl 4,4' Diamine, 3,3'-Dimethyl
Other Names and Formulations:
o-Tolidine; DMB; Fast Dark Blue Base R.
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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 0368
------------------------------------------
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine is a white to reddish crystalline chemical
used to make dyes, as a sensitive reagent for gold, and for forming
free chlorine in water. 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'-Dimethylbenzidine has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-
term effects of this chemical 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'-Dimethylbenzidine has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic
life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the
long-term effects of this chemical to plants, birds, or land
animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine 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'-Dimethylbenzidine 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 87% of 3,3'-dimethylbenzidine will eventually end
up in water; about 5% will end up in terrestrial soil; about 5%
will end up in aquatic sediments; and about 3% will end up in 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 3,3'-dimethylbenzidine found in fish tissues
is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of
3,3'-dimethylbenzidine in the water from which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.
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