Common Name: 4-Nitrobiphenyl
CAS Number: 92-93-3
DOT Number: None
Date: March, 1989
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* 4-Nitrobiphenyl can affect you when breathed in and by passing
through your skin.
* 4-Nitrobiphenyl is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
* Other health effects are not well known at this time, but
other Biphenyls have caused irritation of the skin and eyes on
contact and may cause liver and nerve damage.
IDENTIFICATION
4-Nitrobiphenyl is a white to yellow crystal (sand like) solid with
a sweet odor. It is used in making plastics and fungicides, and in
wood preservatives.
REASON FOR CITATION
* 4-Nitrobiphenyl is on the Hazardous Substance List because it
is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NFPA, IARC and EPA.
* 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
OSHA: Because 4-Nitrobiphenyl is a CANCER CAUSING AGENT in
humans, OSHA determines that there is no safe exposure
level. There is a full OSHA standard 1910.1003 for this
substance.
ACGIH: An exposure limit has not been determined for this
CARCINOGEN.
* 4-Nitrobiphenyl is a CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans. There may
be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact
should be reduced to the lowest possible level.
* When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed.
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* Establish a regulated area where 4-Nitrobiphenyl is
manufactured or used, as required in OSHA standard 1910.1003.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to 4-Nitrobiphenyl
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 4-Nitrobiphenyl 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 4-Nitrobiphenyl:
* Contact may irritate the eyes and skin.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to 4-Nitrobiphenyl and can last for months or
years:
Cancer Hazard
* It is not possible to separate the exposures to 4-
Nitrobiphenyl from the exposures to 4-Aminobiphenyl, which is
known to cause cancer of the bladder in humans. 4-
Nitrobiphenyl should be treated as a CANCER CAUSING AGENT in
humans and has been shown to cause cancer of the bladder in
humans.
* Many scientists believe that there is no safe level of
exposure to a cancer causing agent. 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, 4-Nitrobiphenyl has not been
tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction.
Other Long Term Effects
* Exposure may damage the liver.
* Some related compounds have caused damage to the nerves of the
arms and legs.
MEDICAL TESTING
Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the
following is recommended:
* Urinary cytology (a special test for abnormal cells in the
urine).
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may
be useful:
* Liver function tests.
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 controls are recommended:
* A regulated, marked area should be established where 4-
Nitrobiphenyl is handled, used, or stored.
* Where possible, automatically transfer liquid 4-Nitrobiphenyl
from drums or other storage containers to process containers.
* Specific engineering controls are required for this chemical
by OSHA. Refer to the OSHA standard 1910.1003 4-Nitrobiphenyl.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by 4-
Nitrobiphenyl 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 4-
Nitrobiphenyl.
* On skin contact with 4-Nitrobiphenyl immediately wash or
shower to remove the chemical.
* Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 4-
Nitrobiphenyl at the end of each work day, whether or not
known skin contact has occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 4-Nitrobiphenyl is handled,
processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed.
Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
* Do not dry sweep for clean up. Use a vacuum or a wet method to
reduce dust during clean up.
* 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 4-Nitrobiphenyl. 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 with the required 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.
* Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure
to 4-Nitrobiphenyl does not occur.
* At any exposure level, use an 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 an MSHA/NIOSH approved self
contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated
in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.
Common Name: 4-Nitrobiphenyl
DOT Number: None
DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation
CAS Number: 92-93-3
----------------------------------------
Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA
FLAMMABILITY - 1
REACTIVITY - 0
----------------------------------------
CANCER CAUSING AGENT
----------------------------------------
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* 4-Nitrobiphenyl is a COMBUSTIBLE SOLID. It will burn, but does
not readily ignite.
* Use dry chemical or CO2 extinguishers.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If 4-Nitrobiphenyl is spilled or leaked, take the following steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill or leak until cleanup is complete and the area
decontaminated.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 4-Nitrobiphenyl
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 4-Nitrobiphenyl you should be trained on
its proper handling and storage.
* Handle and store 4-Nitrobiphenyl in a regulated area as
required in the OSHA standard 1910.1003.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated
area away from HEAT and FLAME.
FIRST AID
POISON INFORMATION
Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15
minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention.
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
Flash Point: 290oF (143.3oC)
Water Solubility: Insoluble
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name:
1 1' Biphenyl, 4 Nitro
Other Names and Formulations:
p-Nitrodiphenyl; 1-Nitro-4-Phenylbenzene; Biphenyl; 4-
Nitrodiphenyl; Biphenyl, 4-Nitro.
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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
4-Nitrobiphenyl is a crystalline solid used in the preparation of
other organic substances. It may enter the aquatic 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-Nitrobiphenyl has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the
short-term effects of 2-nitrobiphenyl on 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.
4-Nitrobiphenyl has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the
long-term effects of 4-nitrobiphenyl to plants, birds, or land
animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
4-Nitrobiphenyl 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
4-Nitrobiphenyl 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 52.3% of 4-nitrobiphenyl will eventually end up in
water; about 24.6% will end up in terrestrial soils; about 23% 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 4-nitrobiphenyl found in fish tissues is
expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of
4-nitrobiphenyl in the water from which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.
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