Common Name: Acetonitrile
CAS Number: 75-05-8
DOT Number: UN 1648
Date: January 31, 1986
-----------------------------------------
HAZARD SUMMARY
* Acetonitrile can affect you when breathed in and by passing
through your skin.
* Exposure can cause fatal Cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of chest
tightness, nausea and vomiting, weakness, and shortness of
breath may lead to death.
* Acetonitrile can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, skin, and
lungs. It may affect the thyroid gland.
* It is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a FIRE HAZARD. It should be used
and stored away from heat or flame.
IDENTIFICATION
Acetonitrile is a colorless liquid with an ether-like odor. It is
used as a solvent and in making pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Acetonitrile is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is
regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, NFPA and
EPA.
* This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance
List because it is FLAMMABLE.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely
evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA
1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling
results from your employer. 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.
* ODOR THRESHOLD = 170 ppm.
* The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not
smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed.
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 40
ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 20 ppm averaged over
an 10-hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is
40 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 60 ppm 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.
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 Acetonitrile.
* 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 Acetonitrile 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 Acetonitrile:
* Exposure can cause fatal cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of
flushing of the face, chest tightness, nausea and vomiting,
weakness, and shortness of breath may lead to death. These
reactions may begin hours after overexposure.
* Acetonitrile can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
* Contact can cause skin irritation.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Acetonitrile and can last for months or
years:
Cancer Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, Acetonitrile 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, Acetonitrile has not been tested
for its ability to adversely affect reproduction.
Other Long-Term Effects
* Repeated exposure may affect the thyroid gland, causing
enlargement.
* High exposures may damage the nervous system, liver, and
kidneys.
* Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not
known whether Acetonitrile causes lung damage.
Medical Testing
For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV
or greater), the following are recommended before beginning work
and at regular times after that:
* Lung function tests.
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may
be useful:
* Blood Cyanide test and/or urine Thiocyanate test. (Blood
Cyanide over 0.1 mg/1 or urine Thiocyanate over 20 mg/1
indicates overexposure.)
* Maintain close medical monitoring. Slow release of cyanide
from absorbed Acetonitrile may cause delayed symptoms.
* Liver and kidney 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:
* Where possible, automatically pump liquid Acetonitrile from
drums or other storage containers to process containers.
* Specific engineering controls are recommended for this
chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document:
Occupational Exposure to Acetonitrile # 78-212.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Acetonitrile
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
Acetonitrile.
* 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 Acetonitrile, immediately wash or shower
to remove the chemical.
* Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted
Acetonitrile at the end of each workday, whether or not known
skin contact has occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Acetonitrile 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 Acetonitrile. Wear solvent-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.
Eye Protection
* Wear splash-proof chemical goggles and face shield when
working with liquid , 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.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with Acetonitrile you should be trained on
its proper handling and storage.
* Acetonitrile must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG
OXIDIZERS such as CHLORINE, BROMINE, and FLUORINE, since
violent reactions occur.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well-ventilated
area away from HEAT.
* Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are
prohibited where Acetonitrile is handled, used, or stored in
a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion
hazard.
* Metal containers used in the transfer of 5 gallons or more of
Acetonitrile should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be
equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and
flame arresters.
Common Name: Acetonitrile
DOT Number: UN 1648
DOT Emergency Guide code: 28
CAS Number: 75-05-8
----------------------------------------
NJ DOH Hazard rating
FLAMMABILITY 3
REACTIVITY 1
----------------------------------------
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
----------------------------------------
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* Acetonitrile is a flammable liquid.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers.
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Hydrogen
Cyanide.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Acetonitrile is spilled or leaked, take the following steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill or leak until clean-up 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 Acetonitrile 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
Antidotes and Special Procedures
Acetonitrile can cause fatal Cyanide poisoning. Cyanide antidote
kit must be kept in immediate work area. Persons trained in the use
of this kit, oxygen use, and CPR must be available within 1-2
minutes.
In the event of overexposure, and/or symptoms:
* Remove from contaminated area.
* Give Amyl Nitrate capsules (as directed, by trained personnel
only).
* Remove contaminated clothing and flush skin with large amounts
of water.
* 100% oxygen should be given by trained personnel.
* Immediately transfer to emergency room. Observe for 24 to 48
hours.
* Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped.
Skin Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water.
* Seek medical attention promptly.
PHYSICAL DATA
Vapor Pressure: 73 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC)
Flash Point: 42oF (5.6oC)
Water Solubility: Miscible
Other Names and Formulations:
Cyanomethane; Ethyl Nitrile; Methyl Cyanide.
------------------------------------------
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
(609) 984-2202
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Acetonitrile is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. It is used
as a solvent to extract and recover chemicals in the production of
pharmaceuticals, plastics, and other products. It is also used in
the photographic industry, in the extraction and refining of
copper, in the textile and perfume industries, and in analytical
chemistry laboratories. It may enter the environment through
manufacturing effluents, municipal waste treatment plant
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.
Acetonitrile has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. No data
are available on the short-term effects of acetonitrile to plants
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.
Acetonitrile has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data
are available on the long-term effects of acetonitrile to plants or
land animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
Acetonitrile 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
Acetonitrile is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of
between 2 to 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount
of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded.
About 21% of acetonitrile will eventually end up in air; 79% will
end up in the water.
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 acetonitrile found in fish tissues is expected
to be about the same as the average concentration of acetonitrile
in the water from which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.
....................................................................
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
![[ NDCRT ]](/pix/ndcrt.gif){kind=small}
About NDCRT
