Common Name: Osmium Tetroxide
CAS Number: 20816-12-0
DOT Number: UN 2471
Date: November, 1988
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* Osmium Tetroxide can affect you when breathed in and by
passing through your skin.
* Contact can cause severe skin and eye burns, with ulcers and
even blindness.
* The vapors irritate the nose, throat and lungs, causing
wheezing, cough, tightness in the chest, sore throat, and
hoarseness. Higher levels or further exposure can lead to a
buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical
emergency.
* The vapor irritates the eyes, causing blurred vision and halos
seen around lights.
* Effects could occur below the legal exposure limit.
IDENTIFICATION
Osmium Tetroxide is a colorless to pale yellow solid with a strong,
unpleasant odor. It is used as a catalyst in chemical reactions, in
photography, and in microscopic tissue staining.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Osmium Tetroxide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it
is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT 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: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is
0.002 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.002 mg/m3
measured as Osmium averaged over an 8 hour workshift and
0.006 mg/m3 measured as Osmium 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.
* Health effects can occur below the legal exposure limit.
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 Osmium Tetroxide
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 Osmium Tetroxide 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 Osmium Tetroxide:
* Contact can cause burns and a green to black stain on the
skin. Lighter exposures cause rash.
* Eye contact can cause burns with damage to vision.
* The vapor irritates the nose, throat and lungs, causing
hoarseness, nose bleeds, cough, tightness in the chest, and
sore throat. If exposure persists or exposure is to higher
levels, a dangerous buildup of fluid can occur in the lungs,
a medical emergency.
* The vapor irritate the eyes, causing redness and swelling of
the eye tissue. Vision changes include seeing halos or colored
rings around lights, blurred vision, scratchy, painful eyes.
* Other symptoms of exposure can include headache and stomach
upset.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Osmium Tetroxide and can last for months or
years:
Cancer Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, Osmium Tetroxide 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, Osmium Tetroxide has not been
tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction.
Other Long Term Effects
* Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not
known whether Osmium Tetroxide causes lung damage.
* High or repeated exposure could damage the kidneys and
possibly the bone marrow.
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the
following are recommended:
* Lung function tests.
* Complete eye exam.
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may
also be useful:
* Complete urine test (urine analysis).
* Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure.
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 Osmium Tetroxide
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 Osmium
Tetroxide should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Osmium
Tetroxide.
* 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 Osmium Tetroxide, immediately wash or
shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the work shift,
wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Osmium
Tetroxide, whether or not known skin contact has occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Osmium Tetroxide 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 cleanup. DO
NOT DRY SWEEP.
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 Osmium Tetroxide. 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
* Wear dustproof 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.
* Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure
to Osmium Tetroxide does not occur.
* Where the potential exists for exposure to Osmium Tetroxide,
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.
* Exposure to 1 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and
health. If the possibility of exposures above 1 mg/m3 exists,
use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus
with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other
positive pressure mode.
Common Name: Osmium Tetroxide
DOT Number: UN 2471
DOT Emergency Guide code: 55
CAS Number: 20816-12-0
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Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA
FLAMMABILITY Not Found Not Rated
REACTIVITY Not Found Not Rated
----------------------------------------
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
----------------------------------------
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* Osmium Tetroxide may burn, but does not readily ignite.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers.
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Osmium fumes
or oxides.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Osmium Tetroxide 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 Osmium Tetroxide
as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program
for specific recommendations.
==========================================
FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department.
==========================================
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with Osmium Tetroxide you should be trained
on its proper handling and storage.
* Osmium Tetroxide is not compatible with Hydrochloric Acid and
easily oxidized organic materials.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated
area.
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 immediately.
Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area
with large amounts of water. Seek medical attention
immediately.
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.
* Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after
breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed.
PHYSICAL DATA
Vapor Pressure: 7 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC)
Water Solubility: Soluble
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name:
Osmium Oxide
Other Names and Formulations:
Osmic Acid.
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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
Osmium tetroxide is a pale yellow crystalline solid with a
poisonous vapor which may cause serious damage to the eyes, lungs,
and skin. It is used as an oxidizing agent, particularly for
converting olefins to glycols, and as a catalyst in chlorate,
peroxide, periodate and other oxidations. 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.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the acute,
short-term effects of osmium tetroxide to aquatic life or plants.
Birds or land animals exposed to osmium tetroxide vapors may suffer
severe damage to eyes, lungs, and skin.
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.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the chronic,
long-term effects of osmium tetroxide to aquatic life, plants,
birds, or land animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
Osmium tetroxide 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
Osmium tetroxide is quite soluble in water. It is an oxidizing
agent and is readily reduced by organic matter. Consequently, it is
not likely to be highly persistent as Osmium tetroxide. Some of
the Osmium compounds formed may be persistent.
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.
Osmium tetroxide probably will not accumulate in aquatic organisms
or in aquatic ecosystems, but Osmium might accumulate in both.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.
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