SDS Glossary

MSDS Glossary Alkali Any chemical substance that forms soluble soaps with fatty acids. Alkalis are also referred to The following glossary presents brief explanations as bases. They may cause severe burns to the of acronyms and common 1erms frequently used skin. Alkalis turn litmus paper blue and have pH by chemical manufacturers in their MSDS's. values from 8 to 14.

ACGIH American Conference of Governmental In- Allergic Reaction An abnormal physiological dustrial Hygienists is an organization of profes- response to chemical or physical stimuli. sional personnel in governmental agencies or educational institutions engaged in occupational Amenorrhea Absence of menstruation. safety and health programs. ACGIH establishes recommended occupational exposure limits for Anesthetic A chemical that causes a total or par- chemical substances and physical agents. See tial loss of sensation. Overexposure to anesthet- TLV. ics can cause impaired judgment, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, unconsciousness, and Acid Any chemical that und 3rgoes dissociation in even death. Examples include alcohol, paint water with the formation of hydrogen ions. Acids remover, and degreasers. have a sour taste and may cause severe skin burns. Acids turn litmus paper red and have pH ANSI American National Standards Institute is a values of 0 to 6. privately funded, voluntary membership organization that identifies industrial and public needs for Acute Effect Adverse effect on a human or national consensus standards and coordinates animal that has severe symptoms developing development of such standards. rapidly and coming quickly to a crisis. Antidote A remedy to relieve, prevent, or counter- Acute Toxicity Acute effect resulting from a sin- act the effects of a poison. gle dose of, or exposure to a substance. Or- dinarily used to denote effects in experimental API American Petroleum Institute is a organization animals. of the petroleum industry.

Adenocarcinoma A tumor v1ith glandular (secret- Appearance A description of a substance at nor- ing) elements. mal room temperature and normal atmospheric conditions. Appearance includes the color, size, Adenosis Any disease of a gland. and consistency of a material.

Adhesion A union of two surfaces that are nor- Aquatic Toxicity The adverse effects to marine mally separate. life that result from being exposed to a toxic substance. Aerosol A fine aerial suspension of particles suffi- ciently small in size to conf er some degree of Asphyxiant A vapor or gas that can cause un- stability from sedimentation (e.g., smoke or fog). consciousness or death by suffocation (lack of oxygen). Most simple asphyxiants are harmful to Air-Line Respirator A respirator that is connected the body only when they become so concentrat- to a compressed breathable air source by a hose ed that they reduce oxygen in the air (normally of small inside diameter. The air is delivered con- about 21 percent) to dangerous levels (18 per- tinuously or intermittently in a sufficient volume cent or lower). Asphyxiation is one of the prin- to meet the wearer's breathing requirements. cipal potential hazards of working in confined and enclosed spaces. Air-Purifying Respirator A respirator that uses chemicals to remove specific gases and ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials vapors from the air or that uses a mechanical is the world's largest source of voluntary consen- filter to remove particulate matter. An air- sus standards for materials, products, systems, purifying respirator must only be used when there and services. ASTM is a resource for sampling is sufficient oxygen to sustain life and the air and testing methods, health and safety aspects contaminant level is below the concentration of materials, safe performance guidelines, effects limits of the device. of physical and biological agents and chemicals.

Asymptomatic Showing no symptoms. Allyl Chloride 113°F Ethylene Glycol 387°F Atm Atmosphere, a unit of pressure equal to 760 mmHg (mercury) at sea leveI. BOM, or BuMines Bureau of Mines, U.S. Depart- Atmosphere-Supplying Respirator A respirator ment of Interior. that provides breathable air from a source in- dependent of the surrounding atmosphere. There Bonding The interconnecting of two objects b are two types: air-line and self-contained breath- means of a clamp and bare wire. Its purpose 1s ing apparatus. to equalize the electrical potential between the objects to prevent a static discharge when Auto-Ignition Temperature The temperature to transferring a flammable liquid from one which a closed, or nearly closed container must container to another. The conductive path is be heated in order that the flammable liquid, provided by clamps that make contact with the when introduced into the container, will ignite charge object and a low resistance flexible cable spontaneously or burn. w.h1ch al- lows the charge to equalize. See Grounding. BAL British Anti-Lewisite - A name for the drug dimecaprol- a treatment for toxic inhalations. Bulk Density Mass of powdered or granulated solid material per unit of volume. Base A substance that (1) liberates hydroxide (OH) ions when dissolved in water, (2) receives C Centigrade, a unit of temperature. hydrogen ions from a strong acid to form a weak- er acid, and (3) neutralizes an acid. Bases react Ceiling Limit (PEL or TLV) The maximum allowa- with acids to form salts and water. Bases have a ble human exposure limit for an airborne sub- pH greater than 7 and turn litmus paper blue. stance which is not to be exceeded even See Alkali. momentarily. Also see PEL and TLV.

BCM Blood-clotting mechanism effects. ca Approximately. Benign Not recurrent or not tending to progress. Not cancerous. CAA Clean Air Act was enacted to regulate/reduce air pollution. CAA is administered by Biodegradable Capable of being broken down U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. into innocuous products by the action of living things. Carcinogen A substance or agent capable of causing or producing cancer in mammals, includ-

ing humans. A chemical is considered to be a Biopsy Removal and examination of tissue from carcinogen if the living body.

(a) It has been evaluated by the International BLD Blood effects. Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and

found to be a carcinogen or potential carcino- Boiling Points-BP The temperature at which a liquid changes to a vapor state at a given. pres- gen; or sure. The boiling point usually expressed in degrees Fahrenheit at sea level pressure (760 (b) It is listed as a carcinogen or potential car- mmHg, or one atmosphere). For mixtures, the in- cinogen in the Annual Report on Carcino- itial boiling point or the boiling range may be gens published by the National Toxicology given. Program (NTP) (latest edition); or

Flammable materials with low boiling points gener- (c) It is regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen. ally present special fire hazards. Some approxi- mate boiling points: Carcinogenicity The ability to produce cancer. Carcinoma A malignant tumor. A form of cancer.

Propane -44°F CAS Chemical Abstracts Service is an organiza- Anhydrous Ammonia -28°F tion under the American Chemical Society. CAS abstracts and indexes chemical literature from all Butane 31°F over the world in "Chemical Abstracts." "CAS Gasoline 100°F Numbers" are used to identify specific chemicals or mixtures.

Caustic See Alkali. lay pertinent emergency information concerning specific chemicals on requests from individuals. cc Cubic centimeter is a volume measurement in CHEMTREC has a 24-hour toll-free telephone the metric system that is equal in capacity to one number (800-424-9300) to help respond to chemi- milliliter (ml). One quart is about 946 cubic cen- cal transportation emergencies. timeters. Chronic Effect An adverse effect on a human or Central Nervous System Tt e brain and spinal animal body, with symptoms that develop slowly cord. These organs supervise and coordinate the over a long period of time or that recur frequent- activity of the entire nervous system. Sensory im- ly. Also see Acute. pulses are transmitted into the central nervous system, and motor impulse; are transmitted out. Chronic Exposure Long-term contact with a substance. CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, c:1nd Liability Act of Chronic Toxicity Adverse (chronic) effects result- 1980. The Act requires that the Coast Guard Na- ing from repeated doses of or exposures to a tional Response Center be 11otified in the event substance over a relatively prolonged period of of a hazardous substance release. The Act also time. Ordinarily used to denote effects in ex- provides for a fund (the Superfund) to be used perimental animals. for the cleanup of abandoned hazardous waste disposal sites. Clean Air Act See CAA.

CFR Code of Federal Regulations. A collection of Clean Water Act Federal law enacted to regu- the regulations that have been promulgated un- late/reduce water pollution. CWA is administered der United States Law. by EPA.

Chemical An element (e.g., chlorine) or a CMA Chemical Manufactures Association. See compound (e.g., sodium bicarbonate) produced by CHEMTREC. chemical reaction. CO Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, Chemical Cartridge Respirat1>r A respirator that flammable, and very toxic gas produced by the uses various chemical substances to purify in- incomplete combustion of carbon. It is also a haled air of certain gases a11d vapors. This type byproduct of many chemical processes. A chemi- respirator is effective for co11centrations no more cal asphyiant; it reduces the blood's ability to than ten times the TLV of the contaminant, if the carry oxygen. Hemoglobin absorbs CO two contaminant has warning properties (odor or irri- hundred times more readily than it does oxygen. tation) below the TLV. C02 Carbon dioxide is a heavy, colorless gas that Chemical Family A group o1 single elements or is produced by the combustion and decomposi- compounds with a common general name. Exam- tion of organic substances and as a byproduct of ple: acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and many chemical processes. C02 will not burn and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) are of the "Ke- is relatively nontoxic (although high concentra- tone" family; acrolein, furfural, and acetaldehyde tions, especially in confined spaces, can create are of the "aldehyde" family. hazardous oxygen-deficient environments).

Chemical Name The name given to a chemical in COC Cleveland Open Cup is a flash point test method. the nomenclature system developed by the Inter-

national Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry Combustible A term used by NFPA, DOT, and (IUPAC) or the Chemical Abstracts Service others to classify certain liquids that will burn, on (GAS). The scientific designation of a chemical or the basis of flash points. Both NFPA and DOT a name that will clearly identify the chemical for hazard evaluation purposes. generally define "combustible liquids" as having a flash point of 100°F ( 37.8°C) or higher but be-

low 200°F (93.3°C). Also see "flammable." Non- Chemical Pneumonitis. Inflammation of the lungs liquid substances such as wood and paper are caused by accumulation of fluids due to chemical classified as "ordinary combustibles" by NFPA. irritation.

Combustible Liquid Any liquid having a flash- CHEMTREC Chemical Transportation Emergency Center is a national center , 3stablished by the point at or above 100°F (37.8°C), but below Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) to re- 200°F (93.3°C), except any mixture having com-

ponents with flashpoints of 200°F (93.3°C) or Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 173, it destroys or higher, the total volume of which makes up changes irreversibly the structure of the tissue at ninety-nine (99) percent or more of the total the site of contact following an exposure period volume of the mixture. of 4 hours. This term shall not refer to action on inanimate surfaces. Common Name Any means used to identify a chemical other than its chemical name (e.g., CPSC Consumer Products Safety Commission code name, code number, trade name, brand has responsibility for regulating hazardous name, or generic name). SEe Generic. materials when they appear in consumer goods. For CPSC purposes, hazards are defined in the Compressed Gas: Hazardous Substances Act and the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970. (a) A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 40 Curettage Cleansing of a diseased surface. pounds per square inch (psi) at 70°F (21.1°C); or Cutaneous Toxicity See "Dermal Toxicity."

(b) A gas or mixture of gases having, in a con- CWA Clean Water Act was enacted to regu- tainer, an absolute pressure exceeding 104 late/reduce water pollution. It is administered by psi at 130°F (54.4°C) regardless of the pres- EPA. sure at 70°F (21.1 °C); or Cyst A sac containing a liquid. Most cysts are (c) A liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding harmless. 40 psi at 100°F (37.8°C) as determined by ASTM D-323-72. Cytology The scientific study of cells.

Cone See Concentration. Decomposition Breakdown of a material or substance (by heat, chemical reaction, electrolysis, Concentration The relative amount of a sub- decay, or other processes) into parts or elements stance when combined or mixed with other sub- or simpler compounds. stances. Examples: 2 ppm hydrogen sulfide in air, or a 50 percent caustic solution. Density The mass (weight) per unit volume of a substance. For example, lead is much more Conditions to Avoid Conditions encountered dur- dense than aluminum. ing handling or storage that could cause a substance to become unstable. Depressant A substance that reduces a bodily functional activity or an instinctive desire, such as Confined Space Any area that has limited open- appetite. ings for entry and exit that would make escape difficult in an emergency, has a lack of ventila- Dermal Relating to the skin. tion, contains known and potential hazards, and is not intended nor designated for continuous hu- Dermal Toxicity Adverse effects resulting from man occupancy. skin exposure to a substance. Ordinarily used to denote effects in experimental animals. Conjunctivitis Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the delicate membrane that lines the eyelids and DHHS U.S. Department of Health and Human covers the eyeballs. Services (replaced U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare). NIOSH and the Public Container Any bag, barrel, bottle, box, can, Health Service (PHS) are part of DHHS. cylinder, drum, reaction vessel, storage tank, or the like that contains a hazardous chemical. For Dike A barrier constructed to control or confine purposes of MSDS or HCS, pipes or piping sys- hazardous substances and prevent them from en- tems are not considered to be containers. tering sewers, ditches, streams, or other flowing waters. Corrosive A chemical that causes visible destruc- tion of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue Dilution Ventilation Air flow designed to dilute by chemical action at the site of contact. For contaminants to acceptable levels. Also see example, a chemical is considered to be corro- general ventilation or exhaust. sive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the method described by the DOT in

DOL U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA and MSHA - FAST evaporating if greater than 3.0. Exam- are part of DOL. ples: Methyl Ethyl Ketone = 3.8, Acetone = 5.6, Hexane = 8.3. DOT U.S. Department of Transportation regulates transportation of chemicals and other substances. - MEDIUM evaporating if 0.8 to 3.0. Exam- ples: 190 proof (95%) Ethyl Alcohol = 1.4, Dry Chemical A powdered fire-extinguishing VM&P Naphtha = 1.4, MIBK = 1.6. agent usually composed of 5odium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, etc. - SLOW evaporating if less than 0.8. Exam- ples: Xylene = 0.6, lsobutyl Alcohol = 0.6, Dysmenorrhea Painful menstruation. Normal Butyl Alcohol = 0.4, Water = 0.3, Mineral Spirits = 0.1. Dsyplasia An abnormality of development. Explosive A chemical that causes a sudden, Dyspnea A sense of difficult( in breathing; short- almost instantaneous release of pressure, gas, ness of breath. and heat when subjected to sudden shock, pressure, or high temperature. Ectopic pregnancy The fertilized ovum becomes implanted outside of the uterus. Exposure or Exposed State of being open and vulnerable to a hazardous chemical by inhalation, Edema An abnormal accumulation of clear watery ingestion, skin contact, absorption, or any other fluid in the tissues. course; includes potential (accidental or possible) exposure. Endocrine glands Glands that regulate body activity by secreting hormones. Extinguishing Media The firefighting substance to be used to control a material in the event of a Endometrium The mucous membrane lining the fire. It is usually identified by its generic name, uterus. such as fog, foam, water, etc.

Environmental Toxicity Information obtained as a Eye Protection Recommended safety glasses, result of conducting environmental testing chemical splash goggles, face shields, etc. to be designed to study the effec1s on aquatic and utilized when handling a hazardous material. plant life. F Fahrenheit is a scale for measuring tempera- EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ture. On the Fahrenheit scale, water boils at 212°F and freezes at 32°F. Epidemiology Science concerned with the study of disease in a general population. Determination flee Fibers per cubic centimeter of air. of the incidence (rate of occurrence) and distribu- FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration. tion of a particular disease 1 as by age, sex, or occupation) which may provide information about the cause of the disease. Fetal Pertaining to the fetus.

Epithelium The covering of internal and Fetus The developing young in the uterus from external surfaces of the body. the seventh week of gestation until birth.

Estrogen Principal female sex hormone. Fibrosis An abnormal thickening of fibrous con- nective tissue, usually in the lungs.

Evaporation Rate The rate at which a material FIFRA Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Roden- will vaporize (evaporate) when compared to the ticide Act requires that certain useful poisons, known rate of vaporization of a standard material. such as chemical pesticides, sold to the public The evaporation rate can be1 useful in evaluating contain labels that carry health hazard warnings the health and fire hazards of a material. The to protect users. It is administered by EPA. designated standard material is usually normal butyl acetate (NBUAC or n-BuAc), with a vapori- First Aid Emergency measures to be taken when zation rate designated as 1.0. Vaporization rates a person is suffering from overexposure to a of other solvents or materials are then classified hazardous material, before regular medical help as: can be obtained.

Flammable A chemical that includes one of the (c) Setaflash Closed Tester (see American Na- following categories: tional Standard Method of Test for Flash Point by Setaflash Closed Tester [ASTM 0 (a) "Aerosol, flammable." Pin aerosol that, when 3278-78]). tested by the method described in 16 CFR 1500.45, yields a flame projection exceeding Foreseeable Emergency Any potential occur- 18 inches at full valve opening, or a flash- rence such as, but not limited to, equipment back (a flame extending back to the valve) at failure, rupture of containers, or failure of control any degree of valve opening; equipment which could result in an uncontrolled release of a hazardous chemical into the (b) "Gas, flammable." (1) A gas that, at ambient workplace. temperature and pressure, forms a flammable mixture with air at a concentration of 13 per- Formula The scientific expression of the chemical cent by volume or less; or (2) A gas that, at composition of a material (e.g., water is H20, ambient temperature and pressure, forms a sulfuric acid is H2S04, sulfur dioxide is S02). range of flammable mixtures with air wider than 12 percent by volume, regardless of the Fume A solid condensation particle of extremely lower limit; small diameter, commonly generated from molten metal as metal fume. (c) "Liquid, flammable." Any liquid having a flashpoint below 100°F (37.8°C), except any g Gram is a metric unit of weight. One ounce mixture having components with flashpoints U.S. (avoirdupois) is about 28.4 grams. of 100°F (37.8°C) or hig1her, the total of which make up 99 percent or more of the General Exhaust A system for exhausting air con- total volume of mixture. taining contaminants from a general work area. Also see Local Exhaust. (d) "Solid, flammable." A solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive as defined in Generic Name A designation or identification 1910.109(a), that is liabl1:i to cause fire used to identify a chemical by other than its through friction, absorption of moisture, spon- chemical name (e.g., code name, code number, taneous chemical change, or retained heat trade name, and brand name). from manufacturing or processing, or which can be ignited readily and when ignited burns Genetic Pertaining to or carried by genes. so vigorously and persistently as to create a Hereditary. serious hazard. A solid is a flammable solid if, when tested by the method described in 16 Gestation The development of the fetus in the CFR 1500.44, it ignites and burns with a self- uterus from conception to birth; pregnancy. sustained flame at a ratio greater than one- tenth of an inch per second along its major g/kg Grams per kilogram is an expression of dose axis. used in oral and dermal toxicology testing to denote grams of a substance dosed per kilogram Flashback Occurs when flame from a torch burns of animal body weight. Also see "kg" (kilogram). back into the tip, the torch, or the hose. It is often accompanied by a hissing or squealing Grounding The procedure used to carry an elec- sound with a smoky or sharp-pointed flame. trical charge to ground through a conductive path. A typical ground may be connected directly Flashpoint The minimum temperature at which a to a conductive water pipe or to a grounding bus liquid gives off a vapor in sufficient concentration and ground rod. See Bonding. to ignite when tested by the following methods: Gynecology The study of the reproductive organs (a) Tagliabue Closed Tester (see American Na- in women. tional Standard Method of Test for Flash Point by Tag Closed Tester, Z11.24 1979 Hand Protection Specific type of gloves or other [ASTM 056-79]). hand protection required to prevent harmful exposure to hazardous materials. (b) Pensky-Martens Closed Tester (see American National Standard Method of Test for Flash Hazardous Chemical Any chemical whose Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Tester, presence or use is a physical hazard or a health Z11.7-1979 [ASTM 093-79]). hazard.

Hazardous Warning Words, pictures, symbols, or Hormones Act as chemical messengers to body combination thereof presented on a label or other organs. appropriate form to inform of the presence of various materials. Hyperplasia Increase in volume of a tissue or organ caused by the growth of new cells. HCS Hazard Communication Standard is an OSHA regulation issued under 29 CFR Part IARC International Agency for Research on 1910.1200. Cancer.

Health Hazard A chemical f::>r which there is sig- Ignitable Capable of being set afire. nificant evidence, based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scien- Impervious A material that does not allow another tific principles, that acute 01· chronic health ef- substance to pass through or penetrate it. fects may occur in exposed employees. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals that are car- Incompatible Materials that could cause danger- cinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproduc- ous reactions by direct contact with one another. tive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents Ingestion Taking in by the mouth. that act on the hematopoie1ic system, and agents that damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous lnhal See inhalation. membranes. Inhalation Breathing in of a substance in the form Hemoglobin An iron-containing conjugated protein of a gas, vapor, fume, mist, or dust. or respiratory pigment occurring in the red blood cells of vertebrates. Inhibitor A chemical added to another substance to prevent an unwanted chemical change. Hematoma A blood clot under the surface of the skin. lnsol See insoluble.

Hematopoietic System The blood-forming Insoluble Incapable of being dissolved in a liquid. mechanism of the human body. Intrauterine Within the uterus. Hematuria The presence of blood in the urine. Irritant A chemical, which is not corrosive, that Hepatotoxin A substance that causes injury to causes a reversible inflammatory effect on living the liver. tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. A chemical is a skin irritant if, when tested on the Highly toxic A chemical in any of the following intact skin of albino rabbits by the methods of 16 categories: CFR 1500 41 for 4 hours exposure or by other appropriate techniques, it results in an empirical (a) A chemical with a median lethal dose (LDso) score of 5 or more. A chemical is an eye irritant of 50 milligrams or less per kilogram of body if so determined under the procedure listed in 16 weight when administered orally to albino CFR 1500.42 or other appropriate techniques. rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each. Irritating As defined by DOT, a property of a liquid or solid substance which, upon contact (b) A chemical with a median lethal dose (LD50) with fire or when exposed to air, gives off of 200 milligrams or les:> per kilogram of body dangerous or intensely irritating fumes (not in- weight when administer1 d by continuous con- cluding poisonous materials). See Poison, Class tact for 24 hours (or les > if death occurs A and Poison, Class B. within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between 2 and 3 kilograms kg Kilogram is a metric unit of weight, about 2.2 each. U.S. pounds. Also see "g/kg," "g," and "mg."

(c) A chemical that has a median lethal concen- L Liter is a metric unit of capacity. A U.S. quart is tration (LC50) in air of 200 parts per million by about 9/10 of a liter. volume or less of gas 01· vapor, or 2 milligrams per liter or less of mist, fume, or Lacrimation Secretion and discharge of tears. dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour (or less if death occurs with- Label Notice attached to a container, bearing in- in 1 hour) to albino rats weighing between formation concerning its contents. 200 and 300 grams each.

Lactation The secretion of milk by the breasts. Malignant Tending to become progressively worse and to result in death. LC Lethal concentration is the concentration of a substance being tested that will kill. Mammary Pertaining to the breast.

LCL Lethal concentration, low, lowest concentra- Mechanical Exhaust A powered device, such as tion of a gas or vapor capable of killing a speci- a motor-driven fan or air steam venturi tube, for fied species over a specified time. exhausting contaminants from a workplace, vessel, or enclosure. LC50 The concentration of a material in air that will kill 50 percent of a group of test animals with Mechanical Filter Respirator A respirator used to a single exposure (usually 11 to 4 hours). The protect against airborne particulate matter like LC50 is expressed as parts of material per million dusts, mists, metal fume, and smoke. Mechanical parts of air, by volume (ppm) for gases and filter respirators do not provide protection against vapors, or as micrograms of material per liter of gases, vapors, or oxygen deficient atmospheres. air (g/I) or milligrams of material per cubic meter of air (mg/m3) for dusts and mists, as well as for Melting Point The temperature at which a solid gases and vapors. substance changes to a liquid state.

LO Lethal dose is the quantity of a substance be- Menorrhagia Excessive menstruation. ing tested that will kill. Menstruation Periodic discharge of blood from LDL Lethal dose low, lowest administered dose of the vagina of a nonpregnant uterus. a material capable of killing a specified test species. Metabolism Physical and chemical processes taking place among the ions, atoms, and molecules LD50 A single dose of a material expected to kill of the body. 50 percent of a group of test animals. The LD50 dose is usually expressed as milligrams or grams Metastasis The transfer of disease from one or- of material per kilogram of animal body weight gan or part to another not directly connected with (mg/kg or g/kg). The material may be ad- it. ministered by mouth or applied to the skin. Meter A unit of length; equivalent to 39.37 inches. LEL, or LFL Lower explosive limit, or lower flammable limit, of a vapor or gas; the lowest concen- mg Milligram is a metric unit of weight that is one- tration (lowest percentage of the substance in air) thousandth of a gram. that will produce a flash of fire when an ignition source (heat, arc, or flame) is present. At concen- mg/kg Milligrams of substance per kilogram of trations lower than the LEL the mixture is too body weight is an expression of toxicological "lean" to burn. Also see "UEL." dose.

Lesion Any damage to a tissue. mg/ma Milligrams per cubic meter is a unit for expressing concentrations of dusts, gases, or mists Lfm Linear feet per minute, a unit of air velocity. in air.

Local Exhaust A system for capturing and ex- Micron (Micrometer) A unit of length equal to one- hausting contaminants from the air at the point millionth of a meter; approximately 0.000039 of where the contaminants am produced (welding, an inch. grinding, sanding, other processes or operations). Also see General Exhaust. Mist Suspended liquid droplets generated by condensation from the gaseous to the liquid state, or M Meter is a unit of length in the metric system. by breaking up a liquid into a dispersed state, One meter is about 39 inches. such as splashing, foaming or atomizing. Mist is formed when a finely divided liquid is suspended m3 Cubic meter is a metric measure of volume, in air. approximately 35.3 cubic feet or 1.3 cubic yards. Mixture Any combination of two or more chemi- Malaise A feeling of general discomfort, distress, cals if the combination is not, in whole or part, or uneasiness, an out-of-sorts feeling. the result of a chemical reaction.

Mld Mild NFPA technical committees. Among these is NFPA 704M, the code for showing hazards of ml Milliliter is a metric unit o ' capacity, equal in materials as they might be encountered under volume to 1 cubic centimeter (cc), or approxi- fire or related emergency conditions, using the mately one-sixteenth of a cubic inch. One- familiar diamond-shaped label or placard with ap- thousandth of a liter. propriate numbers or symbols. mmHg Millimeters (mm) of mercury (Hg) is a unit Neo See neoplasia. of measurement for low pressures or partial vacuums. Neonatal The first 4 weeks after birth.

Molecular Weight Weight (mass) of a molecule Neoplasia A condition characterized by the based on the sum of the atomic weights of the presence of new growths (tumors). atoms that make up the molecule. Nephrotoxin A substance that causes injury to mppcf Million particles per c1Jbic foot is a unit for the kidneys. expressing concentration of particles of a substance suspended in air. Exposure limits for Neurotoxin A material that affects the nerve cells mineral dusts (silica, graphite, Portland cement, and may produce emotional or behavioral abnor- nuisance dusts, and others), formerly expressed malities. as mppcf, are now more commonly expressed in mg/m3. Neutralize To eliminate potential hazards by inac- tivating strong acids, caustics, and oxidizers. For MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet. example, acids can be neutralized by adding an appropriate amount of caustic substance to the MSHA Mine Safety and Health Administration, spill. U.S. Department of Labor. ng nanogram, one-billionth of a gram. Mutagen A substance or agent capable of altering the genetic material in a living cell. NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. MW See molecular weight. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), among other activities, tests and certi- N2 Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless fies respiratory protective devices and air sam- gas that will not burn and w II not support com- pling detector tubes, recommends occupational bustion. The earth's atmospl1ere (air) is about 78 exposure limits for various substances, and as- percent nitrogen. At higher concentrations, nitro- sists OSHA and MSHA in occupational safety gen can displace oxygen an :I become a lethal and health investigations and research. asphyxiant. See Asphyxiant. Nonflammable Not easily ignited, or if ignited, not Narcosis A state of stupor, unconsciousness, or burning rapidly. arrested activity produced bl' the influence of nar- cotics or other chemicals. Non-Sparking Tools Tools made from beryllium- copper or aluminum-bronze greatly reduce the Nausea Tendency to vomit, f 3eling of sickness at possibility of igniting dusts, gases, or flammable the stomach. vapors. Although these tools may emit some sparks when striking metal, the sparks have a NCI National Cancer Institute is that part of the low heat content and are not likely to ignite most National Institutes of Health that studies cancer flammable liquids. causes and prevention as W13ll as diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of cancer patients. NOx Oxides of nitrogen which are undesirable air pollutants. NO emissions are regulated by EPA NFPA National Fire Protection Association is an under the Clean Air Act. international membership organization which promotes/improves fire protection and prevention NPIRS National Pesticide Information Retrieval and establishes safeguards against loss of life System is an automated data base operated by and property by fire. Best known on the industrial Purdue University containing information on EPA scene for the National Fire Codes- 16 volumes registered pesticides, including reference file of codes, standards, recommended practices and MSDS's. manuals developed (and periodically updated) by

NRC National Response Center is a notification Pathologic Pertaining to or caused by disease. center that must be called when significant oil or chemical spills or other environment-related acci- Pathology Scientific study of alterations produced dents occur. The toll-free telephone number is by disease. 1-800-424-8802. PEL Permissible Exposure Limit is an occupation- NTP National Toxicology Program. The NTP pub- al exposure limit established by OSHA's regulato- lishes an Annual Report on Carcinogens. ry authority. It may be a time-weighted average (TWA) limit or a maximum concentration ex- Odor A description of the smell of the substance. posure limit.

Odor Threshold The lowest concentration of a Percent Volatile Percent volatile by volume is the substance's vapor, in air, that can be smelled. percentage of a liquid or solid (by volume) that will evaporate at an ambient temperature of 70°F Olfactory Relating to the sense of smell. (unless some other temperature is specified). Ex- amples: butane, gasoline, and paint thinner Oral Used in or taken into tl1e body through the (mineral spirits) are 100 percent volatile; their in- mouth. dividual evaporation rates vary, but in time, each will evaporate completely. Oral Toxicity Adverse effects resulting from taking a substance into the body by mouth. Ordinari- pH The symbol relating the hydrogen ion (H + ) ly used to denote effects in experimental animals. concentration to that of a given standard solution. A pH of 7 is neutral. Numbers increasing from 7 Organic Peroxide An organic compound that to 14 indicate greater alkalinity. Numbers contains the bivalent -0-0 structure and may be decreasing from 7 to 0 indicate greater acidity. considered a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen Physical Hazard Means a chemical for which atoms has been replaced by an organic radical. there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, Organogenesis The formation of organs during flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, development. pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administra- Placenta A structure that grows on the wall of the tion, U.S. Department of Labor. uterus during pregnancy, through which the fetus is nourished. Ovary The female sex gland in which ova are formed. PMCC Pensky-Martens Closed Cup. See Flashpoint. Overexposure Exposure to a hazardous material beyond the allowable exposure limits. Pneumoconiosis A condition of the lung in which there is permanent deposition of particulate mat- Oxidation In a literal sense, oxidation is a reaction ter and the tissue reaction to its presence. It may in which a substance combines with oxygen range from relatively harmless forms of iron oxide provided by an oxidizer or oxidizing agent. See deposition to destructive forms of silicosis. Oxidizing Agent. Poison, Class A A DOT term for extremely dan- Oxidizer A chemical other than a blasting agent gerous poisons-poisonous gases or liquids that, or explosive that initiates or promotes combustion in very small amounts, either as gas or as vapor in other materials, causing fire either by itself or of the liquid, mixed with air, are dangerous to through the release of oxygen or other gases. life. Examples: phosgene, cyanogen, hydrocyanic acid, nitrogen peroxide. Oxidizing Agent A chemical or substance that brings about an oxidation reaction. The agent Poison, Class B A DOT term for liquid, solid, may (1) provide the oxygen to the substance be- paste or semisolid substances-other than Class ing oxidized (in which case the agent has to be A poisons or irritating materials-that are known oxygen or contain oxygen), or (2) it may receive (or presumed on the basis of animal tests) to be electrons being transferred from the substance so toxic to humans that they are a hazard to undergoing oxidation (chlorine is a good oxidizing health during transportation. agent for electron-transfer purposes, even though it contains no oxygen).

Polymerization A chemical reaction in which one Reducing agent In a reduction reaction (which al- or more small molecules combine to form larger ways occurs simultaneously with an oxidation molecules. A hazardous polymerization is such a reaction) the reducing agent is the chemical or reaction that takes place at a rate that releases substance which (1) combines with oxygen or large amounts of energy. If hazardous polymeri- (2) loses electrons to the reaction. See Oxidation. zation can occur with a give1n material, the MSDS usually will list conditions that could start the REL The NIOSH REL (Recommended Exposure reaction and-since the malarial usually contains Limit) is the highest allowable airborne concentra- a polymerization inhibitor-the length of time dur- tion which is not expected to injure the workers. ing which the inhibitor will be effective. It may be expressed as a ceiling limit or as a time-weighted average (TWA). ppb Parts per billion is the concentration of a gas or vapor in air-parts (by volume) of the gas or Reproductive Toxin Substances that affect either vapor in a billion parts of ail". Usually used to ex- male or female reproductive systems and may press extremely low concentrations of unusually impair the ability to have children. toxic gases or vapors; also the concentration of a particular substance in a liquid or solid. Respiratory Protection Devices that will protect the wearer's respiratory system from overex- ppm Parts per million is the concentration of a posure by inhalation to airborne contaminants. gas or vapor in air-parts (ty volume) of the gas Respiratory protection is used when a worker or vapor in a million parts of air; also the concen- must work in an area where he/she might be ex- tration of a particulate in a liquid or solid. posed to concentration in excess of the allowable exposure limit. Prenatal Preceding birth. Respiratory System The breathing system that psi Pounds per square inch '.for MSDS purposes) includes the lungs and the air passages (trachea is the pressure a material exerts on the walls of or "windpipe," larynx, mouth, and nose) to the a confining vessel or enclosure. For technical ac- air outside the body, plus the associated nervous curacy, pressure must be expressed as psig and circulatory supply. (pounds per square inch gauge) or psia (pounds per square inch absolute; that is, gauge pressure Routes of Entry The means by which material plus sea level atmospheric pressure, or psig plus may gain access to the body, for example, inha- approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch). Also lation, ingestion, and skin contact. see mmHg. RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Pul See pulmonary. is environmental legislation aimed at controlling the generation, treating, storage, transportation Pulmonary Relating to, or a:ssociated with, the and disposal of hazardous wastes. It is ad- lungs. ministered by EPA.

Pulmonary Edema Fluid in the lungs. Sarcoma A tumor that is often malignant.

Pyrophoric A chemical that will ignite spontane- Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus A respirato- ously in air at a temperature1 of 13°F (54.4°C) or ry protection device that consists of a supply or a below. means of respirable air, oxygen, or oxygen- generating material, carried by the wearer. Reaction A chemical transformation or change. The interaction of two or more substances to Sensitizer A chemical that causes a substantial form new substances. proportion of exposed people or animals to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after Reactive See Unstable. repeated exposure to the chemical.

Reactivity Chemical reaction with the release of SETA Setaflash Closed Tester. See Flashpoint. energy. Undesirable effects--such as pressure buildup, temperature increase, formation of nox- Silicosis A disease of the lungs (fibrosis) caused ious, toxic or corrosive byproducts- may occur by the inhalation of silica dust. because of the reactivity of asubstance to heat- ing, burning, direct contact with other materials, Skn Skin. or other conditions in use or in storage.

"Skin" A notation (sometimes used with PEL or ing, or that will oxidize to generate heat and TLV exposure data) that indicates that the stated ignite, or that absorbs moisture to generate heat substance may be absorbed by the skin, mucous and ignite. membranes, and eyes-either airborne or by direct contact-and that this additional exposure Squamous Scaly or platelike. must be considered part of the total exposure to avoid exceeding the PEL OI' TLV for that sub- Stability The ability of a material to remain un- stance. changed. For MSDS purposes, a material is sta- ble if it remains in the same form under expected Skin Absorption Ability of some hazardous chem- and reasonable conditions of storage or use. icals to pass directly throu9h the skin and enter Conditions that may cause instability (dangerous the bloodstream. change) are stated; for example, temperatures above 150°F.; shock from dropping. Skin Sensitizer See Sensitizer. STEL Short-Term Exposure Limit (ACGIH termi- Skin Toxicity See Dermal Toxicity. nology). See TLV.

Solubility in Water A term expressing the per- Stenosis Narrowing of a body passage or centage of a material (by weight) that will dis- opening. solve in water at ambient temperature. Solubility information can be useful in determining spill Steroid A complex molecule among which are the cleanup methods and reextinguishing agents and male and female sex hormones. methods for a material. Subcutaneous Beneath the layers of the skin. Solvent A substance, usually a liquid, in which other substances are dissolved. The most com- Supplied-Air Respirators Air line respirators of mon solvent is water. self-contained breathing apparatus.

SOx Oxides of sulfur. Sys System or systemic.

Species On the MSDS's, species refers to the Systemic Poison A poison that spreads through- test animals- usually rats, mice, or rabbits-used out the body, affecting all body systems and or- to obtain the toxicity test data reported. gans. Its adverse effect is not localized in one spot or area. Specific Chemical Identity The chemical name, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Num- Systemic Toxicity Adverse effects caused by a ber, or any precise chemical designation of a substance that affects the body in a general substance. rather than local manner.

Specific Gravity The weight of a material com- Synonym Another name or names by which a pared to the weight of an equal volume of water material is known. Methyl alcohol, for example, is is an expression of the density (or heaviness) of known as methanol or wood alcohol. a material. Insoluble materials with specific gravity of less than 1.0 will float in (or on) water. In- Target Organ Effects The following is a target or- soluble materials with specific gravity greater gan categorization of effects that may occur, in- than 1.0 will sink in water. Most (but not all) flam- cluding examples of signs and symptoms and mable liquids have specific gravity less than 1.0 chemicals that have been found to cause such and, if not soluble, will float on water- an impor- effects. These examples are presented to illus- tant consideration for fire suppression. trate the range and diversity of effects and hazards found in the workplace, and the broad Spill or Leak Procedures The methods, equip- scope employers must consider in this area, but ment, and precautions that should be used to they are not intended to be all inclusive. control or clean up a leak or spill.

Splash-Proof Goggles Eye protection made of a noncorrosive material that fits snugly against the (a) Hepatotoxins Chemicals that produce face, and has indirect ventilation ports. liver damage. Signs and Jaundice; liver enlarge- Spontaneously Combustible A material that ig- Symptoms ment. nites as a result of retained heat from process- Chemicals Carbon tetrachloride; nitrosamines.

(b) Nephrotoxins Chemicals that produce Target Organ Toxin A toxic substance that at- kidney damage. tacks a specific organ of the body. For example, overexposure to carbon tetrachloride can cause Signs and Ederr a; proteinuria. liver damage. Symptoms

Chemicals Halogenated hydrocar- TCC Tag (Tagliabue) Closed Cup. See Flashpoint. bons; uranium. TCL Toxic concentration low, the lowest concen- (c) Neurotoxins Chemicals that produce tration of a gas or vapor capable of producing a their primary toxic effects defined toxic effect in a specified test species on the nervous system. over a specified time.

Narcosis; behavioral Signs and TDL Toxic dose low, lowest administered dose of Symptoms changes; decrease in mo- a material capable of producing a defined toxic tor functions. effect in a specified test species. Chemicals Mercury, carbon disulfide. Temp Temperature. (d) Agents that act Decrease hemoglobin func- on blood hema- tion; deprive the body Ter See Teratogen. topoietic system tissues of oxygen. Teratogen A substance or agent, exposure to Signs and Cyanosis; loss of con- which by a pregnant female can result in malfor- Symptoms sciousness. mations in the fetus. Chemicals Carbon monoxide; cyanides Tfx Toxic effect(s).

(e) Agents that Chemicals that irritate or TLV Threshold Limit Value is a term used by damage the damag e the pulmonary ACGIH to express the airborne concentration of lung tissue. material to which nearly all persons can be exposed day after day without adverse effects. Signs and Cough, tightness in chest, ACGIH expresses TLVs in three ways: Symptoms shortness of breath. Chemicals Silica asbestos. TLV-TWA: The allowable Time-Weighted Aver- age concentration for a normal 8-hour workday (f) Reproductive Chemicals that adversely or 80-hour workweek. toxins affect the reproductive capabilities including chro- TLV-STEL: The Short-Term Exposure Limit, or mosomal damage (muta- maximum concentration for a continuous 15-minute exposure period (maximum of four tions) and effects on fetuses (teratogenesis). such periods per day, with at least 60 minutes between exposure periods, and provided the Signs and Birth defects; sterility. daily TLV-TWA is not exceeded). Symptoms TLV-C: The ceiling exposure limit-the concen- Chemicals Lead; DBCP tration that should not be exceeded even in-

stantaneously. (g) Cutaneous Chemicals that affect the hazards dermal layer of the body. TOC Tag Open Cup. See Flashpoint. Signs and Defatting of the skin; Symptoms rashes; irritation. Torr A unit of pressure, equal to 1/760 at- Chemicals Ketones; chlorinated com- mosphere.

pounds. A chemical falling within any of the follow- Toxic (h) Eye hazards Chemicals that affect the ing categories: eye o ·visual capacity. (a) A chemical that has a median lethal dose Signs and Conjunctivitis; corneal (LD5o) of more than 50 milligrams per kilo- Symptoms damage. gram but not more than 500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when administered Organic solvents; acids. Chemicals orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.

(b) A chemical that has a median lethal dose ug Microgram, one-millionth of a gram. (LD5o) of more than 200 milligrams per kilogram but not more than 1,000 milligrams per Unstable Tending toward decomposition or other kilogram of body weight when administered unwanted chemical change during normal han- by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if dling or storage. death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between two Unstable Reactive A chemical that, in the pure and three kilograms each. state, or as produced or transported, will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense, or (c) A chemical that has a median lethal concen- become self-reactive under conditions of shocks, tration (LC50) in air of more than 200 parts pressure, or temperature. per million but not more than 2,000 parts per million by volume of gas or vapor, or more USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture. than two milligrams per liter but not more than 20 milligrams per liter of mist, fume, or Vapor The gaseous form of a solid or liquid sub- dust, when administered by continuous inha- stance as it evaporates. lation for one hour (or less if death occurs within 1 hour) to albino rats weighing between Vapor density The weight of a vapor or gas com- 200 and 300 grams each. pared to the weight of an equal volume of air is an expression of the density of the vapor or gas. Toxic Substance Any substance that can cause Materials lighter than air have vapor densities acute or chronic injury to the human body, or less than 1.0 (examples: acetylene, methane, which is suspected of being1 able to cause dis- hydrogen). Materials heavier than air (examples: eases or injury under some conditions. propane, hydrogen sulfide, ethane, butane, chlorine, sulfur dioxide) have vapor densities greater Toxicity The sum of adverse effects resulting than 1.0. All vapors and gases will mix with air, from exposure to a material, generally, by the but the lighter materials will tend to rise and dis- mouth, skin, or respiratory tract. sipate (unless confined). Heavier vapors and gases are likely to concentrate in low places- Trade Name The trademark: name or commercial along or under floors, in sumps, sewers, and trade name for a material or product. manholes, in trenches and ditches-where they may create fire or health hazards. Transplacental An agent that causes physical defects in the developing embryo. Vapor pressure The pressure exerted by a satu- rated vapor above its own liquid in a closed con- TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act (Federal En- tainer. When quality control tests are performed vironmental Legislation administered by EPA) on products, the test temperature is usually regulates the manufacture, handling, and use of 100°F, and the vapor pressure is expressed as materials classified as "toxic substances." pounds per square inch (psig or psia), but vapor pressures reported as MSDS's are in millimeters TWA Time-Weighted Average exposure is the air- of mercury (mmHg) at 68°F (20°C), unless stated borne concentration of a material to which a per- overwise. Three facts are important to remember: son is exposed, averaged over the total exposure time-generally the total workday (8 to 12 hours). 1. Vapor pressure of a substance at 100°F will Also see TLV. always be higher than the vapor pressure of the substance at 68°F (20°C). UEL, or UFL Upper explosive limit or upper flammable limit of a vapor or gas; the highest con- 2. Vapor pressures reported on MSDS's in centration (highest percentage of the substance mmHg are usually very low pressures; 760 in air) that will produce a flash of fire when an ig- mmHg is equivalent to 14.7 pounds per nition source (heat, arc, or flame) is present. At square inch. higher concentrations, the mixture is too "rich" 3. The lower the boiling point of a substance, the to burn. Also see LEL. higher its vapor pressure.

Ventilation See General Exhaust, Local Exhaust, Water-Reactive A chemical that reacts with water and Mechanical Exhaust. to release a gas that is either flammable or presents a health hazard. Vermiculite An expanded mica (hydrated magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate) used as sor- Work Area A room or defined space in a work- bent for spill control and cleanup. place where hazardous chemicals are produced or used, and where employees are present. Viscosity The tendency of a fluid to resist internal flow without regard to its density. Workplace An establishment at one geographical location containing one or more work areas. Volatility A measure of how quickly a substance forms a vapor at ordinary temperatures. Zinc Fume Fever A condition brought on by inhalation of zinc oxide fume characterized by flulike Water Disposal Methods Proper disposal symptoms with a metallic taste in the mouth, methods for contaminated material, recovered liq- coughing, weakness, fatigue, muscular pain, and uids or solids, and their containers. nausea, followed by fever and chills. The onset of symptoms occurs four to twelve hours after exposure.