Phosphorus Pentasulfide Hazard Summary

Common Name: PHOSPHORUS PENTASULFIDE

CAS Number: 1314-80-3 RTK Substance number: 1527 DOT Number: UN 1340 Date: September 2001 ------

HAZARD SUMMARY * Phosphorus Pentasulfide can affect you when breathed * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely in. evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area * Contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results with possible eye damage. from your employer. You have a legal right to this * Breathing Phosphorus Pentasulfide can irritate the nose information under OSHA 1910.1020. and throat. Higher exposure can cause loss of sense of * If you think you are experiencing any work-related health smell (anosmia). problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational * Breathing Phosphorus Pentasulfide can irritate the lungs diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with severe OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit shortness of breath. (PEL) is 1 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour * Exposure to Phosphorus Pentasulfide can cause workshift. headache, dizziness, weakness, confusion, sweating, nausea and vomiting. Higher levels can cause seizures and NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is death. 1 mg/m3 averaged over a 10-hour workshift and * Phosphorus Pentasulfide is a REACTIVE chemical and 3 mg/m3, not to be exceeded during any 15 an EXPLOSION HAZARD. minute work period.

IDENTIFICATION ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 3 Phosphorus Pentasulfide is a greenish-yellow solid with a 1 mg/m averaged over an 8-hour workshift and rotten egg odor. It is used in the production of safety matches, 3 mg/m3 as a STEL (short-term exposure limit). lube oil additives, and pesticides. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE REASON FOR CITATION * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust * Phosphorus Pentasulfide is on the Hazardous Substance ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, NFPA and EPA. worn. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance * Wear protective work clothing. List because it is REACTIVE. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to * Definitions are provided on page 5. Phosphorus Pentasulfide and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING addition, as part of an ongoing education and training EXPOSED effort, communicate all information on the health and The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most employers safety hazards of Phosphorus Pentasulfide to potentially to label chemicals in the workplace and requires public exposed workers. employers to provide their employees with information and training concerning chemical hazards and controls. The federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 1910.1200, requires private employers to provide similar training and information to their employees.

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This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and potential and most severe health hazards that may result from present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance damage already done are not a substitute for controlling and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the exposure. potential effects described below. ------Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.1020. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Mixed Exposures Acute Health Effects * Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may immediately or shortly after exposure to Phosphorus worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Pentasulfide: Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. * Contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes with possible eye damage. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES * Breathing Phosphorus Pentasulfide can irritate the nose and throat. Higher exposure can cause loss of sense of Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous smell (anosmia). substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most * Breathing Phosphorus Pentasulfide can irritate the lungs effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at exposures can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with severe reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is shortness of breath. less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is * Exposure to Phosphorus Pentasulfide can cause headache, sometimes necessary. dizziness, weakness, confusion, sweating, nausea and vomiting. Higher levels can cause seizures and death. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the Chronic Health Effects substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls some time after exposure to Phosphorus Pentasulfide and can should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when last for months or years: significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible.

Cancer Hazard In addition, the following controls are recommended: * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, * Where possible, automatically transfer Phosphorus Phosphorus Pentasulfide has not been tested for its ability Pentasulfide from drums or other storage containers to to cause cancer in animals. process containers. * Before entering a confined space where Phosphorus Reproductive Hazard Pentasulfide may be present, check to make sure that an * According to the information presently available to the New explosive concentration does not exist. Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Phosphorus Pentasulfide has not been tested for its ability Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous to affect reproduction. exposures. The following work practices are recommended:

Other Long-Term Effects * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by * Phosphorus Pentasulfide can irritate the lungs. Repeated Phosphorus Pentasulfide should change into clean exposure may cause bronchitis to develop with cough, clothing promptly. phlegm, and/or shortness of breath. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. MEDICAL * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Phosphorus Pentasulfide. Medical Testing * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the work area for emergency use. following is recommended: * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * Consider chest x-ray after acute overexposure.

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* On skin contact with Phosphorus Pentasulfide, * Exposure to 250 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At and health. If the possibility of exposure above 250 mg/m3 the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that exists, use a NIOSH approved self-contained breathing may have contacted Phosphorus Pentasulfide, whether or apparatus with a full facepiece operated in a pressure- not known skin contact has occurred. demand or other positive-pressure mode. * Use a vacuum to reduce dust during clean-up. DO NOT DRY SWEEP. HANDLING AND STORAGE

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT * Prior to working with Phosphorus Pentasulfide you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN * Phosphorus Pentasulfide may ignite on contact with PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for WATER, MOIST AIR and STRONG ACIDS (such as some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC). done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace * Phosphorus Pentasulfide is not compatible with controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. OXIDIZING AGENTS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, OSHA 1910.132 requires employers to determine the NITRATES, CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE); appropriate personal protective equipment for each hazard and ALCOHOLS; AMINES; HYDROGEN SULFIDE; to train employees on how and when to use protective ORGANIC ACIDS; and STRONG BASES (such as equipment. SODIUM HYDROXIDE and POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE). The following recommendations are only guidelines and may * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated not apply to every situation. area away from HEAT, FLAMES and ORGANICS. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are Clothing prohibited where Phosphorus Pentasulfide is used, handled, or stored. * Avoid skin contact with Phosphorus Pentasulfide. Wear * Metal containers involving the transfer of Phosphorus protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment Pentasulfide should be grounded and bonded. suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on * Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially the most protective glove/clothing material for your when opening and closing containers of Phosphorus operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) Pentasulfide. should be clean, available each day, and put on before * Wherever Phosphorus Pentasulfide is used, handled, work. manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings.

Eye Protection QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS * Wear impact resistant eye protection with side shields or

goggles. Q: If I have acute health effects, will I later get chronic * Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with health effects? corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances. A: Not always. Most chronic (long-term) effects result from * Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this repeated exposures to a chemical. substance.

Q: Can I get long-term effects without ever having short- Respiratory Protection term effects? IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. A: Yes, because long-term effects can occur from repeated Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a exposures to a chemical at levels not high enough to make written program that takes into account workplace conditions, you immediately sick. requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. Q: What are my chances of getting sick when I have been * Where the potential exists for exposure over 1 mg/m3, use exposed to chemicals? a NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a full A: The likelihood of becoming sick from chemicals is facepiece operated in a pressure-demand or other positive- increased as the amount of exposure increases. This is pressure mode. For increased protection use in combination determined by the length of time and the amount of with an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus material to which someone is exposed. operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.

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Q: When are higher exposures more likely? ------A: Conditions which increase risk of exposure include dust The following information is available from: releasing operations (grinding, mixing, blasting, dumping, etc.), other physical and mechanical processes (heating, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services pouring, spraying, spills and evaporation from large Occupational Health Service surface areas such as open containers), and "confined PO Box 360 space" exposures (working inside vats, reactors, boilers, Trenton, NJ 08625-0360 small rooms, etc.). (609) 984-1863 (609) 292-5677 (fax) Q: Is the risk of getting sick higher for workers than for community residents? Web address: http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/odisweb/ A: Yes. Exposures in the community, except possibly in cases of fires or spills, are usually much lower than those Industrial Hygiene Information found in the workplace. However, people in the Industrial hygienists are available to answer your questions community may be exposed to contaminated water as well regarding the control of chemical exposures using exhaust as to chemicals in the air over long periods. This may be ventilation, special work practices, good housekeeping, good hygiene practices, and personal protective equipment including a problem for children or people who are already ill. respirators. In addition, they can help to interpret the results of industrial hygiene survey data.

Medical Evaluation If you think you are becoming sick because of exposure to chemicals at your workplace, you may call personnel at the Department of Health and Senior Services, Occupational Health Service, who can help you find the information you need.

Public Presentations Presentations and educational programs on occupational health or the Right to Know Act can be organized for labor unions, trade associations and other groups.

Right to Know Information Resources The Right to Know Infoline (609) 984-2202 can answer questions about the identity and potential health effects of chemicals, list of educational materials in occupational health, references used to prepare the Fact Sheets, preparation of the Right to Know Survey, education and training programs, labeling requirements, and general information regarding the Right to Know Act. Violations of the law should be reported to (609) 984-2202. ------PHOSPHORUS PENTASULFIDE page 5 of 6

DEFINITIONS

ACGIH is the American Conference of Governmental NAERG is the North American Emergency Response Industrial Hygienists. It recommends upper limits (called Guidebook. It was jointly developed by Transport Canada, the TLVs) for exposure to workplace chemicals. United States Department of Transportation and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation of Mexico. It is a A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer. guide for first responders to quickly identify the specific or generic hazards of material involved in a transportation The CAS number is assigned by the Chemical Abstracts incident, and to protect themselves and the general public Service to identify a specific chemical. during the initial response phase of the incident.

A combustible substance is a solid, liquid or gas that will burn. NCI is the National Cancer Institute, a federal agency that determines the cancer-causing potential of chemicals. A corrosive substance is a gas, liquid or solid that causes irreversible damage to human tissue or containers. NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. It classifies substances according to their fire and explosion hazard. DEP is the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. NIOSH is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It tests equipment, evaluates and approves respirators, DOT is the Department of Transportation, the federal agency conducts studies of workplace hazards, and proposes standards that regulates the transportation of chemicals. to OSHA.

EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal NTP is the National Toxicology Program which tests agency responsible for regulating environmental hazards. chemicals and reviews evidence for cancer.

A fetus is an unborn human or animal. OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which adopts and enforces health and safety standards. A flammable substance is a solid, liquid, vapor or gas that will ignite easily and burn rapidly. PEL is the Permissible Exposure Limit which is enforceable by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or solid gives off vapor that can form a flammable mixture with air. PIH is a DOT designation for chemicals which are Poison Inhalation Hazards. HHAG is the Human Health Assessment Group of the federal EPA. ppm means parts of a substance per million parts of air. It is a measure of concentration by volume in air. IARC is the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a scientific group that classifies chemicals according to their A reactive substance is a solid, liquid or gas that releases cancer-causing potential. energy under certain conditions.

A miscible substance is a liquid or gas that will evenly dissolve A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by in another. damaging the fetus. mg/m3 means milligrams of a chemical in a cubic meter of air. TLV is the Threshold Limit Value, the workplace exposure It is a measure of concentration (weight/volume). limit recommended by ACGIH.

MSHA is the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the The vapor pressure is a measure of how readily a liquid or a federal agency that regulates mining. It also evaluates and solid mixes with air at its surface. A higher vapor pressure approves respirators. indicates a higher concentration of the substance in air and therefore increases the likelihood of breathing it in. A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation is a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer. page 6 of 6 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> E M E R G E N C Y I N F O R M A T I O N <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Common Name: PHOSPHORUS PENTASULFIDE * If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be DOT Number: UN 1340 properly trained and equipped. OSHA 1910.120(q) may be NAERG Code: 139 applicable. CAS Number: 1314-80-3 ======FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. You can request emergency information from the Hazard rating NJDHSS NFPA following: FLAMMABILITY - 1 CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300 REACTIVITY - 2 NJDEP HOTLINE: 1-877-WARN-DEP REACTIVE AND COMBUSTIBLE ======DO NOT USE WATER POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE HANDLING AND STORAGE (See page 3) CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE CAN SPONTANEOUSLY IGNITE FIRST AID Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; In NJ, for POISON INFORMATION call 1-800-764-7661 3=serious; 4=severe Eye Contact FIRE HAZARDS * Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally * Phosphorus Pentasulfide is a COMBUSTIBLE SOLID, lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention however, it is easily ignited by heat, sparks or friction, or immediately. when in contact with ACIDS, WATER or MOIST AIR. * Use dry chemical or CO2 extinguishers. Skin Contact * DO NOT USE WATER as poisonous Hydrogen Sulfide * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash gas is produced. area with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, attention immediately. including Phosphorus Pentoxide, Sulfur Dioxide, Phosphine and Hydrogen Sulfide. Breathing * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Remove the person from exposure. * Use water spray only to keep fire-exposed containers cool. * Begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions) if Keep water out of containers. breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Phosphorus Pentasulfide may ignite combustibles (wood, * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. paper and oil). * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. delayed.

SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES PHYSICAL DATA

If Phosphorus Pentasulfide is spilled, take the following Vapor Pressure: 1 mm Hg at 549oF (287oC) steps: Water Solubility: Reactive

* Evacuate persons not wearing protective equipment from OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES area of spill until clean-up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. Chemical Name: * Cover with dry lime, sand or soda ash, and place in covered Phosphorus Sulfide containers for disposal. Other Names: * DO NOT USE WATER OR WET METHOD. Phosphoric Sulfide; Thiophosphoric Sulfide * Keep Phosphorus Pentasulfide out of a confined space, ------such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build-up of purposes. explosive concentrations. ------* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Phosphorus NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND Pentasulfide as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your SENIOR SERVICES state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or Right to Know Program your regional office of the federal Environmental PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. (609) 984-2202 H4503 ------