Right to Know

Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet

Common Name: CALCIUM CHROMATE

Synonyms: C.I. Pigment Yellow 33; Calcium Chrome Yellow CAS Number: 13765-19-0 Chemical Name: Chromic Acid, Calcium Salt RTK Substance Number: 0315 Date: September 1998 Revision: September 2008 DOT Number: UN 3077

Description and Use EMERGENCY RESPONDERS >>>> SEE PAGE 6 Calcium Chromate is an odorless yellow, crystalline (sand- Hazard Summary like) powder. It is used to inhibit corrosion and depolarize Hazard Rating NJDOH NFPA batteries, and as a pigment. HEALTH 4 - FLAMMABILITY 0 - REACTIVITY 0 - CARCINOGEN OXIDIZER POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE

Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; Reasons for Citation 4=severe f Calcium Chromate is on the Right to Know Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by OSHA, ACGIH, DOT, f Calcium Chromate can affect you when inhaled and may NIOSH, NTP, DEP, IARC, IRIS and EPA. be absorbed through the skin. f This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance f Calcium Chromate is a CARCINOGEN and MUTAGEN. List. HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. f Contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes. f Inhaling Calcium Chromate can irritate the nose and throat. f Calcium Chromate may cause a skin allergy and an

asthma-like allergy.

f Inhaling Calcium Chromate can cause a sore and/or a hole in the “bone” (septum) dividing the inner nose. SEE GLOSSARY ON PAGE 5. f Calcium Chromate may damage the liver and kidneys. f Calcium Chromate is not combustible but is a STRONG FIRST AID OXIDIZER which enhances the combustion of other Eye Contact substances. f Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 30 minutes, lifting upper and lower lids. Remove contact lenses, if worn, while flushing. Seek medical attention. Workplace Exposure Limits

OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is Skin Contact 0.1 mg/m3 (as Chromates), not to be exceeded at any f Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash time. contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water.

NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit (REL) is Inhalation 0.001 mg/m3 (as Chromates) averaged over a 10- f Remove the person from exposure. hour workshift. f Begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions) if

breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. ACGIH: The threshold limit value (TLV) is 0.001 mg/m3 f Transfer promptly to a medical facility. averaged over an 8-hour workshift.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS f Calcium Chromate is a CARCINOGEN in humans. There Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all CHEMTREC: 1-800-424-9300 contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. NJDEP Hotline: 1-877-927-6337 f The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802 air levels are less than the limits listed above.

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Determining Your Exposure Reproductive Hazard f According to the information presently available to the New f Read the product manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Jersey Department of Health, Calcium Chromate has not Sheet (MSDS) and the label to determine product been tested for its ability to affect reproduction. ingredients and important safety and health information about the product mixture. Other Effects f Inhaling Calcium Chromate can cause a sore and/or a hole f For each individual hazardous ingredient, read the New in the “bone” (septum) dividing the inner nose, sometimes Jersey Department of Health Hazardous Substance Fact with bleeding, discharge, and/or formation of a crust. Sheet, available on the RTK website f Calcium Chromate may cause a skin allergy. If allergy (www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb) or in your facility’s RTK develops, very low future exposure can cause itching and a Central File or Hazard Communication Standard file. skin rash. f Calcium Chromate may cause an asthma-like allergy. f You have a right to this information under the New Jersey Future exposure can cause asthma attacks with shortness of Worker and Community Right to Know Act, the Public breath, wheezing, coughing, and/or chest tightness. Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) Act f Prolonged skin contact can cause burns, blisters and deep if you are a public worker in New Jersey, and under the ulcers. federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) if you f Calcium Chromate may damage the liver and kidneys. are a private worker.

f The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most employers to label chemicals in the workplace and Medical requires public employers to provide their employees with Medical Testing information concerning chemical hazards and controls. Before first exposure, and every twelve (12) months thereafter, The federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 OSHA requires your employer to provide (for persons exposed CFR 1910.1200) and the PEOSH Hazard Communication to levels greater than 2.5 micrograms of Chromium VI per cubic meter of air) and a work and medical history and exam Standard (N.J.A.C. 12:100-7) require employers to provide which shall include: similar information and training to their employees. f Thorough physical examination This Fact Sheet is a summary of available information f Lung function tests regarding the health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential following are recommended: effects described below. f Examine your skin periodically for little bumps or blisters, the first sign of “Chrome ulcers.” If not treated early, these can Health Hazard Information last for years after exposure. f Evaluation by a qualified allergist can help diagnose skin Acute Health Effects allergy. The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur f Liver and kidney function tests immediately or shortly after exposure to Calcium Chromate:

Periodic medical surveillance, consisting of medical f Contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes with examinations and biological monitoring, must be provided by possible eye damage. your employer. f Inhaling Calcium Chromate can irritate the nose and throat

causing coughing and wheezing. OSHA requires your employer to provide you and your doctor with a copy of the OSHA Chromium (VI) Standard (29 CFR Chronic Health Effects 1910.1026). The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Calcium Chromate and can last Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and for months or years: present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling Cancer Hazard exposure. f Calcium Chromate is a CARCINOGEN in humans. There is evidence that hexavalent Chromium or Chromium VI Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right compounds cause lung cancer in humans and Calcium to this information under the OSHA Access to Employee Chromate has been shown to cause lung cancer in animals. Exposure and Medical Records Standard (29 CFR 1910.1020). f Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substance may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans.

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Mixed Exposures Gloves and Clothing f Smoking can cause heart disease, lung cancer, f Avoid skin contact with Calcium Chromate. Wear personal emphysema, and other respiratory problems. It may worsen protective equipment made from material that can not be respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if permeated or degraded by this substance. Safety you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce equipment suppliers and manufacturers can provide your risk of developing health problems. recommendations on the most protective glove and clothing f More than light alcohol consumption can cause liver material for your operation. damage. Drinking alcohol may increase the liver damage f Safety equipment manufacturers recommend Butyl, Nitrile, caused by Calcium Chromate. Silver Shield®/4H® and Viton for gloves and Tyvek®, or the equivalent, as a protective material for clothing. f All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) Workplace Controls and Practices should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.

Very toxic chemicals, or those that are reproductive hazards or sensitizers, require expert advice on control measures if a less Eye Protection toxic chemical cannot be substituted. Control measures f For impact hazards (such as flying fragments, chips or include: (1) enclosing chemical processes for severely particles), wear safety glasses with side shields or safety irritating and corrosive chemicals, (2) using local exhaust goggles. ventilation for chemicals that may be harmful with a single f Wear indirect-vent, impact and splash resistant goggles exposure, and (3) using general ventilation to control when working with liquids. exposures to skin and eye irritants. For further information on f Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with workplace controls, consult the NIOSH document on Control corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances. Banding at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ctrlbanding/. f Do not wear contact lenses when working with this substance. The following work practices are also recommended: Respiratory Protection f Label process containers. Improper use of respirators is dangerous. Respirators f Provide employees with hazard information and training. should only be used if the employer has implemented a written f Monitor airborne chemical concentrations. program that takes into account workplace conditions, f Use engineering controls if concentrations exceed requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing, and recommended exposure levels. medical exams, as described in the OSHA Respiratory f Provide eye wash fountains and emergency showers. f Wash or shower if skin comes in contact with a hazardous Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). material. 3 f Always wash at the end of the workshift. f Where the potential exists for exposure over 0.001 mg/m , f Change into clean clothing if clothing becomes use a NIOSH approved air-purifying, particulate filter contaminated. respirator with an N95 filter. More protection is provided by f Do not take contaminated clothing home. a full facepiece respirator than by a half-mask respirator, and f Get special training to wash contaminated clothing. even greater protection is provided by a powered-air f Do not eat, smoke, or drink in areas where chemicals are purifying respirator. being handled, processed or stored. f Leave the area immediately if (1) while wearing a filter or f Wash hands carefully before eating, smoking, drinking, cartridge respirator you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect applying cosmetics or using the toilet. Calcium Chromate, (2) while wearing particulate filters abnormal resistance to breathing is experienced, or (3) eye In addition, the following may be useful or required: irritation occurs while wearing a full facepiece respirator. Check to make sure the respirator-to-face seal is still good. f Specific engineering controls are required for this chemical If it is, replace the filter or cartridge. If the seal is no longer by OSHA. Refer to the OSHA Chromium VI Standard (29 good, you may need a new respirator. CFR 1910.1026). f Consider all potential sources of exposure in your workplace. f Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean- You may need a combination of filters, prefilters or cartridges up. DO NOT DRY SWEEP. to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. f Use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter when 3 vacuuming. Do not use a standard shop vacuum. f Where the potential exists for exposure over 0.01 mg/m , use a NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a full

facepiece operated in a pressure-demand or other positive- pressure mode. For increased protection use in combination Personal Protective Equipment with an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure The OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standard (29 CFR mode. 1910.132) requires employers to determine the appropriate f Exposure to 15 mg/m3 (as Chromates) is immediately personal protective equipment for each hazard and to train dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposure 3 employees on how and when to use protective equipment. above 15 mg/m exists, use a NIOSH approved self- contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated The following recommendations are only guidelines and may in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode equipped with an emergency escape air cylinder. not apply to every situation.

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Fire Hazards Occupational Health Information If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained Resources and equipped as stated in the OSHA Fire Brigades Standard The New Jersey Department of Health offers multiple services (29 CFR 1910.156). in occupational health. These services include providing

informational resources, educational materials, public f Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Calcium Chromate itself does not burn. presentations, and industrial hygiene and medical f Calcium Chromate is not combustible but it is a STRONG investigations and evaluations. OXIDIZER which enhances the combustion of other substances. f POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including For more information, please contact: Chromium fumes. f Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. f Calcium Chromate may ignite combustibles (wood, paper New Jersey Department of Health and oil). Right to Know PO Box 368 Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 Spills and Emergencies Phone: 609-984-2202 If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be Fax: 609-984-7407 properly trained and equipped. The OSHA Hazardous Waste E-mail: [email protected] Operations and Emergency Response Standard (29 CFR Web address: http://www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb 1910.120) may apply. The Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets

are not intended to be copied and sold If Calcium Chromate is spilled, take the following steps: for commercial purposes. f Evacuate personnel and secure and control entrance to the area. f Eliminate all ignition sources. f Moisten spilled material first or use a HEPA-filter vacuum for clean-up and deposit into sealed containers. f Ventilate and wash area after clean-up is complete. f DO NOT wash into sewer. f It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Calcium Chromate as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations.

Handling and Storage Prior to working with Calcium Chromate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage.

f A regulated, marked area should be established where Calcium Chromate is handled, used or stored as required by the OSHA Chromium VI Standard (29 CFR 1910.1026). f Calcium Chromate reacts explosively with HYDRAZINE. f Calcium Chromate is not compatible with STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC); ORGANIC MATTER; ALUMINUM; SULFUR; BORON; and ETHANOL. f Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from PLASTICS and COMBUSTIBLES.

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GLOSSARY

3 ACGIH is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial mg/m means milligrams of a chemical in a cubic meter of air. Hygienists. They publish guidelines called Threshold Limit It is a measure of concentration (weight/volume). Values (TLVs) for exposure to workplace chemicals. A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) are established is a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations by the EPA. They describe the risk to humans resulting from can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer. once-in-a lifetime, or rare, exposure to airborne chemicals. NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. It classifies Boiling point is the temperature at which a substance can substances according to their fire and explosion hazard. change its physical state from a liquid to a gas. NIOSH is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer. Health. It tests equipment, evaluates and approves respirators, conducts studies of workplace hazards, and The CAS number is unique, identifying number, assigned by proposes standards to OSHA. the Chemical Abstracts Service, to a specific chemical. NTP is the National Toxicology Program which tests chemicals CFR is the Code of Federal Regulations, which are the and reviews evidence for cancer. regulations of the United States government. OSHA is the federal Occupational Safety and Health A combustible substance is a solid, liquid or gas that will burn. Administration, which adopts and enforces health and safety standards. A corrosive substance is a gas, liquid or solid that causes destruction of human skin or severe corrosion of containers. PEOSHA is the New Jersey Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act, which adopts and enforces health and DEP is the New Jersey Department of Environmental safety standards in public workplaces. Protection. Permeated is the movement of chemicals through protective DOT is the Department of Transportation, the federal agency materials. that regulates the transportation of chemicals. ppm means parts of a substance per million parts of air. It is a EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal measure of concentration by volume in air. agency responsible for regulating environmental hazards. Protective Action Criteria (PAC) are values established by ERG is the Emergency Response Guidebook. It is a guide for the Department of Energy and are based on AEGLs and emergency responders for transportation emergencies ERPGs. They are used for emergency planning of chemical involving hazardous substances. release events.

Emergency Response Planning Guideline (ERPG) values A reactive substance is a solid, liquid or gas that releases provide estimates of concentration ranges where one energy under certain conditions. reasonably might anticipate observing adverse effects. STEL is a Short Term Exposure Limit which is usually a 15- A fetus is an unborn human or animal. minute exposure that should not be exceeded at any time during a work day. A flammable substance is a solid, liquid, vapor or gas that will ignite easily and burn rapidly. A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by damaging the fetus. The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or solid gives off vapor that can form a flammable mixture with air. UEL or Upper Explosive Limit is the highest concentration in air above which there is too much fuel (gas or vapor) to begin a IARC is the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a reaction or explosion. scientific group. Vapor Density is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of Ionization Potential is the amount of energy needed to one gas to the weight of another (usually Hydrogen), at the remove an electron from an atom or molecule. It is measured same temperature and pressure. in electron volts. The vapor pressure is a force exerted by the vapor in IRIS is the Integrated Risk Information System database on equilibrium with the solid or liquid phase of the same human health effects that may result from exposure to various substance. The higher the vapor pressure the higher chemicals, maintained by federal EPA. concentration of the substance in air.

LEL or Lower Explosive Limit, is the lowest concentration of a combustible substance (gas or vapor) in the air capable of continuing an explosion.

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Common Name: CALCIUM CHROMATE Synonyms: C.I. Pigment Yellow 33; Calcium Chrome Yellow CAS No: 13765-19-0 Molecular Formula: CaCrO RTK Substance No: 0315 Description: Odorless yellow, crystalline powder

HAZARD DATA Hazard Rating Firefighting Reactivity 4 - Health Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of Calcium Chromate reacts explosively with HYDRAZINE. surrounding fire. Calcium Chromate itself does Calcium Chromate is not compatible with STRONG 0 - Fire not burn. ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and 0 - Reactivity Calcium Chromate is not combustible but it is a NITRIC); ORGANIC MATTER; ALUMINUM; SULFUR; STRONG OXIDIZER which enhances the BORON; and ETHANOL. DOT#: UN 3077 combustion of other substances. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated ERG Guide #: 171 POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, area away from PLASTICS and COMBUSTIBLES. including Chromium fumes. Hazard Class: 9 Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers (Environmentally cool. Hazardous Material) Calcium Chromate may ignite combustibles (wood, paper and oil).

SPILL/LEAKS PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Isolation Distance: Odor Threshold: Odorless Spill: 25 meters (75 feet) Flash Point: Nonflammable Fire: 800 meters (1/2 mile) Vapor Density: 2.89 (air = 1) o o Vapor Pressure: <1 mm Hg at 68 F (20 C) Moisten spilled material first or use a HEPA-filter Specific Gravity: 2.9 (water = 1) vacuum for clean-up and deposit into sealed Water Solubility: Slightly soluble containers. o o DO NOT wash into sewer. Melting Point: 392 F (200 C) (dihydrate) Molecular Weight: 156.1

EXPOSURE LIMITS PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

3 OSHA: 0.1 mg/m , Ceiling (as Chromates) Gloves: Butyl, Nitrile, Silver Shield®/4H® and Viton Coveralls: Tyvek® NIOSH: 0.001 mg/m3, 10-hr TWA (as Chromates) 3 3 Respirator: >0.001 mg/m - APR with High efficiency filter ACGIH: 0.001 mg/m , 8-hr TWA >0.01 mg/m3 - Supplied air IDLH: 15 mg/m3 (as Chromates)

HEALTH EFFECTS FIRST AID AND DECONTAMINATION Eyes: Irritation and burns Remove the person from exposure. Skin: Irritation and burns, itching and ulcers Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 30 minutes. Remove contact lenses if worn. Seek medical attention. Inhalation: Nose and throat irritation with coughing and wheezing Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water. Chronic: Hexavalent Chromium or Chromium VI compounds cause lung cancer in Begin artificial respiration if breathing has stopped and CPR if necessary. humans Transfer promptly to a medical facility.

September 2008