CAS Number: 1314-84-7 DOT Number: UN 1714 RTK Substance number: 2041 ------Date: May 2000 ------HAZARD SUMMARY * Zinc Phosphide can affect you when breathed in. * Contact can irritate the skin and eyes. * If you think you are experiencing any work-related health * Breathing Zinc Phosphide can irritate the nose and throat. problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational * Breathing Zinc Phosphide can irritate the lungs causing diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS edema), a medical emergency, with severe shortness of No occupational exposure limits have been established for breath. Zinc Phosphide. This does not mean that this substance is * Exposure to Zinc Phosphide can cause nausea, vomiting, not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. diarrhea and abdominal pain. * Zinc Phosphide can cause headache, fatigue, dizziness, WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE tremor, seizures and coma. * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust * Zinc Phosphide can cause irregular heartbeat. ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust * Zinc Phosphide may damage the liver and kidneys. ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be * Zinc Phosphide is a FLAMMABLE chemical and a worn. DANGEROUS FIRE HAZARD. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Zinc IDENTIFICATION Phosphide and at the end of the workshift. Zinc Phosphide is a dark grey solid with a “decaying fish” * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In odor. It is used as rat and mice poison and in baits for the addition, as part of an ongoing education and training control of ground squirrels and prairie dogs. effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Zinc Phosphide to potentially exposed REASON FOR CITATION workers. * Zinc Phosphide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT, DEP, HHAG, NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is FLAMMABLE. * Definitions are provided on page 5.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most employers to label chemicals in the workplace and requires public 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.
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.1020.
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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 damage already done are not a substitute for controlling substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to exposure. any of the 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 Zinc Phosphide: worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, * Contact can irritate the skin and eyes. stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health * Breathing Zinc Phosphide can irritate the nose and throat. problems. * Breathing Zinc Phosphide can irritate the lungs causing * Because more than light alcohol consumption can cause coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures liver damage, drinking alcohol can increase the liver can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary damage caused by Zinc Phosphide. edema), a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES * Exposure to Zinc Phosphide can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous * Zinc Phosphide can cause headache, fatigue, dizziness, substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most tremor, seizures and coma. effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at Chronic Health Effects the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is some time after exposure to Zinc Phosphide and can last for less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is months or years: sometimes necessary.
Cancer Hazard In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: * According to the information presently available to the (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether Zinc Phosphide has not been tested for its ability to cause harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls cancer in animals. should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the In addition, the following controls are recommended: New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Zinc Phosphide has not been tested for its ability to affect * Where possible, automatically transfer Zinc Phosphide reproduction. from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Other Long-Term Effects * Before entering a confined space where Zinc Phosphide * Zinc Phosphide can cause irregular heartbeat. may be present, check to make sure that an explosive * Zinc Phosphide may damage the liver and kidneys. concentration does not exist.
MEDICAL Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: Medical Testing * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Zinc If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the Phosphide should change into clean clothing promptly. following are recommended: * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family
members could be exposed. * Consider chest x-ray after acute overexposure. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by * Liver and kidney function tests. individuals who have been informed of the hazards of * EKG. exposure to Zinc Phosphide.
* Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. ZINC PHOSPHIDE page 3 of 6
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency * NIOSH has established new testing and certification shower facilities should be provided. requirements for negative pressure, air purifying, * On skin contact with Zinc Phosphide, immediately wash particulate filter and filtering facepiece respirators. The or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the filter classifications of dust/mist/fume, paint spray or workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have pesticide prefilters, and filters for radon daughters, have contacted Zinc Phosphide, whether or not known skin been replaced with the N, R, and P series. Each series has contact has occurred. three levels of filtering efficiency: 95%, 99%, and 99.9%. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Zinc Phosphide is Check with your safety equipment supplier or your handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be respirator manufacturer to determine which respirator is swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating, drinking, appropriate for your facility. smoking, or using the toilet. * If while wearing a filter or cartridge respirator you can * Use a vacuum to reduce dust during clean-up. smell, taste, or otherwise detect Zinc Phosphide, or if while wearing particulate filters abnormal resistance to PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT breathing is experienced, or eye irritation occurs while wearing a full facepiece respirator, leave the area WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN immediately. Check to make sure the respirator-to-face PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter or cartridge. If some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your controls are being installed), personal protective equipment workplace. You may need a combination of filters, may be appropriate. prefilters or cartridges to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of OSHA 1910.132 requires employers to determine the chemicals. appropriate personal protective equipment for each hazard and * Where the potential for high exposure exists, use a to train employees on how and when to use protective MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a full equipment. facepiece operated in a pressure-demand or other positive- pressure mode. For increased protection use in The following recommendations are only guidelines and may combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing not apply to every situation. apparatus operated in a pressure-demand or other positive- pressure mode. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Zinc Phosphide. Wear protective HANDLING AND STORAGE gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/ manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most * Prior to working with Zinc Phosphide you should be protective glove/clothing material for your operation. trained on its proper handling and storage. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) * Zinc Phosphide must be stored to avoid contact with should be clean, available each day, and put on before WATER; STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, work. SULFURIC and NITRIC); OXIDIZING AGENTS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMAN- Eye Protection GANATES, CHLORATES, NITRATES, CHLORINE, * Wear impact resistant eye protection with side shields or BROMINE and FLUORINE); BROMINE AZIDE; and goggles. HYDROGEN since violent reactions occur. * Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well- corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances. ventilated area away from MOIST AIR. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are Respiratory Protection prohibited where Zinc Phosphide is used, handled, or stored. IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a * Metal containers involving the transfer of Zinc Phosphide written program that takes into account workplace conditions, should be grounded and bonded. requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and * Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. when opening and closing containers of Zinc Phosphide. * Wherever Zinc Phosphide is used, handled, * For field applications check with your supervisor and your manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical safety equipment supplier regarding the appropriate equipment and fittings. respiratory equipment. ZINC PHOSPHIDE page 4 of 6
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ------The following information is available from:
Q: If I have acute health effects, will I later get chronic New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services health effects? Occupational Health Service A: Not always. Most chronic (long-term) effects result from repeated exposures to a chemical. PO Box 360 Trenton, NJ 08625-0360 Q: Can I get long-term effects without ever having short- (609) 984-1863 term effects? (609) 292-5677 (fax) A: Yes, because long-term effects can occur from repeated exposures to a chemical at levels not high enough to Web address: http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/odisweb/ make you immediately sick. Industrial Hygiene Information Q: What are my chances of getting sick when I have been Industrial hygienists are available to answer your questions exposed to chemicals? regarding the control of chemical exposures using exhaust A: The likelihood of becoming sick from chemicals is ventilation, special work practices, good housekeeping, good increased as the amount of exposure increases. This is hygiene practices, and personal protective equipment determined by the length of time and the amount of including respirators. In addition, they can help to interpret material to which someone is exposed. the results of industrial hygiene survey data.
Q: When are higher exposures more likely? Medical Evaluation A: Conditions which increase risk of exposure include dust If you think you are becoming sick because of exposure to releasing operations (grinding, mixing, blasting, chemicals at your workplace, you may call personnel at the dumping, etc.), other physical and mechanical processes Department of Health and Senior Services, Occupational (heating, pouring, spraying, spills and evaporation from Health Service, who can help you find the information you large surface areas such as open containers), and need. "confined space" exposures (working inside vats, reactors, boilers, small rooms, etc.). Public Presentations Presentations and educational programs on occupational Q: Is the risk of getting sick higher for workers than for health or the Right to Know Act can be organized for labor community residents? unions, trade associations and other groups. A: Yes. Exposures in the community, except possibly in cases of fires or spills, are usually much lower than those Right to Know Information Resources found in the workplace. However, people in the The Right to Know Infoline (609) 984-2202 can answer community may be exposed to contaminated water as questions about the identity and potential health effects of well as to chemicals in the air over long periods. This chemicals, list of educational materials in occupational health, may be a problem for children or people who are already references used to prepare the Fact Sheets, preparation of the ill. 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. ------ZINC PHOSPHIDE page 5 of 6
DEFINITIONS
ACGIH is the American Conference of Governmental A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation Industrial Hygienists. It recommends upper limits (called is a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations TLVs) for exposure to workplace chemicals. can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.
A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer. NAERG is the North American Emergency Response Guidebook. It was jointly developed by Transport Canada, The CAS number is assigned by the Chemical Abstracts the United States Department of Transportation and the Service to identify a specific chemical. Secretariat of Communications and Transportation of Mexico. It is a guide for first responders to quickly identify the specific A combustible substance is a solid, liquid or gas that will or generic hazards of material involved in a transportation burn. incident, and to protect themselves and the general public during the initial response phase of the incident. A corrosive substance is a gas, liquid or solid that causes irreversible damage to human tissue or containers. NCI is the National Cancer Institute, a federal agency that determines the cancer-causing potential of chemicals. DEP is the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. It classifies substances according to their fire and explosion DOT is the Department of Transportation, the federal agency hazard. that regulates the transportation of chemicals. NIOSH is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal Health. It tests equipment, evaluates and approves respirators, agency responsible for regulating environmental hazards. conducts studies of workplace hazards, and proposes standards to OSHA. A fetus is an unborn human or animal. NTP is the National Toxicology Program which tests A flammable substance is a solid, liquid, vapor or gas that chemicals and reviews evidence for cancer. will ignite easily and burn rapidly. OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or solid which adopts and enforces health and safety standards. gives off vapor that can form a flammable mixture with air. PEOSHA is the Public Employees Occupational Safety and HHAG is the Human Health Assessment Group of the federal Health Act, a state law which sets PELs for New Jersey public EPA. employees.
IARC is the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a ppm means parts of a substance per million parts of air. It is a scientific group that classifies chemicals according to their measure of concentration by volume in air. cancer-causing potential. A reactive substance is a solid, liquid or gas that releases A miscible substance is a liquid or gas that will evenly energy under certain conditions. dissolve in another. A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by mg/m3 means milligrams of a chemical in a cubic meter of damaging the fetus. air. It is a measure of concentration (weight/volume). TLV is the Threshold Limit Value, the workplace exposure MSHA is the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the limit recommended by ACGIH. federal agency that regulates mining. It also evaluates and approves respirators. The vapor pressure is a measure of how readily a liquid or a solid mixes with air at its surface. A higher vapor pressure indicates a higher concentration of the substance in air and therefore increases the likelihood of breathing it in.
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Common Name: ZINC PHOSPHIDE ======DOT Number: UN 1714 FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire NAERG Code: 139 department. You can request emergency information from the CAS Number: 1314-84-7 following:
CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300 Hazard rating NJDHSS NFPA NJDEP HOTLINE: (609) 292-7172 FLAMMABILITY - 3 ======
REACTIVITY - 1 (See page 3) FLAMMABLE HANDLING AND STORAGE POISONOUS FUMES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE DO NOT USE WATER 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 for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. * Zinc Phosphide is a FLAMMABLE SOLID. * Use dry chemical extinguishers, soda ash, lime, or sand. Skin Contact * DO NOT USE WATER, CO2 or halon extinguishers. * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin * POISONOUS FUMES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, with soap and water. including Zinc Oxide. * FIRE MAY RESTART AFTER IT HAS BEEN Breathing EXTINGUISHED. * Remove the person from exposure. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained * Begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions) if and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped.
* Transfer promptly to a medical facility. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be If Zinc Phosphide is spilled, take the following steps: delayed.
* Evacuate persons not wearing protective equipment from PHYSICAL DATA area of spill until clean-up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. o o * Cover with dry lime, sand or soda ash, and place in covered Vapor Pressure: 0 mm Hg at 68 F (20 C) containers for disposal. Water Solubility: Decomposes * DO NOT USE WATER OR WET METHOD. Use a solvent. OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES * Ventilate area after clean-up is complete. * Keep Zinc Phosphide out of a confined space, such as a Chemical Name: sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the Zinc Phosphide sewer is designed to prevent the build-up of explosive Other Names: concentrations. Zinc-Tox; Kilrat; Mous-Con * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Zinc Phosphide as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your ------Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. purposes. * If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be ------properly trained and equipped. OSHA 1910.120(q) may be NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND applicable. SENIOR SERVICES Right to Know Program PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 (609) 984-2202 ------