Beryllium Hydroxide Hazard Summary Identification

CAS Number: 13327-32-7 RTK Substance number: 3083 DOT Number: UN 1566 Date: August 2002 ------

HAZARD SUMMARY WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS * Beryllium Hydroxide can affect you when breathed in. The following exposure limits are for Beryllium compounds * Beryllium Hydroxide is a CARCINOGEN--HANDLE (measured as Beryllium): WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Contact can irritate and burn the skin and eyes. High OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit 3 exposure may cause skin ulcers to develop. (PEL) is 0.002 mg/m averaged over an 8-hour 3 * Breathing Beryllium Hydroxide can irritate the nose, workshift, 0.005 mg/m as a ceiling limit, and 3 throat and lungs. 0.025 mg/m as a 30 minute maximum peak. * High or repeated exposure may cause bronchitis or pneumonia with fever, cough and shortness of breath. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 3 0.0005 mg/m , which should not be exceeded at IDENTIFICATION any time.

Beryllium Hydroxide is a white powder or crystalline (sand- ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is like solid). It is used in the production of Beryllium. 0.0002 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour

workshift. REASON FOR CITATION * Beryllium Hydroxide is on the Hazardous Substance List * Beryllium Hydroxide is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a DOT, NIOSH, NTP, DEP, IARC and EPA. carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance possible level. List because it is a CARCINOGEN. * Definitions are provided on page 5. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE

* Enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or EXPOSED enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most employers * A regulated, marked area should be established where to label chemicals in the workplace and requires public Beryllium Hydroxide is handled, used, or stored. employers to provide their employees with information and * Wear protective work clothing. training concerning chemical hazards and controls. The * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Beryllium federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 1910.1200, Hydroxide and at the end of the workshift. requires private employers to provide similar training and * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In information to their employees. addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely safety hazards of Beryllium Hydroxide to potentially evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area exposed workers. air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results

from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.1020. * If you think you are experiencing any work-related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. BERYLLIUM HYDROXIDE page 2 of 6

This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all Mixed Exposures potential and most severe health hazards that may result from * Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. potential effects described below. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will ------reduce your risk of developing health problems.

HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES

Acute Health Effects Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most immediately or shortly after exposure to Beryllium effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to Hydroxide: enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also * Contact can irritate and burn the skin and eyes. reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is * Breathing Beryllium Hydroxide can irritate the nose, less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is throat and lungs. sometimes necessary.

Chronic Health Effects In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the some time after exposure to Beryllium Hydroxide and can last substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether for months or years: harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when Cancer Hazard significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. * Beryllium Hydroxide is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is some evidence that it causes lung cancer In addition, the following control is recommended: in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to * Where possible, automatically transfer Beryllium a carcinogen. Hydroxide from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Reproductive Hazard * There is no evidence that Beryllium Hydroxide affects Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous reproduction. This is based on test results presently exposures. The following work practices are recommended: available to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services from published studies. * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Beryllium Hydroxide should change into clean clothing Other Long-Term Effects promptly. * High exposure may cause skin ulcers to develop. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family * High or repeated exposure may cause bronchitis or members could be exposed. pneumonia with fever, cough and shortness of breath. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of MEDICAL exposure to Beryllium Hydroxide. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. Medical Testing * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, shower facilities should be provided. the following are recommended: * On skin contact with Beryllium Hydroxide, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the * Chest x-ray and lung function tests. workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Beryllium Hydroxide, whether or not known Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and skin contact has occurred. present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Beryllium Hydroxide is damage already done are not a substitute for controlling handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be exposure. swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating, drinking,

smoking, or using the toilet. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean- to this information under OSHA 1910.1020. up. DO NOT DRY SWEEP.

* When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum.

BERYLLIUM HYDROXIDE page 3 of 6

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN Q: If I have acute health effects, will I later get chronic PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for health effects? some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs A: Not always. Most chronic (long-term) effects result from done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace repeated exposures to a chemical. controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. Q: Can I get long-term effects without ever having short-

term effects? OSHA 1910.132 requires employers to determine the A: Yes, because long-term effects can occur from repeated appropriate personal protective equipment for each hazard and exposures to a chemical at levels not high enough to make to train employees on how and when to use protective equipment. you immediately sick.

The following recommendations are only guidelines and may Q: What are my chances of getting sick when I have been not apply to every situation. exposed to chemicals? A: The likelihood of becoming sick from chemicals is Clothing increased as the amount of exposure increases. This is * Avoid skin contact with Beryllium Hydroxide. Wear determined by the length of time and the amount of protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment material to which someone is exposed. suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your Q: When are higher exposures more likely? operation. A: Conditions which increase risk of exposure include dust * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) releasing operations (grinding, mixing, blasting, dumping, should be clean, available each day, and put on before etc.), other physical and mechanical processes (heating, work. pouring, spraying, spills and evaporation from large surface areas such as open containers), and "confined Eye Protection space" exposures (working inside vats, reactors, boilers, * Wear impact resistant eye protection with side shields or small rooms, etc.). goggles. * Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with Q: Is the risk of getting sick higher for workers than for corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances. community residents? A: Yes. Exposures in the community, except possibly in Respiratory Protection cases of fires or spills, are usually much lower than those IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. found in the workplace. However, people in the Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a community may be exposed to contaminated water as written program that takes into account workplace conditions, well as to chemicals in the air over long periods. This requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and may be a problem for children or people who are already medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. ill.

* Where the potential exists for exposure over 0.0002 mg/m3 Q: Don't all chemicals cause cancer? (as Beryllium), use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air A: No. Most chemicals tested by scientists are not cancer- respirator with a full facepiece operated in a pressure- causing. demand or other positive-pressure mode. For increased protection use in combination with an auxiliary self- Q: Should I be concerned if a chemical causes cancer in contained breathing apparatus operated in a pressure- animals? demand or other positive-pressure mode. A: Yes. Most scientists agree that a chemical that causes * Exposure to 4 mg/m3 (as Beryllium) is immediately cancer in animals should be treated as a suspected human dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposure carcinogen unless proven otherwise. above 4 mg/m3 (as Beryllium) exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus with a full Q: But don't they test animals using much higher levels of a facepiece operated in a pressure-demand or other positive- chemical than people usually are exposed to? pressure mode. A: Yes. That's so effects can be seen more clearly using fewer animals. But high doses alone don't cause cancer unless it's a cancer agent. In fact, a chemical that causes cancer in animals at high doses could cause cancer in humans exposed to low doses. BERYLLIUM HYDROXIDE page 4 of 6

------The following information is available from:

New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Occupational Health Service PO Box 360 Trenton, NJ 08625-0360 (609) 984-1863 (609) 984-7407 (fax)

Web address: http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/odisweb/

Industrial Hygiene Information Industrial hygienists are available to answer your questions regarding the control of chemical exposures using exhaust ventilation, special work practices, good housekeeping, good hygiene practices, and personal protective equipment including 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. ------

BERYLLIUM HYDROXIDE 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.

A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation is The vapor pressure is a measure of how readily a liquid or a a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations can solid mixes with air at its surface. A higher vapor pressure lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer. indicates a higher concentration of the substance in air and therefore increases the likelihood of breathing it in.

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Common Name: BERYLLIUM HYDROXIDE HANDLING AND STORAGE DOT Number: UN 1566 NAERG Code: 154 * Prior to working with Beryllium Hydroxide you should be CAS Number: 13327-32-7 trained on its proper handling and storage. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Beryllium Hydroxide is handled, used, or stored. Hazard rating NJDHSS NFPA * Beryllium Hydroxide is not compatible with STRONG FLAMMABILITY Not Found Not Rated ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and REACTIVITY Not Found Not Rated NITRIC); STRONG BASES (such as SODIUM CARCINOGEN HYDROXIDE and POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE); POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS; OXIDIZING CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE AGENTS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, NITRATES, Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE); and MOLTEN 3=serious; 4=severe LITHIUM. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated FIRE HAZARDS area away from COMBUSTIBLES.

* For fires involving Beryllium in POWDER FORM use dry FIRST AID sand, dry clay, limestone or approved Class D extinguishers. For POISON INFORMATION call 1-800-222-1222 * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Beryllium Oxide fumes. Eye Contact * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least * Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Do 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. not get water inside containers. * Beryllium Hydroxide may ignite combustibles (wood, Skin Contact paper and oil). * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water. trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. Breathing SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES * Remove the person from exposure. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. If Beryllium Hydroxide is spilled, take the following steps: PHYSICAL DATA * Evacuate persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean-up is complete. Water Solubility: Very slightly soluble * Remove all ignition sources. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES manner and deposit in sealed containers. * Ventilate and wash area after clean-up is complete. Chemical Name: * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Beryllium Beryllium Hydroxide Hydroxide as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Other Names: state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or Beryllium Dihydroxide; Beryllium Oxide your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ------* If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial properly trained and equipped. OSHA 1910.120(q) may be applicable. purposes. ======------FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND department. You can request emergency information from the SENIOR SERVICES following: Right to Know Program PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300 (609) 984-2202 NJDEP HOTLINE: 1-877-WARN-DEP ------======