CHROMIUM OXYCHLORIDE CAS Number

Common Name: CHROMIUM OXYCHLORIDE

CAS Number: 14977-61-8 RTK Substance number: 0436 DOT Number: UN 1758 Date: December 1994 Revision: January 2001 ------

HAZARD SUMMARY * Chromium Oxychloride can affect you when breathed in requires private employers to provide similar training and and by passing through your skin. information to their employees. * Chromium Oxychloride is a CORROSIVE CHEMICAL and contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely with possible eye damage. evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area * Chromium Oxychloride can irritate the nose, throat and air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results lungs with coughing, wheezing and/or shortness of breath. from your employer. You have a legal right to this * Breathing Chromium Oxychloride can cause a sore or a information under OSHA 1910.1020. hole in the "bone" dividing the inner nose (septum), * If you think you are experiencing any work-related health sometimes with bleeding, discharge or crusting. problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational * Chromium Oxychloride may cause a skin allergy. If diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. allergy develops, very low future exposure can cause itching and a skin rash. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS * Chromium Oxychloride may cause an asthma-like The following exposure limits are for hexavalent Chromium allergy. Future exposure can cause asthma attacks with compounds (measured as Chromium): shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and/or chest tightness. OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit * Repeated or severe exposure may damage the liver and (PEL) is 0.1 mg/m3, not to be exceeded at any kidneys. time. * Chromium Oxychloride is a REACTIVE CHEMICAL and an EXPLOSION HAZARD. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.001 mg/m3 averaged over a 10-hour workshift. IDENTIFICATION Chromium Oxychloride is a dark red, fuming liquid with a ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit for musty, burning odor. It is used in making Chromium Chromium Oxychloride is 0.16 mg/m3 complexes and dyes and in various organic oxidation and averaged over an 8-hour workshift. chlorination reactions * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When REASON FOR CITATION skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even * Chromium Oxychloride is on the Hazardous Substance though air levels are less than the limits listed above. List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, DEP, NFPA and EPA. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance * Enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the List because it is CORROSIVE and REACTIVE. site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or * Definitions are provided on page 5. enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to EXPOSED Chromium Oxychloride and at the end of the workshift. The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most employers * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In to label chemicals in the workplace and requires public addition, as part of an ongoing education and training employers to provide their employees with information and effort, communicate all information on the health and training concerning chemical hazards and controls. The safety hazards of Chromium Oxychloride to potentially federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, exposed workers. 1910.1200, CHROMIUM OXYCHLORIDE page 2 of 6

This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all * Exam of the nose and skin. potential and most severe health hazards that may result from * Lung function tests. These may be normal if the person is exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the not having an attack at the time of the test. substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to * Liver and kidney function tests. any of the potential effects described below. ------If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following are recommended: HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION * Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful Acute Health Effects exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur skin allergy. immediately or shortly after exposure to Chromium * Check you skin daily for little bumps or blisters, the first Oxychloride: sign of "chrome ulcers." If not treated early, these can last for years after exposure. * Contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes with possible eye damage. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and * Chromium Oxychloride can irritate the nose, throat and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for lungs with coughing, wheezing and/or shortness of breath. damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal some time after exposure to Chromium Oxychloride and can right to this information under OSHA 1910.1020. last for months or years: Mixed Exposures Cancer Hazard * Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung * While Chromium Oxychloride has not been identified as cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may a carcinogen, certain kinds of Chromium compounds, worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical known as hexavalent Chromium or Chromium VI exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, compounds, have been determined to be human stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health carcinogens. Chromium Oxychloride is such a problems. compound and should be handled with extreme caution. * Because more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, drinking alcohol can increase the liver Reproductive Hazard damage caused by Chromium Oxychloride. * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Conditions Made Worse By Exposure Chromium Oxychloride has not been tested for its ability * Persons with any cuts or scratches on their hands or other to affect reproduction. skin surfaces are at increased risk of developing ulcers on skin contact. Work practices, protective clothing or Other Long-Term Effects removal from exposure is essential to prevent serious * Breathing Chromium Oxychloride can cause a sore or a ulcers. hole in the "bone" dividing the inner nose (septum), * Persons allergic to Chromium compounds may be more sometimes with bleeding, discharge or crusting. likely to develop a skin allergy to Chromium * Chromium Oxychloride may cause a skin allergy. If Oxychloride. allergy develops, very low future exposure can cause itching and a skin rash. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES * Prolonged skin contact can cause burns, blisters and deep ulcers. Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous * Chromium Oxychloride may cause an asthma-like substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most allergy. Future exposure can cause asthma attacks with effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and/or chest enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at tightness. the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also * Repeated or severe exposure may damage the liver and reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is kidneys. less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. MEDICAL In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: Medical Testing (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, substance is released into the workplace and (3) the following are recommended: whether

CHROMIUM OXYCHLORIDE page 3 of 6 harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls Clothing should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when * Avoid skin contact with Chromium Oxychloride. Wear significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. acid-resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on In addition, the following controls are recommended: the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Chromium * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) Oxychloride from drums or other storage containers to should be clean, available each day, and put on before process containers. work. * Before entering a confined space where Chromium Oxychloride may be present, check to make sure that an Eye Protection explosive concentration does not exist. * Wear indirect-vent, impact and splash resistant goggles

when working with liquids. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous * Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with exposures. The following work practices are recommended: corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances.

* Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by substance. Chromium Oxychloride should change into clean

clothing promptly. Respiratory Protection * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. members could be exposed. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by written program that takes into account workplace conditions, individuals who have been informed of the hazards of requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and exposure to Chromium Oxychloride. medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate

work area for emergency use. * Where the potential exists for exposure over 0.001 * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency mg/m3, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air shower facilities should be provided. respirator with a full facepiece operated in a pressure- * On skin contact with Chromium Oxychloride, demand or other positive-pressure mode. For increased immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At protection use in combination with an auxiliary self- the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that contained breathing apparatus operated in a pressure- may have contacted Chromium Oxychloride, whether or demand or other positive-pressure mode. not known skin contact has occurred.

* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Chromium Oxychloride is handled, processed, or stored, since the HANDLING AND STORAGE chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating, drinking, smoking, or using the toilet. * Prior to working with Chromium Oxychloride you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT * Chromium Oxychloride must be stored to avoid contact with WATER and AMMONIA since violent reactions WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN occur. Reaction with WATER will release poisonous PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for materials including Chromic Acid, Hydrogen Chloride, some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs Chromic Chloride and Chlorine. done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace * Chromium Oxychloride will explode on contact with controls are being installed), personal protective equipment NON-METAL HALIDES (such as CHLORINE and may be appropriate. FLUORINE) and HYDRIDES. * Chromium Oxychloride is not compatible with OSHA 1910.132 requires employers to determine the REDUCING AGENTS (such as LITHIUM and appropriate personal protective equipment for each hazard and POTASSIUM); ALCOHOLS (such as METHANOL and to train employees on how and when to use protective ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL); and ORGANIC MATTER equipment. (WOOD, PAPER and OILS); TURPENTINE; and ETHER. 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 LIGHT and METALS. * Wherever Chromium Oxychloride is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings. CHROMIUM OXYCHLORIDE 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 health effects? New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services A: Not always. Most chronic (long-term) effects result Occupational Health Service 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 If you think you are becoming sick because of exposure to physical and mechanical processes (heating, pouring, chemicals at your workplace, you may call personnel at the spraying, spills and evaporation from large surface areas Department of Health and Senior Services, Occupational such as open containers), and "confined space" Health Service, who can help you find the information you exposures (working inside vats, reactors, boilers, small need. rooms, etc.). Public Presentations Q: Is the risk of getting sick higher for workers than for Presentations and educational programs on occupational community residents? health or the Right to Know Act can be organized for labor A: Yes. Exposures in the community, except possibly in unions, trade associations and other groups. cases of fires or spills, are usually much lower than those found in the workplace. However, people in the Right to Know Information Resources community may be exposed to contaminated water as The Right to Know Infoline (609) 984-2202 can answer well as to chemicals in the air over long periods. This questions about the identity and potential health effects of may be a problem for children or people who are already chemicals, list of educational materials in occupational health, ill. references used to prepare the Fact Sheets, preparation of the Right to Know survey, education and training programs, Q: Don't all chemicals cause cancer? labeling requirements, and general information regarding the A: No. Most chemicals tested by scientists are not cancer- Right to Know Act. Violations of the law should be reported causing. to (609) 984-2202. ------

CHROMIUM OXYCHLORIDE 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, TLVs) for exposure to workplace chemicals. the United States Department of Transportation and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation of Mexico. A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer. It is a 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 NCI is the National Cancer Institute, a federal agency that burn. determines the cancer-causing potential of chemicals.

A corrosive substance is a gas, liquid or solid that causes NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. It irreversible damage to human tissue or containers. 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 that regulates the transportation of chemicals. standards 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. PEOSHA is the Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act, a state law which sets PELs for New Jersey public The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or solid employees. gives off vapor that can form a flammable mixture with air. PIH is a DOT designation for chemicals which are Poison HHAG is the Human Health Assessment Group of the federal Inhalation Hazards. EPA. ppm means parts of a substance per million parts of air. It is a IARC is the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a measure of concentration by volume in air. scientific group that classifies chemicals according to their cancer-causing potential. A reactive substance is a solid, liquid or gas that releases energy under certain conditions. A miscible substance is a liquid or gas that will evenly dissolve in another. A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by damaging the fetus. mg/m3 means milligrams of a chemical in a cubic meter of air. It is a measure of concentration (weight/volume). TLV is the Threshold Limit Value, the workplace exposure limit recommended by ACGIH. MSHA is the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the federal agency that regulates mining. It also evaluates and The vapor pressure is a measure of how readily a liquid or a approves respirators. solid mixes with air at its surface. A higher vapor pressure indicates a higher concentration of the substance in air and A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation therefore increases the likelihood of breathing it in. is a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.

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Common Name: CHROMIUM OXYCHLORIDE ======DOT Number: UN 1758 FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire NAERG Code: 137 department. You can request emergency information from the CAS Number: 14977-61-8 following:

CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300 Hazard rating NJDHSS NFPA NJDEP HOTLINE: 1-877-WARN-DEP FLAMMABILITY - 0 ======

REACTIVITY - 2 (See page 3) CORROSIVE AND REACTIVE HANDLING AND STORAGE DO NOT USE WATER POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE FIRST AID CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE In NJ, for POISON INFORMATION call 1-800-764-7661 Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue FIRE HAZARDS without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. * Chromium Oxychloride does not burn, but it will increase the intensity of a fire since it is an oxidizer. Skin Contact * Use dry chemical or CO2 extinguishers. * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash * DO NOT USE WATER. contaminated skin with large amounts of water. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Hydrogen Chloride and Chromic Acid. Breathing * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE or if * Remove the person from exposure. contaminated with water. * Begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions) if * Use water spray only to keep fire-exposed containers cool. breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Chromium Oxychloride may ignite combustibles (wood, * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. paper and oil). * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained PHYSICAL DATA and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.

o o SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES Vapor Pressure: 20 mm Hg at 68 F (20 C) Water Solubility: Decomposes If Chromium Oxychloride is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES

* Evacuate persons not wearing protective equipment from Chemical Name: area of spill or leak until clean-up is complete. Chromium, Dichlorodioxo- * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar Other Names: material and deposit in sealed containers. Chromium Chloride Oxide; Chromyl Chloride; Dioxodichloro- * DO NOT USE WATER OR WET METHOD. chromium * Ventilate area after clean-up is complete. * Keep Chromium Oxychloride 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 explosive concentrations. purposes. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Chromium ------Oxychloride as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your SENIOR SERVICES regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Right to Know Program Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 * If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be (609) 984-2202 properly trained and equipped. OSHA 1910.120(q) may be ------applicable.