ISOPROPENYL BENZENE CAS Number

Common Name: ISOPROPENYL BENZENE

CAS Number: 98-83-9 RTK Substance number: 1072 DOT Number: UN 2303 Date: June 1999 ------

HAZARD SUMMARY * Isopropenyl Benzene can affect you when breathed in and * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely by passing through your skin. evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area * Contact can cause skin and eye irritation. Prolonged skin air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results contact may cause a burning feeling with redness and from your employer. You have a legal right to this blisters. information under OSHA 1910.1020. * Breathing Isopropenyl Benzene can irritate the nose and * If you think you are experiencing any work-related health throat causing coughing and wheezing. problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational * Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, lightheadedness diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. and breathlessness. * Isopropenyl Benzene may cause a skin allergy. If allergy WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS develops, very low future exposure can cause itching and a OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit skin rash. (PEL) is 100 ppm, not to be exceeded at any * Isopropenyl Benzene may affect the brain. time. * Isopropenyl Benzene is a REACTIVE CHEMICAL and an EXPLOSION HAZARD. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 50 ppm averaged over a 10-hour workshift and IDENTIFICATION 100 ppm, not to be exceeded during any 15 Isopropenyl Benzene is a colorless liquid with a sharp odor. minute work period. It is used in the manufacture of plastics, solvents, resins, and other chemicals. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 50 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift and REASON FOR CITATION 100 ppm as a STEL (short term exposure limit). * Isopropenyl Benzene is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When DOT, NIOSH and NFPA. skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance though air levels are less than the limits listed above. List because it is REACTIVE. * Definitions are provided on page 5. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust EXPOSED ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most employers worn. to label chemicals in the workplace and requires public * Wear protective work clothing. employers to provide their employees with information and * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to training concerning chemical hazards and controls. The Isopropenyl Benzene and at the end of the workshift. federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 1910.1200, * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In requires private employers to provide similar training and addition, as part of an ongoing education and training information to their employees. effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Isopropenyl Benzene to potentially exposed workers.

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This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all MEDICAL potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the Medical Testing substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the any of the potential effects described below. following are recommended: ------* Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin allergy. Acute Health Effects * Evaluate for brain effects such as changes in memory, The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur concentration, sleeping patterns and mood (especially immediately or shortly after exposure to Isopropenyl irritability and social withdrawal), as well as headaches Benzene: and fatigue. Consider evaluations of the cerebellar, autonomic and peripheral nervous systems. Positive and * Contact can cause skin and eye irritation. Prolonged skin borderline individuals should be referred for contact may cause a burning feeling with redness and neuropsychological testing. blisters. * Breathing Isopropenyl Benzene can irritate the nose and Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and throat causing coughing and wheezing. present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for * Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, lightheadedness damage already done are not a substitute for controlling and breathlessness. exposure.

Chronic Health Effects Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at right to this information under OSHA 1910.1020. some time after exposure to Isopropenyl Benzene and can last for months or years: WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES

Cancer Hazard Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous * According to the information presently available to the substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to Isopropenyl Benzene has not been tested for its ability to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at cause cancer in animals. the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is Reproductive Hazard less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is * According to the information presently available to the sometimes necessary. New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Isopropenyl Benzene has not been tested for its ability to In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: affect reproduction. (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether Other Long-Term Effects harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls * Isopropenyl Benzene may cause a skin allergy. If allergy should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when develops, very low future exposure can cause itching and a significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. skin rash. * This chemical has not been adequately evaluated to In addition, the following controls are recommended: determine whether brain or other nerve damage could occur with repeated exposure. However, many solvents * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Isopropenyl and other petroleum-based chemicals have been shown to Benzene from drums or other storage containers to process cause such damage. Effects may include reduced memory containers. and concentration, personality changes (withdrawal, * Before entering a confined space where Isopropenyl irritability), fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced Benzene may be present, check to make sure that an coordination, and/or effects on nerves supplying internal explosive concentration does not exist. organs (autonomic nerves) and/or nerves to the arms and legs (weakness, "pins and needles").

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Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous Respiratory Protection exposures. The following work practices are recommended: IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by written program that takes into account workplace conditions, Isopropenyl Benzene should change into clean clothing requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and promptly. medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of * Where the potential exists for exposure over 50 ppm, use exposure to Isopropenyl Benzene. a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate an organic vapor cartridge. Increased protection is work area for emergency use. obtained from full facepiece powered-air purifying * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency respirators. shower facilities should be provided. * If while wearing a filter or cartridge respirator you can * On skin contact with Isopropenyl Benzene, immediately smell, taste, or otherwise detect Isopropenyl Benzene, or wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the if while wearing particulate filters abnormal resistance to workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have breathing is experienced, or eye irritation occurs while contacted Isopropenyl Benzene, whether or not known wearing a full facepiece respirator, leave the area skin contact has occurred. immediately. Check to make sure the respirator-to-face * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Isopropenyl Benzene seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter or cartridge. If is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating, drinking, * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your smoking, or using the toilet. workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters or cartridges to protect against different forms of PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN * Where the potential for high exposure exists, use a PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a full some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs facepiece operated in a pressure-demand or other positive- done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace pressure mode. For increased protection use in controls are being installed), personal protective equipment combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing may be appropriate. apparatus operated in a pressure-demand or other positive- pressure mode. OSHA 1910.132 requires employers to determine the * Exposure to 700 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and appropriate personal protective equipment for each hazard and health. If the possibility of exposure above 700 ppm to train employees on how and when to use protective exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self-contained equipment. breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. HANDLING AND STORAGE

Clothing * Prior to working with Isopropenyl Benzene you should be * Avoid skin contact with Isopropenyl Benzene. Wear trained on its proper handling and storage. solvent-resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment * Isopropenyl Benzene is not compatible with OXIDIZING suppliers/ manufacturers can provide recommendations on AGENTS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, the most protective glove/clothing material for your PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, NITRATES, operation. CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE); HALOGENS; * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) CATALYSTS for VINYL or IONIC POLYMERS; should be clean, available each day, and put on before ALUMINUM; IRON CHLORIDE; and COPPER. work. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. Eye Protection * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are * Wear indirect-vent, impact and splash resistant goggles prohibited where Isopropenyl Benzene is used, handled, when working with liquids. or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or * Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with explosion hazard. corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances. * Wherever Isopropenyl Benzene is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings.

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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, labeling requirements, and general information regarding the Right to Know Act. Violations of the law should be reported to (609) 984-2202. ------ISOPROPENYL BENZENE 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: ISOPROPENYL BENZENE HANDLING AND STORAGE (See page 3) DOT Number: UN 2303 NAERG Code: 128 FIRST AID CAS Number: 98-83-9 In NJ, POISON INFORMATION 1-800-764-7661 Hazard rating NJDHSS NFPA - 2 Eye Contact FLAMMABILITY * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least REACTIVITY - 2 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. COMBUSTIBLE REACTIVE Skin Contact POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water.

Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; Breathing 3=serious; 4=severe * Remove the person from exposure.

* Begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions) if FIRE HAZARDS breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. * Isopropenyl Benzene is a COMBUSTIBLE and REACTIVE LIQUID. PHYSICAL DATA * Use dry chemical, CO2, water, or alcohol or polymer foam extinguishers. o o * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. Vapor Pressure: 1.9 mm Hg at 68 F (20 C) * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. Flash Point: 127oF (53oC) * Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Water Solubility: Insoluble * Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.

Chemical Name: SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES Benzene, (1-Methylethenyl)-

Other Names: If Isopropenyl Benzene is spilled or leaked, take the following 2-Phenylpropylene; 1-Methyl-1-Phenylethylene; steps: beta-Phenylpropene; Styrene, alpha-Methyl-

* Evacuate persons not wearing protective equipment from ------area of spill or leak until clean-up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial * Cover with dry lime or soda ash and deposit in sealed purposes. containers. ------* Ventilate area after clean-up is complete. NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Isopropenyl SENIOR SERVICES Benzene as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Right to Know Program Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 regional office of the federal Environmental Protection (609) 984-2202 Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ------* If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be properly trained and equipped. OSHA 1910.120(q) may be applicable.

======FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. You can request emergency information from the following:

CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300 NJDEP HOTLINE: (609) 292-7172 ======