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Sources: TLV-TWA and TLV-STEL data extracted from the 2005 Threshold Limit Values

& Biological Exposure Indices, copyright 2005 by the American Conference of


Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). IDLH values extracted from the NIOSH Pocket Guide to
Chemical Hazards, 2004 published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH). Note: All concentrations in parts per million (ppm) unless
otherwise noted.C indicates Ceiling Limit.
SUBSTANCE TLV-C
Acetaldehyde (Ethanal) 25 ppm

- Colorless liquid or gas (69 F)with a


pungent or fruity odor
- At 50 ppm acetaldehyde, no irritation or
local tissue damage in the nasal mucosa is
observed
- When taken up by the organism,
acetaldehyde is metabolized rapidly in the
liver to acetic acid.
- Carcinogenic

REACTS TO: MEANS OF CONTROL


Strong oxidizers, acids, bases, alcohols, - Formalin neutralizing/absorbing pads
ammonia & amines, phenols, ketones, HCN, - Absorbent spill response beads
H2S [Note: Prolonged contact with air may
cause formation of peroxides that may
explode and burst containers; easily
undergoes polymerization.]
SUBSTANCE TLV-C
Acrolein 0.1 ppm

- Colorless liquid with a piercing acid smell


- Used as contact herbicide to control
submersed and floating weeds in canals
- Toxic and is a strong irritant to the skin,
eyes and nasal passages

REACTS TO: MEANS OF CONTROL


Oxidizers, acids, alkalis, ammonia, amines - Acrolein must always be handled inside a
[Note: Polymerizes readily unless inhibited-- fume hood or in a glove box
usually with hydroquinone. May form shock-
sensitive peroxides over time.]
SUBSTANCE TLV-C
Boron Trifluoride 1 ppm

- Pungent colorless toxic gas forms white


fumes in moist air
- Used as catalyst for Lewis acids
- Toxic and is a strong irritant to the skin,
eyes and nasal passages

REACTS TO: MEANS OF CONTROL


Alkali metals, calcium oxide - Shipped in non-liquified compressed gas
[Note: Hydrolyzes in moist air or hot water to
form boric acid, hydrogen fluoride &
fluoboric acid.]
SUBSTANCE TLV-C
Cyanogen Chloride 0.3 ppm

- Colorless gas or liquid (below 55 F) with


an irritating odor
- s a highly toxic blood agent, and was once
proposed for use in chemical warfare.
- It causes immediate injury upon contact
with the eyes or respiratory organs.

REACTS TO: MEANS OF CONTROL


Water, acids, alkalis, ammonia, alcohols - Shipped as a liquefied gas. A solid below
[Note: Can react very slowly with water to 20F. Forms cyanide in the body.
form hydrogen cyanide. May be stabilized to
prevent polymerization.]
SUBSTANCE TLV-C
Ethylene Glycol 100mg/m3

- Clear, colorless, sweet tasting syrupy,


odorless liquid.
- Solid below 9 F
- a raw material in the manufacture of
polyester fibers
- Used in antifreeze formulations
- Teratogen (may cause disorders in
development of the body)

REACTS TO: MEANS OF CONTROL


Strong oxidizers, chromium trioxide, - Use of ethanol and fomepizole as antidote
potassium permanganate, sodium peroxide - Stabilization (clearing of airways)
[Note: Hygroscopic (i.e., absorbs moisture
from the air).]
SUBSTANCE TLV-C
Formaldehyde 0.3 ppm

- Nearly colorless gas with a pungent,


suffocating odor
- Often used in an aqueous solution
- Used as disinfectant
- Tissue fixative and embalming agent

REACTS TO: MEANS OF CONTROL


Strong oxidizers, alkalis & acids; phenols; urea - Use of absorption pads
[Note: Pure formaldehyde has a tendency to
polymerize. Reacts with HCl to form bis-
Chloromethyl ether.]
SUBSTANCE TLV-C
Glutaraldehyde 0.05 ppm

- Colorless liquid with a pungent odor.


- Used to sterile surgical instruments
- Used to treat warts having a side effect of
skin irritation

REACTS TO: MEANS OF CONTROL


Strong oxidizers, strong bases [Note: Alkaline - Decontamination thru absorption pads
solutions of glutaraldehyde
(i.e., activated glutaraldehyde) react with
alcohol, ketones, amines, hydrazines &
proteins.
SUBSTANCE TLV-C
Hydrogen Bromide 2 ppm

- Colorless gas with a sharp, irritating odor.


- Highly corrosive
- Used as alkylating agents

REACTS TO: MEANS OF CONTROL


Strong oxidizers, strong caustics, moisture, - Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas
copper, brass, zinc - In case of spill, ventilate the area to
[Note: Hydrobromic acid is highly corrosive disperse the gas
to most metals.]
SUBSTANCE TLV-C
Hydrogen Chloride 2 ppm

- Colorless to slightly yellow gas with a


pungent, irritating odor
- used to treat cotton to delint it, and to
separate it from wool
- Used in hydrochlorination of rubber
- Forms corrosive hyrdrochloric acid on
contact with water in body tissue
- Inhalation can cause coughing, choking
and inflammation of nose and throat

REACTS TO: MEANS OF CONTROL


Hydroxides, amines, alkalis, copper, brass, - Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas
zinc - In case of spill, ventilate the area to
[Note: Hydrochloric acid is highly corrosive disperse the gas
to most metals.] - If reclaiming the spilled material is not
possible, dilute or neutralize and dispose
in a secured sanitary landfill
SUBSTANCE TLV-C
Hydrogen Cyanide 4.7 ppm

- Colorless or pale-blue liquid or gas (above


78F) with a bitter, almond-like odor,
extremely poisonous
- Used as pesticide. Oftenly used in
fumigation

REACTS TO: MEANS OF CONTROL


Amines, oxidizers, acids, sodium hydroxide, - In case of spill, remove all ignition
calcium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sources
caustics, ammonia [Note: Can polymerize at - Ventilate the area of spill or leak
122-140F. - In liquid form, absorb on paper towels
and let the chemical evaporate in a fume
hood
SUBSTANCE TLV-C
Hydrogen Fluoride 2 ppm

- Colorless gas or fuming liquid (below


67F) with a strong, irritating odor
- Upon contact with moisture, including
tissue, hydrogen fluoride immediately
converts to hydrofluoric acid, which is
highly corrosive and toxic.
- used for etching glass and metal.
- used to make refrigerants, herbicides,
pharmaceuticals, high-octane gasoline,
aluminum, plastics, electrical components,
REACTS TO: and fluorescent light bulbs.
Metals, water or steam
MEANS OF CONTROL
[Note: Corrosive to metals. Will attack glass
In case of spills, dilute aqueous hydrogen
and concrete.]
fluoride should be neutralised using the
most readily available source of alkali - the
use of ground limestone is recommended
SUBSTANCE TLV-C
Iodine 0.1 ppm

- Violet solid with a sharp, characteristic


odor.
- reduces thyroid hormone and can kill
fungus, bacteria, and other microorganisms
such as amoebas.
- used to treat (but not prevent) the effects of
a radioactive accident.

REACTS TO: MEANS OF CONTROL


Ammonia, acetylene, acetaldehyde, - Ventilate area of spill
powdered aluminum, active metals, - Collect spilled material and deposit in
liquid chlorine sealed containers for reclamation of for
disposal in sanitary landfill.
- Liquid containing iodine should be
absorbed in vermiculite, dry sand, earth
or a similar material
SUBSTANCE TLV-C
1,2,4 Trichlorobenzene 5 ppm

- Colorless liquid or crystalline solid below


63 F with an aromatic odor
- It is useful as a high-temperature solvent
- this compound is a useful precursor to dye
and pesticides.

REACTS TO: MEANS OF CONTROL


Acids, acid fumes, oxidizers, steam - In case of spill or leak remove ignition
sources
- Ventilate the area
- Liquid containing iodine should be
absorbed in vermiculite, dry sand, earth
or a similar material.

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