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
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.