| Agent Name |
Propane |
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| CAS Number |
74-98-6 |
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| Formula |
C3-H8 |
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| Major Category |
Other Chemicals |
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| Synonyms |
A-108; Dimethylmethane; HC 290; Hydrocarbon Propellant A-108; LPG; Liquefied petroleum gas; Petroleum gas, liquefied; Propane; Propyl hydride; Propyldihydride; R 290; n-Propane; [ChemIDplus] UN1978 |
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| Category |
Simple Asphyxiants |
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| Description |
Colorless, odorless gas. [Note: A foul-smelling odorant is often added when used for fuel purposes. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]; [NIOSH] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used as a fuel, solvent, refrigerant, and propellant; [Hawley] |
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| Comments |
Propane is a simple asphyxiant. [LaDou, p. 518] Possible frostbite from contact with liquid; [NIOSH] "Critical Effects" for aliphatic hydrocarbon gases are CNS depression; cardiac sensitization; [ACGIH] Propane is in the list of "Some volatile substances which may be abused by inhalation" published on the web site of the U.N. International Drug Control Programme, indicating its potential to cause narcosis in workers. [Reference #1] Evaporating liquid can cause frostbite; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression and cardiac arrhythmias; [ICSC] |
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| Reference Link |
Volatile Substance Abuse |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
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| TLV (ACGIH) |
1000 ppm |
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| PEL (OSHA) |
1000 ppm |
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| MAK |
1000 ppm |
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| IDLH (NIOSH) |
2100 ppm |
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| Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
It has been reported that brief inhalation exposures to 10,000 ppm propane cause no symptoms in humans [Braker and Mossman 1980]. Propane is considered to be a simple asphyxiant [ACGIH 1991]. |
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| Odor Threshold Low |
12225 ppm |
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| Odor Threshold High |
20005 ppm |
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| Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) > 800,000 ppm/15m |
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| Explanatory Notes |
IDLH = 10% LEL; Odor threshold from AIHA; For TLV, see Aliphatic hydrocarbon gases: Alkane (C1-C4); [ACGIH]; Flash point = -156 deg F; |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
4: burns readily |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Neurotoxin |
CNS Solvent Syndrome |
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| Other Poison |
Simple Asphyxiant |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: PROPANE
|
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