| Agent Name |
Tetrahydrofuran |
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| CAS Number |
109-99-9 |
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| Formula |
C4-H8-O |
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| Major Category |
Solvents |
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| Synonyms |
1,4-Epoxybutane; Agrisynth THF; Butane, 1,4-epoxy-; Butane, alpha,delta-oxide; Butylene oxide; Cyclotetramethylene oxide; Diethylene oxide; Furan, tetrahydro-; Furanidine; Hydrofuran; Oxacyclopentane; Oxolane; THF; Tetrahydrofuraan [Dutch]; Tetrahydrofuran; Tetrahydrofuranne [French]; Tetraidrofurano [Italian]; Tetramethylene oxide; [ChemIDplus] UN2056 |
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| Category |
Ethers |
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| Description |
Colorless liquid with an ether-like odor; [NIOSH] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used as a solvent for polymers and resins, a wetting agent for textiles, and a chemical intermediate; [ACGIH] Used as a solvent in inks, adhesives, and lacquers; [HSDB] |
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| Comments |
Anesthesia produced in animal inhalation studies; Toxic hepatitis has been reported in exposed workers. TLV Basis is irritation, CNS impairment, and kidney damage. [ACGIH] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; [ICSC] |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| BEI |
Tetrahydrofuran in urine = 2 mg/L; sample at end of shift; |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Yes |
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| TLV (ACGIH) |
50 ppm |
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| STEL (ACGIH) |
100 ppm |
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| PEL (OSHA) |
200 ppm |
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| MAK |
50 ppm |
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| IDLH (NIOSH) |
2000 ppm |
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| Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Human data: It has been reported that exposure to 25,000 ppm will cause anesthesia and 17,000 ppm appears to be safe for 3 hours [Hofmann and Oettel 1954]. |
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| Vapor Pressure |
162 mm Hg |
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| Odor Threshold Low |
0.09 ppm |
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| Odor Threshold High |
61 ppm |
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| Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) = 21,000 ppm/3H |
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| Explanatory Notes |
IDLH = 10% LEL; Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 31 ppm); Flash point = -14 deg C; |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
3: may ignite at ambient temperature |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Neurotoxin |
CNS Solvent Syndrome |
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| Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Primary |
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| Nephrotoxin |
Yes |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: TETRAHYDROFURAN
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