| Agent Name |
Phthalic anhydride |
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| CAS Number |
85-44-9 |
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| Formula |
C8-H4-O3 |
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| Major Category |
Plastics & Rubber |
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| Synonyms |
1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic anhydride; PAN; Phthalic acid anhydride; [NIOSH] |
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| Category |
Acid Anhydrides |
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| Description |
White solid (flake) or a clear, colorless, mobile liquid (molten) with a characteristic, acrid odor; [NIOSH] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Chemical intermediate for various chemical resins, dyes, and pigments; curing agent for epoxy resins; [HSDB] Occupational asthma reported in plastic resin production workers; [Malo] |
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| Comments |
Solid form causes first degree burns on short exposure; [CHRIS] Phthalic anhydride is a skin irritant. [Quick CPC] Merck Index # 7371; |
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| Reference Link |
Phthalic anhydride-induced occupational asthma |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
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| TLV (ACGIH) |
1 ppm |
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| PEL (OSHA) |
2 ppm |
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| IDLH (NIOSH) | 60 mg/m3 |
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| Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Other animal data: It has been reported that exposure of rats and rabbits to 10,000 mg/m3 for 4 hours/day for several days produced a 25% fatality rate [Malten and Zielhuis 1964]. Human data: It has been reported that an exposure of 30 mg/m3 is associated with conjunctivitis, while 25 mg/m3 is associated with signs of mucous membrane irritation [Baader 1955]. It has been stated that phthalic anhydride has similar toxic effects (i.e., irritation of the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory system) as maleic anhydride, but has reduced potency [ACGIH 1991]. |
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| Vapor Pressure |
0.000517 mm Hg |
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| Odor Threshold Low |
0.05 ppm |
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| Explanatory Notes |
Odor threshold from AIHA; |
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| Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
1: must be preheated |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Asthma |
Yes |
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| Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
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| Skin Sensitizer |
Yes |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE
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