| Agent Name |
Propylene oxide |
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| Alternative Name |
1,2-Epoxypropane |
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| CAS Number |
75-56-9 |
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| Formula |
C3-H6-O |
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| Major Category |
Pesticides |
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| Synonyms |
1,2-Epoxy propane; Methyl ethylene oxide; Methyloxirane; Propene oxide; 1,2-Propylene oxide; 1,2-Epoxypropane; [NIOSH] |
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| Category |
Fumigants |
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| Description |
Colorless liquid with a benzene-like odor. [Note: A gas above 94 degrees F.] [NIOSH] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used mainly as a chemical intermediate; it has been used as a food fumigant but use was restricted in 1996 by the EPA. [ACGIH] Used to prepare slides for electron microscopy and to disinfect the skin; [Kanerva, p. 1169] |
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| Comments |
Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure. [CHRIS] Allergic contact dermatitis reported in a worker swabbing skin with a disinfectant; [Kanerva, p. 1169] Can cause CNS depression and severe eye injuries; A respiratory irritant that may cause pulmonary edema; [CAMEO] |
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| Reference Link |
Contact allergy to propylene oxide |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
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| TLV (ACGIH) |
2 ppm |
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| PEL (OSHA) |
100 ppm |
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| IDLH (NIOSH) |
400 ppm |
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| Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: The chosen IDLH is based on the dog 4�hour LCLO of 2,005 ppm and the mouse 4�hour LC50 of 1,740 ppm [Jacobson et al. 1956 cited by NIOSH 1976]. . . . Human data: None relevant for use in determining the revised IDLH. |
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| Vapor Pressure |
445 mm Hg |
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| Odor Threshold Low |
10 ppm |
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| Odor Threshold High |
199 ppm |
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| Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) = 4,000 ppm/4H |
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| Explanatory Notes |
Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 45 ppm); Flash point = -35 deg F; [CHEMINFO] |
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| Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
4: burns readily |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Toxic Pneumonitis |
Yes |
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| Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
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| Skin Sensitizer |
Yes |
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| Neurotoxin |
Other CNS Neurotoxin |
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| IARC Carcinogen |
Possible Carcinogen |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: 1,2-PROPYLENE OXIDE
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