Disclaimer: These guidelines were developed under contract using generally accepted secondary sources. The protocol used by the contractor for surveying these data sources was developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Department of Energy (DOE). The information contained in these guidelines is intended for reference purposes only. None of the agencies have conducted a comprehensive check of the information and data contained in these sources. It provides a summary of information about chemicals that workers may be exposed to in their workplaces. The secondary sources used for supplements 111 and 1V were published before 1992 and 1993, respectively, and for the remainder of the guidelines the secondary sources used were published before September 1996. This information may be superseded by new developments in the field of industrial hygiene. Therefore readers are advised to determine whether new information is available.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH GUIDELINE FOR ISOPROPYL ACETATE

INTRODUCTION

This guideline summarizes pertinent information about isopropyl acetate for workers and employers as well as for physicians, industrial hygienists, and other occupational safety and health professionals who may need such information to conduct effective occupational safety and health programs. Recommendations may be superseded by new developments in these fields; readers are therefore advised to regard these recommendations as general guidelines and to determine whether new information is available.

SUBSTANCE IDENTIFICATION

* Formula

C(5)H(10)O(2)

* Structure

(For Structure, see paper copy)

* Synonyms

Acetic acid, isopropyl ester; 2-acetoxypropane; 2-propyl acetate;

acetic acid, 1-methylethyl ester; acetic acid, isopropyl ester;

paracetat

* Identifiers

1. CAS No.: 108-21-4

2. RTECS No.: AI4930000

3. DOT UN: 1220 26

4. DOT label: Flammable liquid

* Appearance and odor

Isopropyl acetate is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic fruity odor. The air odor threshold concentration for isopropyl acetate is 2.7 parts per million (ppm) parts of air.

CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

* Physical data

1. Molecular weight: 102.13

2. Boiling point (at 760 mm Hg): 90 degrees C (194 degrees F)

3. Specific gravity: 0.87 at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F)

4. Vapor density: 3.5

5. Melting point: -73.4 degrees C (-100.12 degrees F)

6. Vapor pressure at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F): 43 mm Hg

7. Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in most organic solvents such as, ethyl alcohol, ether, and acetone.

8. Evaporation rate: Data not available.

* Reactivity

1. Conditions contributing to instability: Heat, sparks, or flame.

2. Incompatibilities: Contact between isopropyl acetate and oxidizers, strong acids or bases, or nitrates should be avoided.

3. Hazardous decomposition products: Toxic gases and vapors (such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide) may be released in a fire involving isopropyl acetate.

4. Special precautions: Isopropyl acetate will attack some forms of plastic, coatings, and rubber.

* Flammability

The National Fire Protection Association has assigned a flammability rating of 3 (severe fire hazard) to isopropyl acetate.

1. Flash point: 35 degrees C (2 degrees F)

2. Autoignition temperature: 460 degrees C (860 degrees F)

3. Flammable limits in air (percent by volume): Lower, 1.8 at 38 degrees C (100 degrees F); upper, 8

4. Extinguishant: For small fires use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or alcohol resistent foam. Use water spray, fog, or alcohol resistent foam to fight large fires involving isopropyl acetate.

Fires involving isopropyl acetate should be fought upwind from the maximum distance possible. Keep unnecessary people away; isolate the hazard area and deny entry. Isolate the area for 1/2 mile in all directions if a tank, rail car, or tank truck is involved in the fire. For a massive fire in a cargo area, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from the area and let the fire burn. Emergency personnel should stay out of low areas and ventilate closed spaces before entering. Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Vapors are an explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors, or in sewers. Containers of isopropyl acetate may explode in the heat of the fire and should be moved from the fire area if it is possible to do so safely. If this is not possible, cool fire exposed containers from the sides with water until well after the fire is out. Stay away from the ends of containers. Personnel should withdraw immediately if a rising sound from a venting safety device is heard or if there is discoloration of a container due to fire. Firefighters should wear a full set of protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving isopropyl acetate.

EXPOSURE LIMITS

* OSHA PEL

The current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for isopropyl acetate is 250 ppm (950 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m(3))) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration [29 CFR 1910.1000, Table Z-1].

* NIOSH REL

* The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has not established a recommended exposure limit for isopropyl acetate.

* ACGIH TLV

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has assigned isopropyl acetate a threshold limit value (TLV) of 250 ppm (1040 mg/m(3)) as a TWA for a normal 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek and a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 310 ppm (1290 mg/m(3)) for periods not to exceed 15 minutes. Exposures at the STEL concentration should not be repeated more than four times a day and should be separated by intervals of at least 60 minutes [ACGIH 1994, p. 24].

* Rationale for Limits

The ACGIH limits are based on the risk of irritation and narcotic effects [ACGIH 1991, p. 826].

HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

* Routes of Exposure

Exposure to isopropyl acetate can occur through inhalation, ingestion, and eye or skin contact [Genium 1986].

* Summary of toxicology

1. Effects on Animals: Isopropyl acetate is an irritant of the eyes and, at high concentrations, a depressant of the central nervous system. Isopropyl acetate is reported to be more toxic than ethyl or methyl acetate. The oral LD(50) in rats is in the range of 6,000 mg/kg [Patnaik 1992]. Experimental animals exposed to lethal concentrations of isopropyl acetate exhibited drowsiness, incoordination, and other narcotic effects before death [Clayton and Clayton 1982]. A four hours inhalation exposure to 32,000 ppm was fatal to five of six rats, whereas inhalation of 16,000 ppm was fatal to one of six rats [ACGIH 1991]. Isopropyl acetate instilled into rabbit eyes causes irritation [NIOSH 1991].

2. Effects on Humans: Isopropyl acetate is an irritant of the eyes, and evidence in animals suggests that exposure to high concentrations will cause narcosis in humans. Exposure to 200 ppm for 15 minutes causes eye irritation, and exposure to higher concentration causes nose and throat irritation [NLM 1992]. Workers exposed to isopropyl acetate have developed conjunctivitis, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and coughing [Parmeggiani 1983]. Repeated contact with the skin causes defatting and may lead to dermatitis [NLM 1992].

* Signs and symptoms of exposure

1. Acute exposure: Acute exposure to isopropyl acetate at concentrations of 200 ppm and above may cause eye, nose, and throat irritation.

2. Chronic exposure: Repeated contact of the skin with isopropyl acetate may cause dermatitis.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROCEDURES

* Emergency medical procedures: [NIOSH to supply]

5. Rescue: Remove an incapacitated worker from further exposure and implement appropriate emergency procedures (e.g., those listed on the Material Safety Data Sheet required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard [29 CFR 1910.1200]). All workers should be familiar with emergency procedures, the location and proper use of emergency equipment, and methods of protecting themselves during rescue operations.

EXPOSURE SOURCES AND CONTROL METHODS

The following operations may involve isopropyl acetate and lead to worker exposures to this substance:

* The manufacture and transportation of isopropyl acetate

* Use as a solvent for cellulose derivatives, plastics, oils, waxes, fats, coatings, printing inks, resins, gums, paints, shellac, and lacquers

* Use as a flavoring agent and in the manufacture of perfume

* Use in synthesis of organic chemicals

* Use as a solvent in insecticide formulations

Methods that are effective in controlling worker exposures to isopropyl acetate, depending on the feasibility of implementation, are as follows:

* Process enclosure

* Local exhaust ventilation

* General dilution ventilation

* Personal protective equipment

Workers responding to a release or potential release of a hazardous substance must be protected as required by paragraph (q) of OSHA's Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard [29 CFR 1910.120].

Good sources of information about control methods are as follows:

1. ACGIH [1992]. Industrial ventilation--a manual of recommended practice. 21st ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

2. Burton DJ [1986]. Industrial ventilation--a self study companion. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

3. Alden JL, Kane JM [1982]. Design of industrial ventilation systems. New York, NY: Industrial Press, Inc.

4. Wadden RA, Scheff PA [1987]. Engineering design for control of workplace hazards. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

5. Plog BA [1988]. Fundamentals of industrial hygiene. Chicago, IL: National Safety Council.

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE

OSHA is currently developing requirements for medical surveillance. When these requirements are promulgated, readers should refer to them for additional information and to determine whether employers whose employees are exposed to isopropyl acetate are required to implement medical surveillance procedures.

* Medical Screening

Workers who may be exposed to chemical hazards should be monitored in a systematic program of medical surveillance that is intended to prevent occupational injury and disease. The program should include education of employers and workers about work-related hazards, early detection of adverse health effects, and referral of workers for diagnosis and treatment. The occurrence of disease or other work-related adverse health effects should prompt immediate evaluation of primary preventive measures (e.g., industrial hygiene monitoring, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment). A medical surveillance program is intended to supplement, not replace, such measures. To detect and control work-related health effects, medical evaluations should be performed (1) before job placement, (2) periodically during the term of employment, and (3) at the time of job transfer or termination.

* Preplacement medical evaluation

Before a worker is placed in a job with a potential for exposure to isopropyl acetate, a licensed health care professional should evaluate and document the worker's baseline health status with thorough medical, environmental, and occupational histories, a physical examination, and physiologic and laboratory tests appropriate for the anticipated occupational risks. These should concentrate on the function and integrity of the skin, liver, and respiratory system. Medical surveillance for respiratory disease should be conducted using the principles and methods recommended by the American Thoracic Society.

A preplacement medical evaluation is recommended to assess medical conditions that may be aggravated or may result in increased risk when a worker is exposed to isopropyl acetate at or below the prescribed exposure limit. The health care professional should consider the probable frequency, intensity, and duration of exposure as well as the nature and degree of any applicable medical condition. Such conditions (which should not be regarded as absolute contraindications to job placement) include a history and other findings consistent with diseases of the skin, liver, and respiratory system.

* Periodic medical evaluations

Occupational health interviews and physical examinations should be performed at regular intervals during the employment period, as mandated by any applicable Federal, State, or local standard. Where no standard exists and the hazard is minimal, evaluations should be conducted every 3 to 5 years or as frequently as recommended by an experienced occupational health physician. Additional examinations may be necessary if a worker develops symptoms attributable to isopropyl acetate exposure. The interviews, examinations, and medical screening tests should focus on identifying the adverse effects of isopropyl acetate on the skin, liver, or respiratory system. Current health status should be compared with the baseline health status of the individual worker or with expected values for a suitable reference population.

* Termination medical evaluations

The medical, environmental, and occupational history interviews, the physical examination, and selected physiologic or laboratory tests that were conducted at the time of placement should be repeated at the time of job transfer or termination to determine the worker's medical status at the end of his or her employment. Any changes in the worker's health status should be compared with those expected for a suitable reference population. Because occupational exposure to isopropyl acetate may cause diseases with prolonged latent periods, the need for medical surveillance may extend well beyond the termination of employment.

* Biological monitoring

Biological monitoring involves sampling and analyzing body tissues or fluids to provide an index of exposure to a toxic substance or metabolite. No biological monitoring test acceptable for routine use has yet been developed for isopropyl acetate.

WORKPLACE MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT

Determination of a worker's exposure to airborne isopropyl acetate is made using a charcoal tube (100/50 mg sections, 20/40 mesh). Samples are collected at a maximum flow rate of 0.2 liter/minute (STEL, or TWA) until a maximum collection volume of 9 liters (TWA) or 3 liters (STEL) is reached. The sample is then treated with 99:1 carbon disulfide:dimethyl formamide. Analysis is conducted by gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector (GC/FID). This method is fully validated and is described in the OSHA Computerized Information System [OSHA 1994] and in NIOSH Method No. 1454 [NIOSH 1994b].

PERSONAL HYGIENE PROCEDURES

If isopropyl acetate contacts the skin, workers should flush the affected areas immediately with plenty of water, followed by washing with soap and water.

Clothing contaminated with isopropyl acetate should be removed immediately, and provisions should be made for the safe removal of the chemical from the clothing. Persons laundering the clothes should be informed of the hazardous properties of isopropyl acetate, particularly its potential for causing irritation.

A worker who handles isopropyl acetate should thoroughly wash hands, forearms, and face with soap and water before eating, using tobacco products, using toilet facilities, applying cosmetics, or taking medication.

Workers should not eat, drink, use tobacco products, apply cosmetics, or take medication in areas where isopropyl acetate or a solution containing isopropyl acetate is handled, processed, or stored.

STORAGE

Isopropyl acetate should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly sealed containers that are labeled in accordance with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard [29 CFR 1910.1200]. Containers of isopropyl acetate should be protected from physical damage and should be stored separately from oxidizers, strong acids or bases, or nitrates should be avoided.

SPILLS AND LEAKS

In the event of a spill or leak involving isopropyl acetate, persons not wearing protective equipment and clothing should be restricted from contaminated areas until cleanup has been completed. The following steps should be undertaken following a spill or leak:

1. Notify safety personnel.

2. Remove all sources of heat and ignition.

3. Do not touch the spilled material; stop the leak if it is possible to do so without risk.

4. Ventilate potentially explosive atmospheres.

5. Use non-sparking tools.

6. Water spray may be used to reduce vapors, but the spray may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

7. For small liquid spills, take up with sand or other noncombustible absorbent material and place into closed containers for later disposal. Keep isopropyl acetate out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build-up of explosive concentrations.

8. For large liquid spills, build dikes far ahead of the spill to contain the isopropyl acetate for later reclamation or disposal.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements for emergency planning, reportable quantities of hazardous releases, community right-to-know, and hazardous waste management may change over time. Users are therefore advised to determine periodically whether new information is available.

* Emergency planning requirements

Isopropyl acetate is not subject to EPA emergency planning requirements under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) (Title III) in 42 USC 11022.

* Reportable quantity requirements for hazardous releases

A hazardous substance release is defined by EPA as any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing into the environment (including the abandonment or discarding of contaminated containers) of hazardous substances. In the event of a release that is above the reportable quantity for that chemical, employers are required to notify the proper Federal, State, and local authorities [40 CFR 355.40].

Employers are not required by the emergency release notification provisions in 40 CFR Part 355.40 to notify the National Response Center of an accidental release of isopropyl acetate; there is no reportable quantity for this substance.

* Community right-to-know requirements

Employers are not required by EPA in 40 CFR Part 372.30 to submit a Toxic Chemical Release Inventory form (Form R) to EPA reporting the amount of isopropyl acetate emitted or released from their facility annually.

* Hazardous waste management requirements

EPA considers a waste to be hazardous if it exhibits any of the following characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity as defined in 40 CFR 261.21-261.24. Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) [40 USC 6901 et seq.], EPA has specifically listed many chemical wastes as hazardous. Although isopropyl acetate is not specifically listed as a hazardous waste under RCRA, EPA requires employers to treat waste as hazardous if it exhibits any of the characteristics discussed above.

Providing detailed information about the removal and disposal of specific chemicals is beyond the scope of this guideline. The U.S. Department of Transportation, EPA, and State and local regulations should be followed to ensure that removal, transport, and disposal of this substance are conducted in accordance with existing regulations. To be certain that chemical waste disposal meets EPA regulatory requirements, employers should address any questions to the RCRA hotline at (703) 412-9810 (in the Washington, D.C. area) or toll-free at (800) 424-9346 (outside Washington, D.C.). In addition, relevant State and local authorities should be contacted for information on any requirements they may have for the waste removal and disposal of this substance.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

* Conditions for respirator use

Good industrial hygiene practice requires that engineering controls be used where feasible to reduce workplace concentrations of hazardous materials to the prescribed exposure limit. However, some situations may require the use of respirators to control exposure. Respirators must be worn if the ambient concentration of isopropyl acetate exceeds prescribed exposure limits. Respirators may be used (1) before engineering controls have been installed, (2) during work operations such as maintenance or repair activities that involve unknown exposures, (3) during operations that require entry into tanks or closed vessels, and (4) during emergencies. Workers should only use respirators that have been approved by NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

* Respiratory protection program

Employers should institute a complete respiratory protection program that, at a minimum, complies with the requirements of OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard [29 CFR 1910.134]. Such a program must include respirator selection, an evaluation of the worker's ability to perform the work while wearing a respirator, the regular training of personnel, respirator fit testing, periodic workplace monitoring, and regular respirator maintenance, inspection, and cleaning. The implementation of an adequate respiratory protection program (including selection of the correct respirator) requires that a knowledgeable person be in charge of the program and that the program be evaluated regularly. For additional information on the selection and use of respirators and on the medical screening of respirator users, consult the latest edition of the NIOSH Respirator Decision Logic [NIOSH 1987b] and the NIOSH Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection [NIOSH 1987a].

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Workers should use appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment that must be carefully selected, used, and maintained to be effective in preventing skin contact with isopropyl acetate. The selection of the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., gloves, sleeves, encapsulating suits) should be based on the extent of the worker's potential exposure to isopropyl acetate. There are no published reports on the resistance of various materials to permeation by isopropyl acetate.

To evaluate the use of PPE materials with isopropyl acetate, users should consult the best available performance data and manufacturers' recommendations. Significant differences have been demonstrated in the chemical resistance of generically similar PPE materials (e.g., butyl) produced by different manufacturers. In addition, the chemical resistance of a mixture may be significantly different from that of any of its neat components.

Any chemical-resistant clothing that is used should be periodically evaluated to determine its effectiveness in preventing dermal contact. Safety showers and eye wash stations should be located close to operations that involve isopropyl acetate.

Splash-proof chemical safety goggles or face shields (20 to 30 cm long, minimum) should be worn during any operation in which a solvent, caustic, or other toxic substance may be splashed into the eyes.

In addition to the possible need for wearing protective outer apparel (e.g., aprons, encapsulating suits), workers should wear work uniforms, coveralls, or similar full-body coverings that are laundered each day. Employers should provide lockers or other closed areas to store work and street clothing separately. Employers should collect work clothing at the end of each work shift and provide for its laundering. Laundry personnel should be informed about the potential hazards of handling contaminated clothing and instructed about measures to minimize their health risk.

Protective clothing should be kept free of oil and grease and should be inspected and maintained regularly to preserve its effectiveness.

Protective clothing may interfere with the body's heat dissipation, especially during hot weather or during work in hot or poorly ventilated work environments.

REFERENCES

ACGIH [1991]. Documentation of the threshold limit values and biological exposure indices. 6th ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

ACGIH [1994]. 1994-1995 Threshold limit values for chemical substances and physical agents and biological exposure indices. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

Amoore JE, Hautala E [1983]. Odor as an aid to chemical safety: odor thresholds compared with threshold limit values and volatilities for 214 industrial chemicals in air and water dilution. J of App Tox 3(6):272-290.

ATS [1987]. Standardization of spirometry -- 1987 update. American Thoracic Society. Am Rev Respir Dis 136:1285-1296.

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Clayton G, Clayton F [1981-1982]. Patty's industrial hygiene and toxicology. 3rd rev. ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.

DOT [1993]. 1993 Emergency response guidebook, guide 26. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Hazardous Materials Transportation, Research and Special Programs Administration.

Genium [1986]. Material safety data sheet No. 496. Schenectady, NY: Genium Publishing Corporation.

Lewis RJ, ed. [1993]. Lewis condensed chemical dictionary. 12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company.

Mickelsen RL, Hall RC [1987]. A breakthrough time comparison of nitrile and neoprene glove materials produced by different glove manufacturers. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 48(11): 941-947.

Mickelsen RL, Hall RC, Chern RT, Myers JR [1991]. Evaluation of a simple weight-loss method for determining the permeation of organic liquids through rubber films. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 52(10): 445-447.

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NIOSH [1991]. Registry of toxic effects of chemical substances: Isopropyl Acetate. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Standards Development and Technology Transfer, Technical Information Branch.

NIOSH [1992]. Recommendations for occupational safety and health: Compendium of policy documents and statements. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 92-100.

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NIOSH [1994b]. NIOSH manual of analytical methods. 4th ed. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-113.

NJDH [1986]. Hazardous substance fact sheet: Isopropyl Acetate. Trenton, NJ: New Jersey Department of Health.

NLM [1992]. Hazardous substances data bank: Isopropyl Acetate. Bethesda, MD: National Library of Medicine.

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Parmeggiani L [1983]. Encyclopedia of occupational health and safety. 3rd rev. ed. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Organisation.

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