Disclaimer: The information contained in these
guidelines is intended for reference purposes only. It provides a
summary of information about chemicals that workers may be
exposed to in their workplaces. The information may be superseded by new developments in
the field of industrial hygiene. Readers are therefore advised to
regard these recomendations as general guidelines and to
determine whether new information is available.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH GUIDELINE FOR TRIMETHYL BENZENE
INTRODUCTION
This guideline summarizes pertinent information about trimethyl
benzene 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superseded by new developments in these fields; readers are therefore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(9)H(12)
* Structure
(For Structure, see paper copy)
* Synonyms
1,2,3-Trimethyl benzene or hemimellitene; 1,2,4-trimethyl benzene or
pseudocumene; 1,3,5-trimethyl benzene or mesitylene
* Identifiers
1. CAS No.: 25551-13-7 (commercially available product is a mixture of
isomers); 526-73-8 (1,2,3-trimethyl benzene); 108-67-8
(1,3,5-trimethyl benzene); 95-63-6 (1,2,4-trimethyl benzene)
2. RTECS No.: DC3300000 (1,2,3-trimethyl benzene); OX6825000
(1,3,5-trimethyl benzene); DC3325000 (1,2,4-trimethyl benzene)
3. DOT UN: 2325 26 (1,3,5-trimethyl benzene)
4. DOT label: Flammable Liquid (1,3,5-trimethyl benzene)
* Appearance and odor
Trimethyl benzene is a clear, colorless liquid with a pleasant
aromatic odor. An odor threshold of 0.55 part per million (ppm) parts
of air has been reported.
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
* Physical data
1. Molecular weight: 120.19
2. Boiling point (at 760 mm Hg): 176 degrees C (348.8 degrees F)
(1,2,3-trimethyl benzene); 164.6 degrees C (328.3 degrees F)
(1,3,5-trimethyl benzene); 168.9 degrees C (336.0 degrees F)
(1,2,4-trimethyl benzene)
3. Specific gravity: 0.8944 (1,2,3-trimethyl benzene); 0.8652
(1,3,5-trimethyl benzene); 0.8758 (1,2,4-trimethyl benzene) at 20 degrees C
(68 degrees F)
4. Vapor density: 4.1
5. Melting point: -25.4 degrees C (-13.72 degrees F) (1,2,3-trimethyl
benzene); -44.7 degrees C (-48.46 degrees F) (1,3,5-trimethyl benzene);
-43.8 degrees C (-46.84 degrees F) (1,2,4-trimethyl benzene)
6. Vapor pressure: Data not available.
7. Solubility: Miscible with ethyl alcohol, benzene, and ethyl ether;
insoluble in water.
8. Evaporation rate: Data not available.
* Reactivity
1. Conditions contributing to instability: Exposure to heat, sparks and
open flame.
2. Incompatibilities: Contact between trimethyl benzene and oxidizers
such as perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, nitrates,
chlorine, bromine and fluorine should be avoided.
3. Hazardous decomposition products: None reported.
4. Special precautions: None reported.
* Flammability
The National Fire Protection Association has assigned a flammability
rating of 2 (moderate fire hazard) to trimethyl benzene.
1. Flash point: 1,2,3-trimethyl benzene - Data not available; 1,3,
5-trimethyl benzene - 50 degrees C (122 degrees F) (closed cup); 1,2,
4-trimethyl benzene - 44 degrees C (112 degrees F) (closed cup)
2. Autoignition temperature: Data not available.
3. Flammable limits in air: Data not available.
4. Extinguishant: For small fires use dry chemical, carbon dioxide,
water spray, or alcohol-resistant foam. Use water spray, fog, or
alcohol-resistant foam to fight large fires involving trimethyl
benzene.
Fires involving trimethyl benzene 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.
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 trimethyl benzene 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 trimethyl benzene.
EXPOSURE LIMITS
* OSHA PEL
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not
currently regulate trimethyl benzene.
* NIOSH REL
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has
established a recommended exposure limit (REL) for trimethyl benzene
of 25 ppm (125 mg/m(3)) as a TWA for up to a 10-hour workday and a
40-hour workweek [NIOSH 1992].
* ACGIH TLV
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
has assigned trimethyl benzene a threshold limit value (TLV) of 25 ppm
(123 mg/m(3)) as a TWA for a normal 8-hour workday and a 40-hour
workweek [ACGIH 1994, p. 35].
* Rationale for Limits
The NIOSH limit is based on the risk of skin irritation, central
nervous system depression, and respiratory failure [NIOSH 1992].
The ACGIH limit is based on the risk of irritation and central nervous
system effects [ACGIH 1991, p. 1649].
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
* Routes of Exposure
Exposure to trimethyl benzene can occur through inhalation, ingestion,
and eye or skin contact.
* Summary of toxicology
1. Effects on Animals: Trimethyl benzene is a skin irritant and also
affects the lungs and central nervous system in experimental animals
[ACGIH 1991]. The oral LD(50) in rats is 8,970 mg/kg [NIOSH 1991].
Instillation of trimethyl benzene into the lungs caused chemical
pneumonitis at the site of contact [ACGIH 1991]. High concentrations
of trimethyl benzene vapors cause central nervous system depression
[ACGIH 1991]. During a 24-hour exposure to 2,400 ppm of the 1,3,
5-trimethyl benzene isomer, 4 of 16 rats died of respiratory arrest
[ACGIH 1991]. Rats exposed to 1,700 ppm for four months had reduced
body weight gain, central nervous system depression, and increasing
lymphopenia and neutrophilia. The hematological effects were
attributed to benzene contamination of the trimethyl benzene [ACGIH
1991].
2. Effects on Humans: Workers exposed to a solvent containing 80 percent
trimethyl benzenes complained of nervousness, tension, anxiety, and
asthmatic bronchitis; in addition, the peripheral blood showed a
tendency to hypochromic anemia and prolonged coagubility of blood; the
peripheral blood effects were attributed to benzene contamination of
the solvent [ACGIH 1991].
* Signs and symptoms of exposure
1. Acute exposure: No signs or symptoms of acute exposure to trimethyl
benzene have been reported in humans.
2. Chronic exposure: Chronic exposure to trimethyl benzene has caused
nervousness, tension, anxiety, asthmatic bronchitis and blood changes
in humans.
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 trimethyl benzene and lead to
worker exposures to this substance:
- The manufacture and transportation of trimethyl benzene
- Use as a raw material for chemical synthesis
- Use as a solvent and paint thinner
- Use as ultraviolet stabilizers in plastics
Methods that are effective in controlling worker exposures to
trimethyl benzene, 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 trimethyl benzene 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
trimethyl benzene, 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 central nervous system.
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 trimethyl benzene 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 central nervous 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
trimethyl benzene exposure. The interviews, examinations, and medical
screening tests should focus on identifying the adverse effects of
trimethyl benzene on the central nervous 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.
* 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 trimethyl benzene.
WORKPLACE MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT
Determination of a worker's exposure to airborne trimethyl benzene is
made using a charcoal tube (100/50 mg sections, 20/40 mesh). Samples
are collected at a maximum flow rate of 0.1 liter/minute until a
maximum collection volume of 10 liters is reached. The sample is then
treated with carbon disulfide. Analysis is conducted by gas
chromatography using a flame ionization detector (GC/FID). This
method is described in the OSHA Computerized Information System [OSHA
1994] and is partially validated.
PERSONAL HYGIENE PROCEDURES
If trimethyl benzene contacts the skin, workers should flush the
affected areas immediately with plenty of water, followed by washing
with soap and water.
Clothing contaminated with trimethyl benzene 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 trimethyl benzene,
particularly its potential for causing central nervous system effects.
A worker who handles trimethyl benzene 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 trimethyl benzene or a solution
containing trimethyl benzene is handled, processed, or stored.
STORAGE
Trimethyl benzene 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 trimethyl benzene should be protected from physical damage and
sources of ignition, and should be stored separately from oxidizers
such as perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, nitrates,
chlorine, bromine and fluorine.
SPILLS AND LEAKS
In the event of a spill or leak involving trimethyl benzene, 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. Do not touch the spilled material; stop the leak if it is possible to
do so without risk.
2. Notify safety personnel.
3. Remove all sources of heat and ignition.
4. Ventilate the area of the spill or leak.
5. Water spray may be used to reduce vapors, but the spray may not
prevent ignition in closed spaces.
6. For small spills, take up with sand or other noncombustible absorbent
material and place into closed containers for later disposal.
7. For large liquid spills, build dikes far ahead of the spill to contain
the trimethyl benzene 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
Trimethyl benzene 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 trimethyl benzene; 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 trimethyl benzene 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
trimethyl benzene 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 trimethyl benzene 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 trimethyl benzene. 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 trimethyl benzene. The
resistance of one type of PPE material to permeation by the
1,2,4-trimethyl benzene isomer is shown below:
Material |
Breakthrough time (hr) |
Responder |
>8 |
To evaluate the use of this or other PPE materials with trimethyl
benzene, 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 trimethyl benzene.
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.
CFR. Code of Federal regulations. Washington, DC: U.S. Government
Printing Office, Office of the Federal Register.
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.
Forsberg K, Mansdorf SZ [1993]. Quick selection guide to chemical
protective clothing. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Genium [1987]. Material safety data sheet No. 636. Schenectady, NY:
Genium Publishing Corporation.
Lewis RJ, ed. [1993]. Lewis condensed chemical dictionary. 12th ed.
New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company.
Lide DR [1993]. CRC handbook of chemistry and physics. 73rd ed.
Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Inc.
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.
NFPA [1986]. Fire protection guide on hazardous materials. 9th ed.
Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association.
NIOSH [1987a]. NIOSH guide to industrial respiratory protection.
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. 87-116.
NIOSH [1987b]. NIOSH respirator decision logic. 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. 87-108.
NIOSH [1991]. Registry of toxic effects of chemical substances:
Trimethyl benzene. 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.
NJDH [1986]. Hazardous substance fact sheet: Trimethyl benzene.
Trenton, NJ: New Jersey Department of Health.
OSHA [1994]. Computerized information system. Washington, DC: U.S.
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Parmeggiani L [1983]. Encyclopedia of occupational health and safety.
3rd rev. ed. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Organisation.
Sax NI, Lewis RJ [1989]. Dangerous properties of industrial
materials. 7th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company.
Sittig M [1991]. Handbook of toxic and hazardous chemicals. 3rd ed.
Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Publications.
USC. United States code. Washington. DC: U.S. Government Printing
Office.
|