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Chemical Sampling Information (CSI)
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General Description

Synonyms: TEL; Lead tetraethyl; Motor fuel anti-knock compound; Lead, organic; Tetraethyl Lead

OSHA IMIS Code Number: 2360

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 78-00-2

NIOSH Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) Identification Number: TP4550000

Department of Transportation Regulation Number (49 CFR 172.101) and Guide: 1649 131, 1649 56

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Tetraethyl Lead (as Pb): chemical description, physical properties, potentially hazardous incompatibilities, and more

Chemical Description and Physical Properties:

    colorless liquid or dyed red, orange, or blue with a slight musty odor

    molecular weight: 323
    boiling point: 183-185°F at mmHg
    vapor pressure: 0.2 mm
    melting point: -216 to -202°F

Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, sulfuryl chloride, potassium permanganate


Exposure Limits

OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):

    General Industry: 0.075 mg/m3 (Skin)

    Construction Industry: 0.1 mg/m3 TWA (Skin)

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 0.1 mg/m3 TWA (Skin); Appendix A4 (Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen)

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): 0.075 mg/m3 TWA Skin


Health Factors

Carcinogenic Classification:

Potential Symptoms: Insomnia, lassitude, anxiety; tremors; hyper-reflexia, spastic; bradycardia, hypotension; hypothermia; pallor; nausea, anorexia, weight loss; disorientation, hallucinations, psychosis, mania; convulsions; coma; eye irritation

Health Effects: Cumulative liver and kidney damage (HE3); Acute CNS effects (HE4) Cumulative CNS effects (HE7); Suspect teratogen (HE5)

Affected Organs: CNS, CVS, kidneys, eyes


Monitoring Methods used by OSHA

Primary Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method (SLC1):

  • sampling media: Glass Fiber Filter (37 mm) in series with a Charcoal Tube (100/50 mg sections, 20/40 mesh)
    maximum volume: 480 Liters
    minimum volume: 240 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 1.0 L/min
    current analytical method: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy; AAS
    method reference: 2 (OSHA In-House File)
    sampling and analytical error: 0.13
    method classifications: Partially Validated
    note: Submit as a separate sample. When analysis of a compound is requested, an elemental analysis (from charcoal tube) is performed and reported as lead.
  • sampling media: Glass Fiber Filter (37 mm) in series with an XAD-2 Tube (100/50 mg sections, 20/50 mesh)
    maximum volume: 200 Liters
    minimum volume: 30 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 1.0 L/min
    current analytical method: Gas Chromatography; GC/PID
    method reference: 1 (NIOSH 2533 [20 KB PDF, 4 pages])
    method classifications: Partially Validated
Wipe Sampling Method:
  • Yes, with Whatman Smear Tab filter.
    solvent: Distilled Water. (See note - reported as total Lead)

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