Common Name: Pyridine CAS Number: 110-86-1
DOT Number: UN 1282
Date: January 31, 1986
-----------------------------------------
HAZARD SUMMARY
* Pyridine can affect you when breathed in and by passing
through your skin.
* Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and skin. Higher
levels can cause stomach upset, headache, mental changes and
even coma and death.
* Repeated exposure to lower levels can cause severe liver
injury and brain damage, with personality change and
confusion.
* Contact can burn and damage the eyes.
* Pyridine is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a FIRE HAZARD. At high
temperatures it can release Cyanide gas.
IDENTIFICATION
Pyridine is a colorless or yellow liquid with a strong sickening
odor. It is used in making pharmaceuticals and as a solvent.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Pyridine is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is
regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT and NFPA.
* This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance
List because it is FLAMMABLE.
* Definitions are attached.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely
evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA
1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling
results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing
any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to
recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with
you.
* ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.17 ppm.
* The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not
smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed.
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 5
ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 ppm averaged
over an 8 hour workshift.
* The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin
contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air
levels are less than the limits listed above.
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust
ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust
ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be
worn.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Pyridine.
* Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In
addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort,
communicate all information on the health and safety hazards
of Pyridine to potentially exposed workers.
This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information for workers,
employers, and community residents. Health professionals may also
find it useful. If this substance is part of a mixture, this Fact
Sheet should be used along with the manufacturer supplied Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to Pyridine:
* Exposure to Pyridine can irritate the skin, nose, and throat.
* Contact can burn the eyes, leading to permanent damage.
* High levels can cause you to become dizzy, lightheaded, and
may cause a coma and death.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Pyridine and can last for months or years:
Cancer Hazard
* There is no evidence that Pyridine causes cancer in animals.
This is based on test results presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health from published studies.
Reproductive Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, Pyridine has not been tested for
its ability to adversely affect reproduction.
Other Long Term Effects
* Repeated exposure can cause severe liver damage. It can also
damage the kidneys.
* Pyridine can damage the nervous system and brain, causing
confusion and mental changes.
* Pyridine may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very
low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash.
* Repeated exposure can cause headache, nausea, trouble sleeping
and back pain.
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV
or greater, or significant skin contact), the following are
recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that:
* Liver function tests.
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may
be useful:
* Exam of the nervous system.
* Kidney function tests.
* Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful
exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin
allergy.
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present
symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already
done are not a substitute for controlling exposure.
Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to
this information under OSHA 1910.20.
Mixed Exposures
* Because more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver
damage, drinking alcohol can increase the liver dam age caused
by Pyridine.
* If skin rash develops from Pyridine, exposure to sunlight may
make the rash worse.
WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES
Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous
substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of
reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations
and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical
release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using
respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the
controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary.
In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1)
how hazardous the
substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the
workplace, and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur.
Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or
when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible.
In addition, the following controls are recommended:
* Where possible, automatically pump liquid Pyridine from drums
or other storage containers to process containers.
* Only approved explosion proof electrical wiring and equipment,
and non sparking tools should be used in hazardous locations.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Pyridine
should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Pyridine.
* Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work
area for emergency use.
* Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Pyridine at
the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has
occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Pyridine is handled,
processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed.
Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry,
jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace
controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be
appropriate.
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply
to every situation.
Clothing
* Avoid skin contact with Pyridine. Wear protective gloves and
clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide
recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material
for your operation.
* All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
* Rubber and Plastic gloves SHOULD NOT be used.
Eye Protection
* Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when
working with liquids containing Pyridine, unless full
facepiece respiratory protection is worn.
Respiratory Protection
IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should
only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into
account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training,
respirator fit testing, and medical exams, as described in OSHA
1910.134.
* Where the potential exists for exposures over 5 ppm use a
MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an organic
vapor cartridge/canister. Greater protection is provided by a
powered air purifying respirator.
* If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator,
you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Pyridine, or in the
case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye
irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the
respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace the
filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good,
you may need a new respirator.
* Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace.
You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges,
or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical
(such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals.
* Where the potential for high exposures exists, use a
MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full face
piece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full
facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode.
* Exposure to 3,600 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and
health. If the possibility of exposures above 3,600 ppm exists
use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus
with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other
positive pressure mode.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with Pyridine you should be trained on its
proper handling and storage.
* Pyridine must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS
(such as CHLORINE, BROMINE, and FLUORINE), STRONG ACIDS (such
as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC, and NITRIC), CHLOROSULFONIC ACID,
MALEIC ANHYDRIDE, and OLEUM IODINE, because violent reactions
occur.
* Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are
prohibited where Pyridine is used, handled, or stored in a
manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard.
* Metal containers used in the transfer of 5 gallons or more of
Pyridine should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped
with self closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame
arresters.
* Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when
opening and closing containers of Pyridine.
* Wherever Pyridine is used, handled, manufactured, or stored,
use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings.
Common Name: Pyridine
DOT Number: UN 1282
DOT Emergency Guide code: 26
CAS Number: 110-86-1
----------------------------------------
NJ DOH Hazard rating
FLAMMABILITY 3
REACTIVITY 0
----------------------------------------
FLAMMABLE LIQUID
POISONOUS GAS PRODUCED IN FIRE
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
----------------------------------------
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* Pyridine is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. The vapor is heavier than air
and may travel a distance to cause a fire or explosion far
from the source.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers.
* POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE.
* CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Pyridine is spilled or leaked, take the following steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill or leak until cleanup is complete.
* Remove all ignition sources.
* Ventilate area of spill or leak.
* Keep Pyridine out of a confined space, such as a sewer,
because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sew er
is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive
concentrations.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Pyridine as a
HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Pro gram for
specific recommendations.
==========================================
FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department.
==========================================
FIRST AID
POISON INFORMATION
Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 30
minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
contaminated skin with large amounts of water. Seek medical
attention.
Breathing
* Remove the person from exposure.
* Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped.
* Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
PHYSICAL DATA
Vapor Pressure: 18 mm Hg at 68oF
Flash Point: 68oF
Water Solubility: Miscible
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name:
Pyridine
Other Names and Formulations:
Azabenzene; Azine.
------------------------------------------
Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
------------------------------------------
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Pyridine is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic
disagreeable odor. It is used as a solvent for anhydrous mineral
salts and in the synthesis of other organic chemicals
ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or
fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are
seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with
a toxic chemical substance.
Pyridine has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life, birds and
land animals. It has caused bud kills in an agricultural crop.
CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive
problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior.
Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic
chemical.
Pyridine has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-
term effects of pyridine to plants, birds, or land animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
Pyridine is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000
milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water.
DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Pyridine is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life between
2 to 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time
it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 57% of
pyridine will eventually end up in water; the rest will end up in
the air.
BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS
Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in
living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink
contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can
become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals
and humans.
The concentration of pyridine found in fish tissues is expected to
be about the same as the average concentration of pyridine in the
water from which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA,
Phytotox.
|