Common Name: Nitroglycerin CAS Number: 55-63-0
DOT Number: UN 0143/UN 0144
Date: January 31, 1986
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* Nitroglycerin can affect you when breathed and by passing
through skin.
* Exposure can cause headaches, nausea, and lightheadedness.
High exposure can cause confusion and interfere with the
ability of the blood to carry oxygen causing blue skin,
trouble breathing, and even death.
* After repeated exposure to Nitroglycerin, tolerance develops.
Returning to work after a time away can cause headaches and
other symptoms.
* Angina (chest pain) and heart attacks can occur if exposure
stops suddenly.
* It is a HIGHLY REACTIVE CHEMICAL and is a DANGEROUS EXPLOSION
HAZARD.
IDENTIFICATION
Nitroglycerin is pale yellow liquid or crystalline solid. It is
used in making dynamite, other explosives, rocket propellants and
medicine. It is often mixed with Ethylene Glycol Dinitrate.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Nitroglycerin is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is
regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH and NFPA.
* This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List
because it is REACTIVE.
* Definitions are attached.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely
evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air
samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your
employer. You have a legal right to this information under
OSHA 1910.20.
* 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.
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is
2 mg/m3, not to be exceeded at any time.
NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 mg/m3,
which should not be exceeded in any 20 minute period.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 mg/m3
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 Nitroglycerin
and at the end of the workshift.
* 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 Nitroglycerin 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 Nitroglycerin:
* Exposure can cause severe throbbing headaches, nausea, and a
fall in blood pressure which can make you feel faint.
* Higher exposures can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, interfere
with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen
(methemoglobinemia). This can cause a bluish color to the
skin, rapid breathing, and even coma and death.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Nitroglycerin and can last for months or
years:
Cancer Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, Nitroglycerin has not been tested
for its ability to cause cancer in animals.
Reproductive Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, Nitroglycerin has not been tested
for its ability to adversely affect reproduction.
Other Long Term Effects
* After repeated exposure to Nitroglycerin, tolerance develops
and no symptoms may be noticed. If you are then away from
exposure for a couple days (such as a weekend or vacation),
returning to work may cause sudden severe symptoms.
* Stopping exposure may lead to angina (chest pain) or heart
attack from withdrawal symptoms.
* Repeated contact can cause skin irritation.
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may
be useful:
* EKG (immediately, if any chest discomfort is felt).
* Blood methemoglobin level.
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
* Drinking alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor) shortly
before or after exposure to Nitroglycerin may cause a severe
reaction. Sudden mental change may occur (delirium).
Conditions Made Worse By Exposure
* Nitroglycerin has a very strong effect on the heart and blood
vessels. If you have any condition affecting your heart or
circulation, see a doctor before working with Nitroglycerin.
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 Nitroglycerin from
drums or other storage containers to process containers.
* Specific engineering controls are recommended for this
chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document:
Occupational Exposure to Nitroglycerin and Ethylene Glycol
Dinitrate #78 187.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Nitroglycerin is extremely explosive.
* Workplace activity should be carefully controlled to avoid
physical disturbance of the substance.
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Nitroglycerin
should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members
could be exposed.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to
Nitroglycerin.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Nitroglycerin is handled,
processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed.
Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
* Keep the work area as clean as possible and remove any dust
that may generate sparks.
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 Nitroglycerin. 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.
Eye Protection
* Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when
working with liquid, unless full facepiece respiratory
protection is worn.
* Wear dust proof goggles and face shield when working with
powders or dust, 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 0.05 ppm, use a
MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full
facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a
full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode,
or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing
apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or
other positive pressure mode.
* Exposure to 80 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and
health. If the possibility of exposures above 80 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 Nitroglycerin you should be trained on
its proper handling and storage.
* Nitroglycerin must be stored to avoid contact with HEAT,
FLAMES, MECHANICAL SHOCK or OZONE since violent reactions
occur.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated
area away from STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC,
and NITRIC).
* Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are
prohibited where Nitroglycerin is handled, used, or stored.
Nitroglycerin has a special shipping regulation by DOT and
therefore requires specific handling procedures.
* Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more
of Nitroglycerin 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 Nitroglycerin.
* Wherever Nitroglycerin is used, handled, manufactured, or
stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings.
* Nitroglycerin is often found mixed with Ethylene Glycol
Dinitrate.
Common Name: Nitroglycerin
DOT Number: UN 0143/UN 0144
DOT Emergency Guide code: 26
CAS Number: 55-63-0
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NJ DOH Hazard rating
FLAMMABILITY 2
REACTIVITY 4
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EXPLOSIVE
FLAMMABLE
POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE
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Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* In case of fire where Nitroglycerin is located the area should
be evacuated.
* 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 Nitroglycerin is spilled or leaked, take the following steps:
* DO NOT TOUCH OR DISTURB SPILLED MATERIAL. FIND EXPERTS TRAINED
FOR THAT EMERGENCY.
* EVACUATE THE AREA OF THE SPILL.
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill or leak until cleanup is complete.
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FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your local fire
department.
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FIRST AID
POISON INFORMATION
Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15
minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area
with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention
immediately.
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: 0.00026 mm Hg at 680F
Flash Point: EXPLODES
Water Solubility: Slightly soluble
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name:
1,2,3 Propanetrol, Trinitrate
Other Names and Formulations:
Blasting Gelatin; Soup; Glycerol Nitric Acid Triester.
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Nitroglycerin is a pale yellow, oily liquid. It is used to make
dynamite and as a coronary vasodilator. It may enter the
environment from industrial discharges, from dynamite operations,
or spills.
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.
Nitroglycerin has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-
term effects of nitroglycerin to plants, birds, or land animals.
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.
Nitroglycerin has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-
term effects of nitroglycerin to plants, birds, or land animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
Nitroglycerin 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
Nitroglycerin is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of
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 99.8% of nitroglycerin will eventually end up in water; the
rest will end up in about equal amounts in terrestrial soils and in
aquatic sediments.
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 nitroglycerin found in fish tissues is
expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of
nitroglycerin in the water from which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.
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