Right to Know
Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet
Common Name: ATRAZINE
Synonym: 6-Chloro-N-Ethyl-N'-(Methylethyl)-1,3,5-Triazine- CAS Number: 1912-24-9
2,4-Diamine
RTK Substance Number: 0171
Chemical Name: 1,3,5-Triazine, 2,4-Diamine, 6-Chloro-N-Ethyl-N'- UN 2763 (Solid)
DOT Number:
(1-Methylethyl)-
UN 2998 (Liquid)
Date: June 1998 Revision: June 2007
Description and Use EMERGENCY RESPONDERS >>>> SEE PAGE 6
Hazard Summary
Atrazine is a white crystalline (sand-like) solid or powder which
is often mixed with a liquid "carrier." It is used as a herbicide Hazard Rating NJDHSS NFPA
(weed killer) and a plant growth regulator. HEALTH 3 -
FLAMMABILITY 0 -
REACTIVITY 1 -
MAY BE FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
Reason for Citation Atrazine can affect you when inhaled and by passing
Atrazine is on the Right to Know Hazardous Substance List through your skin.
because it is cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, DEP, IARC, Contact can irritate the skin and eyes.
IRIS and EPA. Atrazine may cause a skin allergy.
Exposure to very high levels may affect the nervous system.
Atrazine is often mixed in a liquid "carrier" which may be
flammable or combustible.
SEE GLOSSARY ON PAGE 5.
FIRST AID Workplace Exposure Limits
Eye Contact NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit (REL) is
Immediately flush with large amounts of cool water for at 3
5 mg/m averaged over a 10-hour workshift.
least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids.
Remove contact lenses, if worn, while rinsing. Medical 3
ACGIH: The threshold limit value (TLV) is 5 mg/m averaged
attention is necessary. over an 8-hour workshift.
Skin Contact
The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin
Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin
contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though
with soap and water.
air levels are less than the limits listed above.
Breathing
Remove the person from exposure.
Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
CHEMTREC: 1-800-424-9300
NJDEP Hotline: 1-877-927-6337
National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802
Page 2 of 6
ATRAZINE
Determining Your Exposure Medical
Read the product manufacturer's Material Safety Data Medical Testing
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the
Sheet (MSDS) and the label to determine product
following are recommended:
ingredients and important safety and health information
about the product mixture.
Evaluation by a qualified allergist will help diagnose skin
For each individual hazardous ingredient, read the New allergy.
Exam of the nervous system
Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet, available on the RTK
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and
Program website (www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb) or in
present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for
your facility's RTK Central File or Hazard Communication
damage already done are not a substitute for controlling
Standard file.
exposure.
You have a right to this information under the New Jersey
Worker and Community Right to Know Act, the Public Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right
to this information under the OSHA Access to Employee
Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) Act
Exposure and Medical Records Standard (29 CFR 1910.1020).
if you are a public worker in New Jersey, and under the
federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) if you
are a private worker.
Workplace Controls and Practices
The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most
Very toxic chemicals, or those that are reproductive hazards or
employers to label chemicals in the workplace and
sensitizers, require expert advice on control measures if a
requires public employers to provide their employees with
less toxic chemical cannot be substituted. Control measures
information concerning chemical hazards and controls.
include: (1) enclosing chemical processes for severely
The federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29
irritating and corrosive chemicals, (2) using local exhaust
CFR 1910.1200) requires private employers to provide
ventilation for chemicals that may be harmful with a single
similar information and training to their employees.
exposure, and (3) using general ventilation to control
exposures to skin and eye irritants. For further information on
This Fact Sheet is a summary of available information
regarding the health hazards that may result from exposure. workplace controls, consult the NIOSH document on Control
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other Banding at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ctrlbanding/.
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential
effects described below.
The following work practices are also recommended:
Health Hazard Information
Label process containers.
Provide employees with information and training
Acute Health Effects concerning their hazards.
The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur Monitor airborne chemical concentrations.
immediately or shortly after exposure to Atrazine: Use engineering controls if concentrations exceed
recommended exposure levels.
Contact can irritate the skin and eyes. Provide eye wash fountains and emergency showers.
Wash or shower if skin comes in contact with a hazardous
material.
Chronic Health Effects
Always wash at the end of the workshift.
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at
Change into clean clothing if clothing becomes
some time after exposure to Atrazine and can last for months
contaminated.
or years:
Do not take contaminated clothing home.
Special training is required to wash contaminated clothing.
Cancer Hazard
Do not eat, smoke, or drink in areas where chemicals are
While Atrazine has been tested, it is not classifiable as to its
being handled, processed or stored.
potential to cause cancer.
Wash hands carefully before eating, smoking, drinking,
applying cosmetics or using the toilet.
Reproductive Hazard
There is limited evidence that Atrazine may damage the
developing fetus.
Other Effects
Atrazine may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very
low future exposure can cause itching and a skin rash.
Exposure to very high levels may affect the nervous system.
Page 3 of 6
ATRAZINE
Spills and Emergencies
Personal Protective Equipment
If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be
The OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standard (29 CFR
properly trained and equipped. The OSHA Hazardous Waste
1910.132) requires employers to determine the appropriate Operations and Emergency Response Standard (29 CFR
personal protective equipment for each hazard and to train 1910.120) may apply.
employees on how and when to use protective equipment.
If Atrazine is spilled or leaked, take the following steps:
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may
Evacuate personnel and secure and control entrance to the
not apply to every situation.
area.
Eliminate all ignition sources.
Gloves and Clothing
Dampen powdered material with water and collect in the
most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed
Avoid skin contact with Atrazine. Wear personal protective
containers.
equipment made from material which can not be permeated
Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar
and/or degraded by this substance. Safety equipment
material and deposit in sealed containers.
suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on
Ventilate and wash area after clean-up is complete.
the most protective glove/clothing material for your
DO NOT wash into sewer.
operation.
It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Atrazine as a
All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Department of
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the
federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific
Eye Protection recommendations.
Wear eye protection with side shields or goggles.
Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with
Handling and Storage
corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances.
Prior to working with Atrazine you should be trained on its
Respiratory Protection
proper handling and storage.
Improper use of respirators is dangerous. Such equipment
should only be used if the employer has a written program that
Atrazine is not compatible with STRONG ACIDS (such as
takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for
HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC) and STRONG
worker training, respirator fit testing, and medical exams as
BASES (such as SODIUM HYDROXIDE and POTASSIUM
described in the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 HYDROXIDE).
CFR 1910.134). Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated
area.
For field applications check with your supervisor and your
safety equipment supplier regarding the appropriate
respiratory equipment.
Where the potential exists for exposure over 5 mg/m3, use a
NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure
mode. For increased protection use in combination with an
auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in a
pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
Fire Hazards
If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in the OSHA Fire Brigades Standard
(29 CFR 1910.156).
Atrazine is a noncombustible solid. However, it may be
mixed with flammable or combustible "carrier" liquids.
Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray or a foaming agent.
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including
Hydrogen Chloride and Nitrogen Oxides.
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
Page 4 of 6
ATRAZINE
Occupational Health Information
Resources
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services,
Occupational Health Service, offers multiple services in
occupational health. These include: Right to Know
Information Resources, Public Presentations, General
References, Industrial Hygiene Information, Surveys and
Investigations, and Medical Evaluation.
For more information, please contact:
New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services
Right to Know Program
PO Box 368
Trenton, NJ 08625-0368
Phone: 609-984-2202
Fax: 609-984-7407
E-mail: rtk@doh.state.nj.us
Web address: http://www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb
The Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets
are not intended to be copied and sold
for commercial purposes.
Page 5 of 6
ATRAZINE
GLOSSARY
ACGIH is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. It classifies
Hygienists. They publish guidelines called Threshold Limit substances according to their fire and explosion hazard.
Values (TLVs) for exposure to workplace chemicals.
NIOSH is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health. It tests equipment, evaluates and approves
Boiling point is the temperature at which a substance can
respirators, conducts studies of workplace hazards, and
change its physical state from a liquid to a gas.
proposes standards to OSHA.
A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer.
NTP is the National Toxicology Program which tests chemicals
and reviews evidence for cancer.
The CAS number is assigned by the Chemical Abstracts
Service to identify a specific chemical.
OSHA is the federal Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, which adopts and enforces health and safety
CFR is the Code of Federal Regulations, which are the
standards.
regulations of the United States government.
PEOSHA is the New Jersey Public Employees Occupational
A combustible substance is a solid, liquid or gas that will burn.
Safety and Health Act. PEOSH adopts and enforces health
and safety standards in public workplaces.
A corrosive substance is a gas, liquid or solid that causes
destruction of human skin or severe corrosion of containers.
Permeated is the movement of chemicals through protective
materials.
DEP is the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection.
PIH is a DOT designation for chemicals which are Poison
Inhalation Hazards.
DOT is the Department of Transportation, the federal agency
that regulates the transportation of chemicals.
ppm means parts of a substance per million parts of air. It is a
measure of concentration by volume in air.
EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal
agency responsible for regulating environmental hazards.
A reactive substance is a solid, liquid or gas that releases
energy under certain conditions.
A fetus is an unborn human or animal.
STEL is a Short Term Exposure Limit which is usually a 15-
A flammable substance is a solid, liquid, vapor or gas that will
minute exposure that should not be exceeded at any time
ignite easily and burn rapidly.
during a work day.
The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or solid
A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by
gives off vapor that can form a flammable mixture with air.
damaging the fetus.
IARC is the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a
UEL or Upper Explosive Limit is the highest concentration in
scientific group.
air above which there is too much fuel (gas or vapor) to begin a
reaction or explosion.
Ionization Potential is the amount of energy needed to
remove an electron from an atom or molecule. It is measured
Vapor Density is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of
in electron volts.
one gas to the weight of another (usually Hydrogen), at the
same temperature and pressure.
IRIS is the Integrated Risk Information System database of the
federal EPA that classifies chemicals according to their cancer-
The vapor pressure is a measure of how readily a liquid or a
causing potential.
solid mixes with air at its surface. A higher vapor pressure
indicates a higher concentration of the substance in air and
LEL or Lower Explosive Limit is the lowest concentration in
therefore increases the likelihood of breathing it in.
air below which there is not enough fuel (gas or vapor) to
continue an explosion.
mg/m3 means milligrams of a chemical in a cubic meter of air.
It is a measure of concentration (weight/volume).
A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation
is a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations
can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.
NAERG is the North American Emergency Response
Guidebook. It is a guide for emergency responders for
transportation emergencies involving hazardous substances.
INFORMATION FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS Page 6 of 6
Common Name: ATRAZINE
Synonyms: AAtrex? Gesaprim? Vectal
CAS No: 1912-24-9
Molecular Formula: C8H14ClN5
RTK Substance No: 0171
Description: White, crystalline solid which is often mixed with a liquid (carrier).
HAZARD DATA
Hazard Rating Firefighting Reactivity
- Incompatible with STRONG ACIDS (such as
3 - Health - Atrazine is a noncombustible solid. However, it may
HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC) and
be mixed with flammable or combustible "carrier"
0 - Fire
STRONG BASES (such as SODIUM HYDROXIDE
liquids.
1 ?Reactivity and POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE).
- Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray or a foaming
agent.
DOT#:
- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE,
UN 2763 (Solid)
including Hydrogen Chloride and Nitrogen Oxides.
UN 2998 (Liquid)
- CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
ERG Guide #: 151
Hazard Class: 6.1
(Poison)
SPILLS/LEAKS PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Isolation Distance: 50 meters for liquids (150 feet) Odor Threshold: No information
Flash Point:
25 meters for solids (75 feet) Noncombustible
LEL:
- Dampen solid spills with water before collection. No information
- Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a
UEL: No information
similar material and deposit in sealed containers.
- DO NOT wash into sewer. Vapor Density: No information
- Hazardous to plants, soil organisms and aquatic o o
Vapor Pressure: 0.0000003 mm Hg at 68 F (20 C)
organisms.
Slightly soluble
Water Solubility:
Decomposes
Boiling Point:
No information
Ionization Potential:
EXPOSURE LIMITS PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
OSHA: Gloves:
N/A No information
3
NIOSH: Coverall:
5 mg/m 10-hr TWA No information
3
ACGIH: Boot:
5 mg/m 8-hr TWA No information
IDLH LEVEL: Respirator:
N/A Supplied air
HEALTH EFFECTS FIRST AID AND DECONTAMINATION
Eyes: Irritant - Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove contact lenses, if worn, while rinsing.
Skin: Irritant
- Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with soap
Acute: Skin and eye irritation and water.
Cancer - tested (Not Classifiable). Skin - Remove the person from exposure.
Chronic:
- Transfer to a medical facility.
allergy, may affect the nervous system.
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