Right to Know
Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet
GLYCIDALDEHYDE
Common Name:
Synonyms: 2,3-Epoxypropanol; Glycidal CAS Number: 765-34-4
Chemical Name: Oxiranecarboxaldehyde RTK Substance Number: 0961
Date: May 1999 Revision: July 2008 DOT Number: UN 2622
Description and Use EMERGENCY RESPONDERS >>>> SEE PAGE 6
Hazard Summary
Glycidaldehyde is a colorless liquid with a strong odor. It is
used in processing wool and leather, and in the manufacture of Hazard Rating NJDHSS NFPA
surgical sutures.
HEALTH 3 -
FLAMMABILITY 3 -
REACTIVITY 0 -
CARCINOGEN
FLAMMABLE
Reasons for Citation POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
Glycidaldehyde is on the Right to Know Hazardous CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
Substance List because it is cited by DOT, IARC, IRIS, and
EPA. Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance
List.
Glycidaldehyde can affect you when inhaled and may be
absorbed through the skin.
Glycidaldehyde should be handled as a CARCINOGEN--
WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
Contact can irritate and burn the skin and eyes with possible
eye damage.
SEE GLOSSARY ON PAGE 5.
Inhaling Glycidaldehyde can irritate the nose and throat.
Inhaling Glycidaldehyde can irritate the lungs. Higher
FIRST AID exposures may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs
Eye Contact (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency.
Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 Glycidaldehyde may cause a skin allergy and may damage
minutes, lifting upper and lower lids. Remove contact the liver and kidneys.
lenses, if worn, while flushing. Seek medical attention Glycidaldehyde may affect the nervous system.
immediately.
Skin Contact
Workplace Exposure Limits
Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
No occupational exposure limits have been established for
contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water.
Glycidaldehyde. However, it may pose a health risk. Always
Seek medical attention.
follow safe work practices.
Inhalation
Glycidaldehyde may be a CARCINOGEN in humans.
Remove the person from exposure.
There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so
Begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions) if
all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level.
breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped.
It should be recognized that Glycidaldehyde may be
Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your
Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after
exposure.
overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed.
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
GLYCIDALDEHYDE
Determining Your Exposure Reproductive Hazard
According to the information presently available to the New
Read the product manufacturer's Material Safety Data Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services,
Sheet (MSDS) and the label to determine product Glycidaldehyde has not been tested for its ability to affect
reproduction.
ingredients and important safety and health information
about the product mixture.
Other Effects
For each individual hazardous ingredient, read the New
Glycidaldehyde may cause a skin allergy. If allergy
Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services develops, very low future exposure can cause itching and a
Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet, available on the RTK skin rash.
Program website (www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb) or in Glycidaldehyde can irritate the lungs. Repeated exposure
may cause bronchitis to develop with coughing, phlegm,
your facility's RTK Central File or Hazard Communication
and/or shortness of breath.
Standard file.
Glycidaldehyde may damage the liver and kidneys.
You have a right to this information under the New Jersey Glycidaldehyde may affect the nervous system.
Worker and Community Right to Know Act, the Public
Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) Act
Medical
if you are a public worker in New Jersey, and under the
federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) if you
Medical Testing
are a private worker.
Before beginning employment and at regular times thereafter,
The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most (at least annually), the following are recommended:
employers to label chemicals in the workplace and
Liver and kidney function tests
requires public employers to provide their employees with
Exam of the nervous system
information concerning chemical hazards and controls.
The federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the
CFR 1910.1200) and the PEOSH Hazard Communication
following are recommended:
Standard (N.J.A.C. 12:100-7) require employers to provide
similar information and training to their employees. Consider chest x-ray after acute overexposure
Evaluation by a qualified allergist can help diagnose skin
This Fact Sheet is a summary of available information allergy.
regarding the health hazards that may result from exposure.
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for
effects described below. damage already done are not a substitute for controlling
exposure.
Health Hazard Information Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right
to this information under the OSHA Access to Employee
Acute Health Effects Exposure and Medical Records Standard (29 CFR 1910.1020).
The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to Glycidaldehyde:
Mixed Exposures
Smoking can cause heart disease, lung cancer,
Contact can irritate and burn the skin and eyes with possible
emphysema, and other respiratory problems. It may worsen
eye damage.
respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if
Inhaling Glycidaldehyde can irritate the nose and throat.
you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce
Inhaling Glycidaldehyde can irritate the lungs causing
your risk of developing health problems.
coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures may
More than light alcohol consumption can cause liver
cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a
damage. Drinking alcohol may increase the liver damage
medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath.
caused by Glycidaldehyde.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at
some time after exposure to Glycidaldehyde and can last for
months or years:
Cancer Hazard
Glycidaldehyde may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since
it has been shown to cause skin cancer in animals.
Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to
a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential
for causing reproductive damage in humans.
Page 3 of 6
GLYCIDALDEHYDE
Workplace Controls and Practices Eye Protection
Wear indirect-vent, impact and splash resistant goggles
Very toxic chemicals, or those that are reproductive hazards or
when working with liquids.
sensitizers, require expert advice on control measures if a less
Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with
toxic chemical cannot be substituted. Control measures
corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances.
include: (1) enclosing chemical processes for severely
Do not wear contact lenses when working with this
irritating and corrosive chemicals, (2) using local exhaust
substance.
ventilation for chemicals that may be harmful with a single
exposure, and (3) using general ventilation to control
Respiratory Protection
exposures to skin and eye irritants. For further information on
Improper use of respirators is dangerous. Respirators
workplace controls, consult the NIOSH document on Control
Banding at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ctrlbanding/. should only be used if the employer has implemented a written
program that takes into account workplace conditions,
The following work practices are also recommended: requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing, and
medical exams, as described in the OSHA Respiratory
Label process containers.
Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134).
Provide employees with hazard information and training.
Monitor airborne chemical concentrations.
Where the potential for overexposure exists, use a NIOSH
Use engineering controls if concentrations exceed
approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
recommended exposure levels.
operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure
Provide eye wash fountains and emergency showers.
mode. For increased protection use in combination with an
Wash or shower if skin comes in contact with a hazardous
auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in a
material.
pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
Always wash at the end of the workshift.
Change into clean clothing if clothing becomes
contaminated.
Do not take contaminated clothing home.
Fire Hazards
Get special training to wash contaminated clothing.
If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
Do not eat, smoke, or drink in areas where chemicals are
being handled, processed or stored. and equipped as stated in the OSHA Fire Brigades Standard
Wash hands carefully before eating, smoking, drinking, (29 CFR 1910.156).
applying cosmetics or using the toilet.
Glycidaldehyde is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID.
In addition, the following may be useful or required: Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant
foam as extinguishing agents.
Before entering a confined space where Glycidaldehyde POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE.
may be present, check to make sure that an explosive CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
concentration does not exist. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back.
Vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance to cause
Personal Protective Equipment a fire or explosion far from the source.
The OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standard (29 CFR
1910.132) requires employers to determine the appropriate
personal protective equipment for each hazard and to train
employees on how and when to use protective equipment.
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may
not apply to every situation.
Gloves and Clothing
Avoid skin contact with Glycidaldehyde. Wear personal
protective equipment made from material that can not be
permeated or degraded by this substance. Safety
equipment suppliers and manufacturers can provide
recommendations on the most protective glove and clothing
material for your operation.
Safety equipment manufacturers recommend Butyl, PVC
and Silver Shield?4H?as glove materials for Aldehydes
and DuPont Tychem?BR, LV, Responder? and TK;
Kappler?Zytron?500; and Saint-Gobain ONESuit?TEC, or
the equivalent, as protective materials for Aliphatic
Aldehydes.
All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
Page 4 of 6
GLYCIDALDEHYDE
Spills and Emergencies Occupational Health Information
If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be
Resources
properly trained and equipped. The OSHA Hazardous Waste
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services,
Operations and Emergency Response Standard (29 CFR
Occupational Health Service, offers multiple services in
1910.120) may apply.
occupational health. These services include providing
informational resources, educational materials, public
If Glycidaldehyde is spilled or leaked, take the following steps:
presentations, and industrial hygiene and medical
Evacuate personnel and secure and control entrance to the investigations and evaluations.
area.
Eliminate all ignition sources.
Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar
For more information, please contact:
material and deposit in sealed containers.
Ventilate and wash area after clean-up is complete.
New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services
DO NOT wash into sewer.
Right to Know Program
Keep Glycidaldehyde out of confined spaces, such as
sewers, because of the possibility of an explosion. PO Box 368
It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Trenton, NJ 08625-0368
Glycidaldehyde as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Phone: 609-984-2202
state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your
Fax: 609-984-7407
regional office of the federal Environmental Protection
E-mail: rtk@doh.state.nj.us
Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations.
Web address: http://www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb
Handling and Storage The Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets
are not intended to be copied and sold
Prior to working with Glycidaldehyde you should be trained on
for commercial purposes.
its proper handling and storage.
Glycidaldehyde is not compatible with OXIDIZING
AGENTS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES,
PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, NITRATES,
CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE); STRONG ACIDS
(such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC);
STRONG BASES (such as SODIUM HYDROXIDE and
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE); and REDUCING AGENTS
(such as LITHIUM, SODIUM, ALUMINUM and their
HYDRIDES).
Glycidaldehyde is an Epoxide and an Aldehyde. These
substances are frequently reactive and can polymerize
(uncontrolled reaction) to give off heat and/or cause violent
reactions.
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated
area away from HEAT and LIGHT.
Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where Glycidaldehyde is used, handled, or
stored.
Metal containers involving the transfer of Glycidaldehyde
should be grounded and bonded.
Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially when
opening and closing containers of Glycidaldehyde.
Page 5 of 6
GLYCIDALDEHYDE
GLOSSARY
ACGIH is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial LEL or Lower Explosive Limit, is the lowest concentration of
Hygienists. They publish guidelines called Threshold Limit a combustible substance (gas or vapor) in the air capable of
Values (TLVs) for exposure to workplace chemicals. continuing an explosion.
Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) are established mg/m3 means milligrams of a chemical in a cubic meter of air.
by the EPA. They describe the risk to humans resulting from It is a measure of concentration (weight/volume).
once-in-a lifetime, or rare, exposure to airborne chemicals.
A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation
Boiling point is the temperature at which a substance can is a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations
change its physical state from a liquid to a gas. can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.
A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer. NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. It classifies
substances according to their fire and explosion hazard.
The CAS number is unique, identifying number, assigned by
the Chemical Abstracts Service, to a specific chemical. NIOSH is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health. It tests equipment, evaluates and approves
CFR is the Code of Federal Regulations, which are the respirators, conducts studies of workplace hazards, and
regulations of the United States government. proposes standards to OSHA.
A combustible substance is a solid, liquid or gas that will burn. NTP is the National Toxicology Program which tests chemicals
and reviews evidence for cancer.
A corrosive substance is a gas, liquid or solid that causes
destruction of human skin or severe corrosion of containers. OSHA is the federal Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, which adopts and enforces health and safety
DEP is the New Jersey Department of Environmental standards.
Protection.
PEOSHA is the New Jersey Public Employees Occupational
DOT is the Department of Transportation, the federal agency Safety and Health Act, which adopts and enforces health and
that regulates the transportation of chemicals. safety standards in public workplaces.
EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal Permeated is the movement of chemicals through protective
agency responsible for regulating environmental hazards. materials.
ERG is the Emergency Response Guidebook. It is a guide for PIH is a DOT designation for chemicals which are Poison
emergency responders for transportation emergencies Inhalation Hazards.
involving hazardous substances.
ppm means parts of a substance per million parts of air. It is a
Emergency Response Planning Guideline (ERPG) values measure of concentration by volume in air.
are intended to provide estimates of concentration ranges
where one reasonably might anticipate observing adverse A reactive substance is a solid, liquid or gas that releases
effects. energy under certain conditions.
A fetus is an unborn human or animal. STEL is a Short Term Exposure Limit which is usually a 15-
minute exposure that should not be exceeded at any time
A flammable substance is a solid, liquid, vapor or gas that will during a work day.
ignite easily and burn rapidly.
A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by
The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or solid damaging the fetus.
gives off vapor that can form a flammable mixture with air.
UEL or Upper Explosive Limit is the highest concentration in
IARC is the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a air above which there is too much fuel (gas or vapor) to begin a
scientific group. reaction or explosion.
Ionization Potential is the amount of energy needed to Vapor Density is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of
remove an electron from an atom or molecule. It is measured one gas to the weight of another (usually Hydrogen), at the
in electron volts. same temperature and pressure.
IRIS is the Integrated Risk Information System database The vapor pressure is a measure of how readily a liquid or a
maintained by federal EPA. The database contains solid mixes with air at its surface. A higher vapor pressure
information on human health effects that may result from indicates a higher concentration of the substance in air and
exposure to various chemicals in the environment. therefore increases the likelihood of breathing it in.
INFORMATION FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS Page 6 of 6
Common Name: GLYCIDALDEHYDE
Synonyms: 2,3-Epoxypropanol; Glycidal
CAS No: 765-34-4
Molecular Formula: C3H4O2
RTK Substance No: 0961
Description: Colorless liquid with a strong odor
HAZARD DATA
Hazard Rating Firefighting Reactivity
Glycidaldehyde is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. Glycidaldehyde is not compatible with OXIDIZING
3 - Health
AGENTS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES,
Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-
3 - Fire PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, NITRATES,
resistant foam as extinguishing agents.
CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE); STRONG
0 - Reactivity POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. NITRIC); STRONG BASES (such as SODIUM
DOT#: UN 2622
Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers HYDROXIDE and POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE); and
ERG Guide #: 131P cool. REDUCING AGENTS (such as LITHIUM, SODIUM,
ALUMINUM and their HYDRIDES).
Hazard Class: 3 Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash
(Flammable) back. Glycidaldehyde is an Epoxide and an Aldehyde. These
Vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance substances are frequently reactive and can polymerize
to cause a fire or explosion far from the source. to give off heat and/or cause violent reactions.
SPILL/LEAKS PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Isolation Distance: Odor Threshold: Strong odor
Small Spill: 60 meters (200 feet) 88oF (31oC)
Flash Point:
Large Spill: 270 meters (900 feet)
Vapor Density: 2.58 (air = 1)
Fire: 800 meters (1/2 mile)
27 mm Hg at 77oF (25oC)
Vapor Pressure:
Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a
similar material and deposit in sealed containers. Specific Gravity: 1.14 (water = 1)
Keep Glycidaldehyde out of confined spaces, such as
Water Solubility: Miscible
sewers, because of the possibility of an explosion.
234o to 235oF (112o to 113oC)
Boiling Point:
DO NOT wash into sewer.
-80oF (-62oC)
Melting Point:
Bioaccumulation is not significant. Biodegrades
rapidly.
Molecular Weight: 72.1
EXPOSURE LIMITS PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Gloves: Butyl, PVC and Silver Shield?4H? (4-hr breakthrough
No occupational exposure limits have been
for Aldehydes)
established for Glycidaldehyde.
DuPont Tychem?BR, LV, Responder? and TK;
Coveralls:
Kappler?Zytron?500; and Saint-Gobain ONESuit?br>
TEC (>8-hr breakthrough for Aliphatic Aldehydes)
Respirator: Supplied air
HEALTH EFFECTS FIRST AID AND DECONTAMINATION
Remove the person from exposure.
Eyes: Irritation and burns
Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove
Irritation and burns with itching and rash
Skin:
contact lenses if worn. Seek medical attention immediately.
Inhalation: Nose, throat and lung irritation with
Quickly remove contaminated clothing and wash contaminated skin with
coughing and severe shortness of breath
large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention.
(pulmonary edema)
Begin artificial respiration if breathing has stopped and CPR if necessary.
Chronic: Cancer (skin) in animals
Transfer to a medical facility.
Medical observation is recommended as symptoms may be delayed.
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