Common Name: Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate CAS Number: 103-23-1 DOT Number: None Date: January 4, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate can affect you when breathed in. * Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate can cause eye irritation and may burn the skin. IDENTIFICATION Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is a light colored, oily liquid. It is used as a plasticizer in making polyvinyl and certain other plastics, and in solvents and aircraft lubricants. REASON FOR CITATION * Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DEP, EPA, IARC and NFPA. * 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 No occupational exposure limits have been established for Bis (2- Ethylhexyl) Adipate. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. * Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate may cause cancer, mutations or reproductive problems. All contact with this chemical should be reduced to the lowest possible level. 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 Bis (2- Ethylhexyl) Adipate 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 Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate: * Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate can irritate the eyes and may burn the skin. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * There is limited evidence that Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate causes cancer in animals. It may cause cancer of the liver. * 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. Reproductive Hazard * There is limited evidence that Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate may damage the developing fetus. * There is limited evidence that Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate may decrease fertility in males and females. Other Long Term Effects * Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate has not been tested for other chronic (long term) health effects. MEDICAL Medical Testing 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. There is no special test for this chemical. However, if illness occurs or over exposure is suspected, medical attention is recommended. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. 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 control is recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Bis (2- Ethylhexyl) Adipate should change into clean clothing promptly. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Bis (2- Ethylhexyl) Adipate. * On skin contact with Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate 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 Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate. 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 Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate, 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposure to Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate, 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. Common Name: Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 103-23-1 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 1 REACTIVITY - 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including acrid smoke and irritating fumes. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate 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. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Bis (2- Ethylhexyl) Adipate as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is an ester. Some esters may explode on mixing with NITRATES. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with water. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 2.60 mm Hg at 392oF (200oC) Flash Point: 385oF (196oC) Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Hexanedioic Acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester Other Names and Formulations: BEHA; DEHA; DOA; Dioctyl Adipate; Octyl Adipate; Di-2-Ethylhexyl Adipate. ------------------------------------------ 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 Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is a liquid used to make plastics and lubricants. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges 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. Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of this chemical 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. Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of this chemical to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is slightly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1 milligram and less will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate 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 47.5% of this chemical will eventually end up in terrestrial soils; about 44% will end up in aquatic sediments; and 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 Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate found in fish tissues is expected to be considerably higher than the average concentration of this chemical in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA. ............................................................................... .