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Isopropyl Alcohol Material Safety Data Sheet
 Common Name:    Isopropyl Alcohol 
 CAS Number:     67-63-0 
 DOT Number:     UN 1219 
 Date:           September, 1988 





 HAZARD SUMMARY 
 *    Isopropyl Alcohol can affect you when breathed in and by 
      passing through your skin. 
 *    There is an increased risk of cancer associated with the 
      manufacturing of Isopropyl Alcohol. 
 *    Exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, mouth, and 
      throat. 
 *    Overexposure may cause headaches, drowsiness, clumsiness, 
      unconsciousness, and death. 
 *    Contact may irritate the skin. Repeated skin exposure can 
      cause itching, a rash, and drying and cracking. 
 *    Isopropyl Alcohol is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a FIRE HAZARD. 
 
 IDENTIFICATION 
 Isopropyl Alcohol is a colorless liquid. Rubbing alcohol is a 
 solution of Isopropyl Alcohol. It is used as a solvent and in 
 making many commercial products. 
 
 REASON FOR CITATION 
 *    Isopropyl Alcohol is on the Hazardous Substance List because 
      it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NFPA and EPA. 
 *    This chemical is 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 = 22 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 
           400 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift.  
 NIOSH:     The recommended airborne exposure limit is 400 ppm 
           averaged over a 10 hour workshift and 800 ppm, not to be 
           exceeded during any 15 minute work period.  
 ACGIH:    The recommended airborne exposure limit is 400 ppm 
           averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 500 ppm as a STEL 
           (short term exposure limit). 
 
 *    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 Isopropyl 
      Alcohol 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 Isopropyl Alcohol 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 Isopropyl Alcohol: 
 
 *    It may irritate the skin, causing a rash or burning feeling on 
      contact. 
 *    Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. 
 *    Overexposure to the vapor may cause headaches, drowsiness, a 
      loss of coordination, collapse, and death. 
 
 Chronic Health Effects 
 The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some 
 time after exposure to Isopropyl Alcohol and can last for months or 
 years: 
 
 Cancer Hazard 
 *    There is an increased incidence of nasal sinus cancer in 
      workers involved in the manufacture of Isopropyl Alcohol by 
      the strong acid process. There is no evidence that Isopropyl 
      Alcohol is a carcinogen. 
 
 Reproductive Hazard 
 *    According to the information presently available to the New 
      Jersey Department of Health, Isopropyl Alcohol has not been 
      tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. 
 
 Other Long Term Effects 
 *    Skin exposure can cause itching, redness, and rashes in some 
      people. Repeated or prolonged exposure can cause dryness and 
      cracking of skin. 
 *    This chemical has not been adequately evaluated to determine 
      whether brain or other nerve damage could occur with repeated 
      exposure. However, many solvents and other petroleum based 
      chemicals have been shown to cause such damage.  Effects may 
      include reduced memory and concentration, personality  changes  
      (withdrawal, irritability), fatigue, sleep disturbances, 
      reduced coordination, and/or effects on nerves supplying 
      internal organs (autonomic nerves) and/or nerves to the arms 
      and legs (weakness, "pins and needles"). 
 
 MEDICAL TESTING 
 
 *    There is no special test for this chemical. However, if 
      illness occurs or overexposure is suspected, medical attention 
      is recommended. 
 *    Interview for brain effects, including recent memory, mood 
      (irritability, withdrawal), concentration, headaches, malaise 
      and altered sleep patterns. Consider cerebellar, autonomic and 
      peripheral nervous system evaluation. Positive and borderline 
      individuals should be referred for neuropsychological 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. 
 
 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 controls are recommended: 
 
 *    Where possible, automatically pump liquid Isopropyl Alcohol 
      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: 
      Isopropyl Alcohol #76 142. 
 
 Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The 
 following work practices are recommended: 
 
 *    Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Isopropyl 
      Alcohol should change into clean clothing promptly. 
 *    Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals 
      who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Isopropyl 
      Alcohol. 
 *    On skin contact with Isopropyl Alcohol, immediately wash or 
      shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, 
      wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Isopropyl 
      Alcohol, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. 
 *    Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Isopropyl Alcohol 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 Isopropyl Alcohol. Wear solvent 
      resistant 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. 
 *    ACGIH recommends natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, or 
      polyvinyl chloride protective material. 
 
 Eye Protection 
 *    Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when 
      working with liquid, 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 near or over 400 ppm, 
      use a MSHA/ NIOSH approved respirator with an organic vapor 
      cartridge/canister. More protection is provided by a full 
      facepiece respirator than by a half mask respirator, and even 
      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 Isopropyl Alcohol, 
      or in the case of a full face piece 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 higher exposures exists, 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 20,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and 
      health. If the possibility of exposures above 20,000 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 Isopropyl Alcohol you should be trained 
      on its proper handling and storage. 
 *    Isopropyl Alcohol must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG 
      OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE, and FLUORINE) since 
      violent reactions occur. 
 *    Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated 
      area away from HEAT. 
 *    Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are 
      prohibited where Isopropyl Alcohol is used, handled, or stored 
      in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion 
      hazard. 
 *    Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more 
      of Isopropyl Alcohol 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 Isopropyl Alcohol. 
 
 Common Name: Isopropyl Alcohol 
 DOT Number: UN 1219 
 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26 
 CAS Number: 67-63-0 
 ---------------------------------------- 
 Hazard rating         NJ DOH  NFPA 
 FLAMMABILITY            -       3 
 REACTIVITY              -       0 
 ---------------------------------------- 
 POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE 
 CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE 
 ---------------------------------------- 
 Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 
 4=severe 
 
 FIRE HAZARDS 
 *    Isopropyl Alcohol is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. 
 *    Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. 
 *    CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. 
 *    Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or alcohol foam 
      extinguishers. 
 *    POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED 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 Isopropyl Alcohol 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. 
 *    Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar 
      material and deposit in sealed containers. 
 *    Keep Isopropyl Alcohol out of a confined space, such as a 
      sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the 
      sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive 
      concentrations. 
 *    It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Isopropyl 
      Alcohol as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of 
      Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the 
      federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 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 15 
      minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. 
 
 Skin Contact 
 *    Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash 
      contaminated skin with large amounts of water. 
 
 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:     33 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) 
 Flash Point:           53oF (11.6oC) 
 Water Solubility:   Miscible 
 
 OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES 
 
 Chemical Name: 
 2-Propanol 
 
 Other Names and Formulations: 
 Rubbing Alcohol; Dimethylcarbinol; Isopro panol; sec-Propyl 
 Alcohol. 
 ------------------------------------------ 
 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 
 
 Isopropyl alcohol is a clear, flammable liquid with numerous uses.  
 It is used in antifreeze; as a solvent for gums, shellac and 
 essential oils; in quick-drying inks and oils; in cosmetics such as 
 body rubs, hand lotions and after-shave lotions; and to make other 
 chemicals.  It may enter the environment from industrial 
 discharges, municipal waste water treatment 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. 
 
 Isopropyl alcohol has slight toxicity to aquatic life.  
 Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- 
 term effects of isopropyl alcohol 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. 
 
 Isopropyl alcohol has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms.  
 Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- 
 term effects of isopropyl alcohol to plants, birds, or land 
 animals. 
 
 WATER SOLUBILITY 
 
 Isopropyl alcohol 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 
 
 Isopropyl alcohol 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 77.5% of isopropyl alchohol 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 oranisms 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 isopropyl alcohol found in fish tissues is 
 expected to be about the same as the average concentration of 
 isopropyl alcohol in the water from which the fish was taken. 
 
 SUPPORT DOCUMENT:   AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA, 
                     Phytotox.