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.
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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
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Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA
FLAMMABILITY - 3
REACTIVITY - 0
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POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
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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.
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FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your 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.
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.
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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
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.