Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

CHEMICAL NAME

CRC PRESS/LEWIS PUBLISHERS DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

PRESENTED HEREIN ARE BASED ON SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE. CRC MAKES NO REPRESENTATION ON
ITS COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO DETERMINE THE CHEMICAL'S
SUITABILITY FOR ITS INTENDED USE, THE CHEMICAL'S SAFE USE, AND THE CHEMICAL'S PROPER DISPOSAL. NO
REPRESENTATIONS AND/OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OF THE MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE, ARE MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS MSDS OR TO THE CHEMICAL TO WHICH INFORMATION MAY REFER. CRC
NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT, ANY OTHER ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR THE USE OF, OR RELIANCE UPON, THIS INFORMATION.

PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

HAZARD WARNING INFORMATION

HEALTH

FIRE

REACTIVE

OTHER

DEGREE OF HAZARD
0 = Minimum Hazard
1 = Slight Hazard
2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard

COLOR CODING
HEALTH = BLUE
FIRE = RED
REACTIVITY = YELLOW
OTHER = WHITE

OTHER CODES
OX = Oxidizer
ACID = Acid
ALK = Alkali
COR = Corrosive
W = Use No Water

SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION

Characterization

RCRA Number

Anhydride

EPA Class

U190

DOT Proper Shipping Name

Toxic Waste

Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Number

Phthalic Anhydride

85-44-9

DOT Hazard Class and Label Requirements

DOT Emergency Guide Code

Corrosive

60

DOT Identification Number

Chemical Formula

UN 2214

C6H4(CO)2O

Synonyms

1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic anhydride; PAN; phthalic acid anhydride; 1,3-dioxophthalan.

SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS AND IDENTITY INFORMATION

Hazardous Components (specific identity)

Phthalic anhydride (derivation: By

catalytic oxidation of naphthalene).

OSHA Exposure Criteria

PEL (8-hour):
2 ppm
12 mg/m3

NIOSH Exposure Criteria

Immediately Dangerous to
Life and Health (IDLH)

REL (10-hour):
1 ppm
6 mg/m3

ACGIH Exposure Criteria

TLV:
1 mg/m3
6 mg/m3
60 mg/m3

1 ppm = 6.16 mg/m3

STEL:
Not
Established

STEL:
Not
Established

STEL:
Not
Established

SECTION III - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Boiling Point

Specific Gravity (H2O = 1)

563F (295C) Sublimes

1.53 (flake) 1.20 (molten)

Vapor Pressure (mm Hg)

Molecular Weight

0.0015 at 69F (20C)

148.1

Vapor Density (Air = 1)

Melting Point

267F (131C)

5.1
Solubility

Slightly soluble in water (0.6%), more soluble in hot water. Soluble in alcohol and carbon disulfide.
Appearance and Odor

White solid flake or a clear, colorless molten liquid with a characteristic acrid, irritating, choking odor.
Odor Threshold = 0.05 ppm.

SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point (method used)

Explosive Limits in Air % by Volume

304F (152C) closed cup

NFPA Classification

LEL: 1.7%

UEL: 10.5%

Autoignition Temperature

1058F (569C)

Combustible Solid
Extinguishing Media

Use carbon dioxide or dry chemical on solid or molten materials. Use water spray on the flake or dust.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures

Poisonous gases are produced in fire; wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Isolate area and deny entry to those not involved in response procedures. Move containers
from fire area if it can be done without risk. If this is not possible, use water spray to keep fire-exposed
containers cool. Do Not release runoff from fire control measures to sewers or waterways.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards

Vapors and dusts may burn in air. A serious dust explosion hazard exists at or above 0.015 ounces per
cubic foot of air-dispersed particulate (ignition temperature for dust clouds: 1202F/650C).
1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA

Conditions to Avoid

Phthalic anhydride is normally stable under routine conditions of handling and storage. Avoid contact
with incompatible materials, moisture, and air.

Stability
Stable

Unstable

Incompatibility (materials to avoid)

Incompatible materials include water (converts to phthalic acid in hot water), moisture in air, and strong
oxidizers (chlorine, bromine, fluorine).

X
Hazardous
Polymerization
May Occur

Will Not Occur

Conditions to Avoid

Under normal conditions of temperature and pressure, hazardous polymerization of phthalic anhydride
cannot occur. In the presence of iron, pyrophoric phthalic acid salts can be formed which are explosive.
Hazardous Decomposition or By-products

When heated to decomposition, phthalic anhydride emits toxic and irritating fumes and vapors, including
toxic oxides of carbon.

SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Inhalation?

Primary Route(s) of Entry:

Absorption (skin)?

Ingestion?

Health Hazards

INHALATION: Causes irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system with coughing, sneezing, dypsnea, mucous membrane irritation in the nasal cavity leading to ulceration of the
septum, nasal bleeding, loss of the sense of smell, conjunctivitis, hoarseness, possible
blood changes, and chemical bronchitis with asthma-like symptoms.
SKIN & EYES: Skin contact causes serious caustic burns, itchy rash, and dermatitis. Eye contact may
cause burns, irritation, corneal scarring, and perhaps permanent damage.
INGESTION:

Burning of the mouth, esophagus, and digestive tract. Pain in the chest, stomach, and
painful swallowing. In moist tissues, it hydrolyzes to phthalic acid, which is corrosive.

Carcinogenicity

NTP Listed?

Unknown Human
Unknown Animal

No

IARC Cancer Review Group?

OSHA Regulated?

Target Organs?

No

29 CFR 1910.1000
Table Z-1

Skin, eyes, liver, kidney,

respiratory system.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Existing chronic respiratory diseases may be aggravated by exposure.

Emergency and First-aid Procedures

Eye contact: Flush immediately with water for 15 minutes (minimum); seek medical attention. Skin contact: Remove all contaminated clothing. Wash area with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical assistance. For inhalation: Remove the person from exposure. Provide respiratory assistance and
CPR. Transfer to medical facility. Spray or gargle with water to relieve throat irritation. If swallowed:
Contact poison control center. Unless told otherwise, give soapy water to drink and induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious or convulsing person.

SECTION VII - PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled

Collect powdered material using a vacuum equipped with HEPA filter, deposit in sealed drums for disposal. Avoid skin contact. Do NOT dry sweep (generates dusts). Allow molten materials to solidify, then
treat as a solid. Ventilate area of spill to disperse any collection of gas, vapors, or dusts.
Preferred Waste Disposal Method

Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.

Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storage

Do not store phthalic anhydride in the presence of incompatible chemicals or materials. Store in tightly
closed containers in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area. Electrically ground and bond all containers and
equipment to prevent static sparks and possible ignition.
Other Precautions and Warnings

Keep away from water, moisture, and incompatible materials. Prevent damage to containers.

SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Respiratory Protection (specify type)

PEL is extremely low (2 ppm). Use a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full facepiece or a
supplied-air respirator operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.
Ventilation

Local exhaust or general mechanical systems recommended.

Protective Gloves

Impervious Material

Eye Protection

Chemical/Dust Goggles or Face Mask

Other Protective Clothing

Protective Apron

Work/Hygiene Practices

Always wash hands thoroughly after using chemical; never bring food, drink, or smoking materials into
vicinity of chemicals.
1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE
C6H4(CO)2O

CAS: 85-44-9

O
1

O
2

IDENTIFICATION AND TYPICAL USES

Phthalic anhydride is a white solid flake or a clear,
colorless, molten liquid with a characteristic, irritating,
choking odor. It is used in the manufacture of alkyd
resins, plasticizers, as a hardener for other resins, in
polyesters, in the synthesis of phenolphthalein and
other phthaleins, many other dyes, chlorinated products, pharmaceutical intermediates, insecticides, diethyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, and as a laboratory
reagent.

RISK ASSESSMENT: HEALTH

General Assessment
Phthalic anhydride is a human poison primarily by
inhalation, causing toxic systemic effects targeting the
respiratory system. It can also cause toxic effects by
ingestion. It is an experimental teratogen, causing fetal development problems in test animals. There are
no reports regarding its carcinogenic or mutagenic
potential in humans or animals.
Inhalation of phthalic anhydride can be irritating
to the nose, throat, mucosa, and the upper respiratory
tract. Asthmatic-like symptoms include coughing,
sneezing, and dypsnea. There may also be ulceration
of the nasal septa, nose bleeds, loss of sense of smell,
hoarseness, bronchitis, blood changes, and chemical
bronchitis. In the presence of moist tissues, it hydrolyzes to phthalic acid which is corrosive and irritating.
Ingestion of phthalic anhydride can cause burning
of the mouth, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract
with deep, burning pain in the chest and stomach, and
pain on swallowing.
Skin contact may not result in any immediate effects. However, if the chemical is not removed
quickly, there can be deep and painful burning, blis-

tering, and possible dermatitis and allergic sensitization in some individuals.

1 Acute Health Effects

The following acute (short-term) health effects may
occur immediately or shortly after exposure to phthalic
anhydride:
Skin:

Irritation and possible rash. Moisture on skin's

surface will enhance the reaction.

Eye:

Severe burns, corneal scarring, and possible

damage to vision.

Lung: Severe irritation of the nose, throat, and

esophagus. Nasal cavity irritation can lead to
ulceration of the septa with nose bleeds and
loss of the sense of smell.

0 Chronic Health Effects

The following chronic (long-term) health effects may
occur at some time after exposure to phthalic anhydride and can last for months or even years:
Cancer Hazards: According to the information presented in the references, phthalic anhydride has not
been adequately tested for its ability to cause cancer in
test animals.
Reproductive Hazard: According to the information
presented in the references, phthalic anhydride has
been shown to cause teratogenic effects in test animals. It is not known if human exposure will have the
same results. More research is required in this regard.
Other Chronic Effects:
Prolonged contact with
phthalic anhydride can lead to the development of a
skin allergy. If an allergy develops, very low future
exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. It may
also cause an asthma-like lung allergy with shortness

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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of breath, wheezing, coughing, and or tightness in the

chest. Very irritating substances may affect the lungs.
It is not known if phthalic anhydride causes permanent
lung damage on chronic exposure.

; Lung function tests (may be normal if person is

not experiencing symptoms at the time of the test).

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

; Lung function tests.

Personnel should avoid direct contact with phthalic

anhydride. It is a toxic, human poison on inhalation.
Its human teratogenic properties are not clearly understood in the references. If a less toxic chemical cannot
be substituted for a hazardous substance, engineering
controls are the most effective method of reducing
exposures. The best protection is to enclose operations
and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of
chemical release. While not always operationally feasible, isolating operations can also reduce exposure.
Using respiratory protection is less effective than
the controls mentioned above, but is still advisable
whenever working with or around phthalic anhydride.
This chemical has an extremely low permissible exposure limit (1 ppm), which is difficult to accurately
monitor. Therefore, prudent risk management requires
a conservative approach to personal protection. While
a chemical respirator with a dust/mist pre-filter may
suffice, the best protection is obtained using a supplied-air respirator operated in continuous flow mode
or a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with
full facepiece operated in pressure demand or positive
pressure mode. If a full facepiece is not available,
then chemical/dust goggles should be worn to protect
the eyes. Whenever phthalic anhydride is being mixed
with liquids, a chemical splash hazard exists and a face
shield and rubber apron should be worn. To prevent
hand and skin exposures, protective gloves should be
used. Glove manufacturers should be contacted and
permeation studies obtained before final glove selections have been made.
Administrative controls should also be in place to
minimize the potential for human exposures. These
may include written procedures or policies which
specify the methods and techniques that will be practiced whenever personnel are to work with phthalic
anhydride.
All personnel should receive training on the use,
hazards, protective measures, emergency actions, and
other precautions per 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard
Communication), prior to the first assignment in an
area where phthalic anhydride is used or stored. Before beginning employment and at regular intervals
thereafter (e.g., annually), the following medical tests
are recommended for persons with frequent or anticipated high exposure to phthalic anhydride:

; Evaluation by a qualified allergist with careful

consideration of exposure history and special
testing (may help diagnose skin allergy).

If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the

following medical tests may be useful:

Any evaluation should include a careful medical history of past and present symptoms with an examination. However, medical tests that evaluate existing
damage are not a substitute for controlling exposure.
Also, since smoking can cause heart disease, emphysema, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases,
smokers may experience symptoms more rapidly than
non-smokers under the same conditions of exposure.
Prudent risk management requires proper consideration of all possible factors that may be causing the appearance of exposure symptoms in the workplace.
Other methods to reduce exposure include:
;

Where possible, enclose operations and use local

exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release.
If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not
used, then respiratory protection should be mandatory and its use enforced.

Always ensure that proper protective clothing is

worn when using chemical substances and that
personnel are trained in its use and care.

Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to

phthalic anhydride and at the end of the work
shift or before eating, drinking, or smoking.

Hazard warning information should be posted in

the work area. In addition, as part of an on-going
education and training program, all information
on the health and safety hazards of phthalic anhydride should be communicated to all exposed
or potentially exposed workers.

Eye wash stations should be provided in work

areas. If the potential for whole body exposure
exists, then safety showers should also be provided in t he immediate work area. Even if no
immediate or noticeable effects occur on skin
contact, personnel must still be instructed to use
the safety showers to remove the chemical.

RISK ASSESSMENT: ENVIRONMENT

General Assessment
The environment is at risk of exposure during transportation, storage, disposal, or destruction of phthalic

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

anhydride. In almost every scenario, the threat of environmental exposure is contingent upon the proper
handling of the chemical substance. Accidental spills,
large or small, can result in fire, explosion, and possible contamination of the surrounding environmental
mediums (water, soil, and air).
Phthalic anhydride is considered a combustible
solid. It can react with water or moisture to produce
phthalic acid which is corrosive to most metals.
Phthalic anhydride mist, dust, or vapor can explode in
proper mixtures with air in contact with an ignition
source. These characteristics require special consideration during any emergency situation involving a
leak or spill of phthalic anhydride or phthalic anhydride mixtures. Should phthalic anhydride ever come
into contact with other incompatible substances, such
as strong oxidizers, either during use, transportation,
or storage, violent and even explosive reactions can
occur. Phthalic anhydride can enter the environment
from industrial discharges and spills.

1 Acute Ecological Effects

Acute (short-term) toxic effects may include the death
of animals, birds, or fish and death or low growth rate
in plants. Acute effects are seen 2 to 4 days after animals or plants are exposed to phthalic anhydride.
Phthalic anhydride has low acute toxicity to
aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate
or predict the short-term effects of phthalic anhydride
to plants, birds, or land animals.

0 Chronic Ecological Effects

Chronic toxic effects may include shortened life span,
reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in
appearance or behavior in exposed animals. These
effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to toxic
chemicals.
Phthalic anhydride has low chronic toxicity to
aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate
or predict the long-term effects of phthalic anhydride
to plants, birds, or land animals.

6 Water Solubility
Phthalic anhydride is slightly soluble. Concentrations
of 10 milligrams will mix with a liter of water.

 Persistence in the Environment

Phthalic anhydride is non-persistent in water, with a

half-life of less than 2 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one half of the

Page: 5

chemical to be degraded. It will hydrolyze rapidly to

produce phthalic acid.

O 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
as well as humans.
Since phthalic anhydride will react rapidly in water to produce phthalic acid, it is not expected to accumulate in the edible tissues of fish normally consumed by humans.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Proper training of all transporters will reduce the likelihood of a mishap or accident resulting in a leak or
spill to the environment. The correct use of DOT labeling (per the MSDS) on all containers, trucks, and
rail cars will enable emergency responders to react
properly and quickly to any disaster thereby reducing
the potential risk to the environment and to personnel.
Storage of phthalic anhydride should be segregated from incompatible chemicals to minimize the
risk of cross-contamination or contact. Precautions
must be taken to ensure all contact with water or
moisture is prevented in use or storage.
If a spill or leak to the environment has occurred,
fire department, emergency response and/or hazardous
materials spill personnel should be notified immediately. Cleanup should be attempted only by those
trained in proper spill containment procedures. Contaminated soils should be removed for incineration and
replaced with clean soil. If phthalic anhydride should
contact the water table, aquifer, or navigable waterway, remediation activities should be prompt. When
such spills occur, the local and/or state emergency response authorities must be notified. A comprehensive
emergency response or disaster preparedness/recovery
plan should be in place prior to any operations involving the use, transportation, storage, or disposal of
phthalic anhydride.
If phthalic anhydride is spilled or leaked, the following specific steps are recommended:
; Restrict persons not wearing protective clothing
from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete and area can be opened to normal work.
;

Collect powdered material in the most convenient

(safe) manner possible and deposit in sealed
containers. Do NOT dry sweep (generates air-

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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borne dusts). Use a vacuum equipped with a

HEPA filter instead. If liquid solutions are
spilled, use vermiculite to absorb and place in a
sealed drum.

Bueche, J. R. 1972. Principles of Physics, 2nd Edition. New York:

McGraw-Hill.

It may be necessary to dispose of phthalic anhydride as a hazardous waste. The responsible state
agency or the regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should be
contacted for specific recommendations.

Calabrese, E. J. 1994. Biological Effects of Low Level Exposures. New

York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Burrell, R., D. K. Flaherty, and L. J. Sauers. 1992. Toxicology of the Immune System. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Cockerman, L. G., B. S. Shane. 1994. Basic Environmental Toxicology.

New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Cothern, C. R., N. P. Ross. 1994. Environmental Statistics, Assessment,
and Forecasting. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Gardner, R. W. 1994. Chemical Intolerance.
Press/Lewis Publishers.

RISK ASSESSMENT: BUSINESS

General Assessment
Accidents or mishaps involving phthalic anhydride can
present a significant threat to business operations. The
loss or damage of equipment or facilities can significantly affect fiscal viability. Lawsuits that may result
from personnel injury/death, public exposures, and/or
environmental contamination will also require a serious expenditure of resources. Media attention surrounding an injury, death, or environmental damage
can also result in a loss of profits and loss of current as
well as future business. Always remember that anytime the terms "reproductive hazard" or "birth defects"
are used, public hysteria, emotion, and ignorance can
run equally high. This should be carefully considered
when developing or implementing any public relations
policies.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Company attorneys, safety and health professionals,
and environmental specialists should be involved in
the development of any procedures dealing with safety
or emergency response. A company official should be
pre-designated as a public relations officer with specific training in dealing with the press. Corporate
plans and policies should be developed, approved, and
implemented long before any need for such arises.

New York:

CRC

Hodgson, E., R. B. Mailman, and Janice E. Chambers. 1988. Dictionary

of Toxicology. London: The MacMillian Company.
Howard, P. H. 1995. Handbook of Environmental Fate and Exposures
Data for Organic Chemicals, Vol. I-IV. New York: CRC
Press/Lewis Publishers.
Langerman, N. 1994 Precautionary Labels for Chemical Containers. New
York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Lauwerys, R. R., P. Hoet. 1993. Industrial Chemical Exposure. New
York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Lewis, R. J., Sr. 1993. Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 12th
Edition. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Lewis, R. J., Sr. 1992. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, Volumes 1, 2, and 3, 8th Edition. New York: Van Nostrand
Reinhold.
Manahan, S. E. 1992. Toxicological Chemistry, 2nd Edition. New York:
CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Meyer, E. 1990. Chemistry of Hazardous Materials. Englewood Cliffs,
NJ: Prentice Hall.
Patnaik, P. 1992. A Comprehensive Guide to the Hazardous Properties of
Chemical Substances. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Rea, W. J. 1995. Chemical Sensitivity, Vol. I-III. New York: CRC
Press/Lewis Publishers.
Richardson, M. 1995. Dictionary of Substance and Their Effects, Vol. IVI. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Rylander, R., R. R. Jacobs. 1994. Organic Dusts. New York: CRC
Press/Lewis Publishers.
Sacarello, H. L. A. 1994. The Comprehensive Handbook of Hazardous
Materials. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

REFERENCES
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. 1988.
Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices, 5th Edition (with updates). Cincinnati: ACGIH
Asante-Duah, D. K. 1993. Hazardous Waste Risk Assessment. New York:
CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for

Occupational Safety and Health. 1994. NIOSH Pocket Guide to
Chemical Hazards. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing
Office.

Bloom, A. D. and F. J. DeSerres. 1995. Ecotoxicity and Human Health.

New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Brusick, D. J. 1994. Methods for Genetic Risk Assessment. New York:
CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.