Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

Page: 1

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.

FLUOROACETIC ACID

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

OTHER CODES

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

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

SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION

Characterization

RCRA Number

Aliphatic Ester

EPA Class

None

DOT Proper Shipping Name

No Applicable

Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Number

Fluoroacetic Acid

144-49-0

DOT Hazard Class and Label Requirements

DOT Emergency Guide Code

Poison B; Poison

26

DOT Identification Number

Chemical Formula

UN 2642

C2H3FO2

Synonyms

Fluoroethanoic acid; cymonic acid; fluoroacetate; FAA; 2-fluoroacetic acid; gifblaar poison; monofluoroacetic acid.

SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS AND IDENTITY INFORMATION

Hazardous Components (specific identity)

Fluoroacetic acid (derivation: By

heating methyl chloroacetate with potassium fluoride and siphoning the methyl
ester with baryta; or by heating methyl
iodoacetate with silver fluoride or mercurous fluoride).

OSHA Exposure Criteria

NIOSH Exposure Criteria

PEL:
Not
Established

REL:
Not
Established

STEL:
Not
Established

STEL:
Not
Established

Immediately Dangerous to
Life and Health (IDLH)

ACGIH Exposure Criteria

TLV:
Not
Established
Not
Determined

STEL:
Not
Established

SECTION III - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Boiling Point

329F (165C)
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg)

Specific Gravity (H2O = 1)

Not Listed
Molecular Weight

Not Found
Vapor Density (Air = 1)

78.05
Melting Point

91F (33C)

Not Found
Solubility

Soluble in water and alcohol.

Appearance and Odor

Colorless crystalline solid.

SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point (method used)

Explosive Limits in Air % by Volume

Not Determined
NFPA Classification

LEL: Not Determined

UEL: Not Determined

Autoignition Temperature

Non-flammable Solid

Not Determined

Extinguishing Media

Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or foam.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures

Poisonous gases are produced in fire. Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Use blanketing effect with foam to smother large fires. Continue to cool containers with
water after fire is extinguished. Be aware of fire control measure by-products. Do NOT release runoff to
sewers or waterways. Dike and control for later disposal.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards

None reported.
1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

Page: 2

SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA

Conditions to Avoid

Fluoroacetic acid is stable under normal conditions of storage and operation. Avoid contact with incompatible materials. Keep away from heat, flame, and other sources of ignition.

Stability
Stable

Unstable

Reacts violently in contact with most alkaline metals.

X
Hazardous
Polymerization
May Occur

Incompatibility (materials to avoid)

Will Not Occur

Conditions to Avoid

Under normal conditions of temperature and pressure, hazardous polymerization of fluoroacetic acid is
not expected to occur.
Hazardous Decomposition or By-products

When heated to decomposition, fluoroacetic acid emits acrid, poisonous, and irritating fluoride fumes
and oxides of sodium.

SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Inhalation?

Primary Route(s) of Entry:

Absorption (skin)?

Ingestion?

Health Hazards

INHALATION: Irritation to the respiratory system. Effects of exposure are systemic with primary action
on the central nervous system (CNS). Respiratory depression, ventricular fibrillation, and
cardiac arrest are also possible.
SKIN & EYES: Irritation of the skin and eyes with possible burns.
INGESTION: Hyperactivity, muscular spasms, convulsions, respiratory depression, irregular heartbeat and ventricular fibrillation, cardiac arrest, and death.
Carcinogenicity

NTP Listed?

Unknown Human
Unknown Animal

No

IARC Cancer Review Group?

OSHA Regulated?

Target Organs?

No

Respiratory system; skin;

eyes, CNS, CVS.

No

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

None reported.
Emergency and First-aid Procedures

Eye contact: Flush immediately with water for 15 minutes (minimum); seek medical attention. Skin contact: Remove all contaminated clothing. Immediately 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. If swallowed: Seek medical attention immediately. Give 1-2
glasses of water and induce vomiting, repeat until vomitus is clear, unless advised otherwise. Never
give an unconscious or convulsing person anything by mouth.

SECTION VII - PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled

Collect powdered materials using HEPA vacuum. Do NOT dry sweep (generates dusts). Damp mop
residues and collect for disposal. Ventilate area of spill. Store materials in DOT-approved containers.
Restrict those not involved in cleanup from entering area. Notify appropriate authorities, as required.
Preferred Waste Disposal Method

No Citation.
Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storage

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area. Protect containers from physical
damage. Keep heat, fire and flame away. Keep away from alkaline metals.
Other Precautions and Warnings

A highly toxic irritant. Handle with care and use proper personal protective equipment.

SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Respiratory Protection (specify type)

No exposure levels established. For best protection, recommend using an MSHA/NIOSH-approved supplied-air respirator or a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.
Ventilation

Local exhaust or general mechanical systems recommended.

Protective Gloves

Impervious Gloves (avoid rubber)

Eye Protection

Chemical Goggles or Face Mask

Other Protective Clothing

Impermeable 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

Page: 3

FLUOROACETIC ACID
C2H3FO2

CAS: 144-49-0

0
4

IDENTIFICATION AND TYPICAL USES

Fluoroacetic acid is a colorless, crystalline solid. It
can occur naturally in an extremely poisonous plant
indigenous to South Africa known as Gifblaar. Its
sodium salt is mixed with water and used as a powerful rodenticide.

Skin:

Moderate to severe irritation and possible

burns at area of contact.

Eye:

Severe irritation and burns. If not removed

immediately, may cause damage to vision.

Lung: Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs

(especially the mucus membranes).
CNS:

RISK ASSESSMENT: HEALTH

General Assessment
Fluoroacetic acid is a human poison by ingestion
causing toxic systemic effects. It is mildly toxic by
inhalation. Skin contact can produce localized effects
(irritation and burns) but absorption has not been reported. Its carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic
properties are not known.
Inhalation of fluoroacetic acid dusts or mists
(from the mixed solution) can cause serious irritation
to the mucosa of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory
system. Once absorbed through the respiration process, the effects appear to target the central nervous
system (CNS). There may be headache, dizziness,
nausea, respiratory depression, irregular heartbeat and
possible ventricular fibrillation leading to cardiac arrest and death.
Ingestion of fluoroacetic acid may cause gastrointestinal tract irritation with nausea and vomiting.
Once absorbed through the digestive process, there
can be adverse CNS effects with hyperactivity, muscular spasms in the hands and feet, and convulsions.
This may lead to respiratory depression, rapid pulse,
ventricular fibrillation, cardiac arrest, and death.

1 Acute Health Effects

The following acute (short-term) health effects may
occur immediately or shortly after exposure to
fluoroacetic acid:

Adverse effects on the CNS through inhalation and ingestion. Can cause death if allowed
to go untreated. Cardiac arrest and respiratory
depression are possible.

0 Chronic Health Effects

The following chronic (long-term) health effects may
occur at some time after exposure to fluoroacetic acid
and can last for months or even years:
Cancer Hazards:
According to the references,
fluoroacetic acid has not been adequately tested for its
ability to cause cancer in test animals. Its human carcinogenic or mutagenic properties are not known.
Reproduction:
According to the references,
fluoroacetic acid has not been adequately tested for its
ability to adversely affect reproduction in test animals.
Other Known Effects: There are no other chronic effects of exposure to fluoroacetic acid reported in the
references.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Personnel should avoid direct contact with fluoroacetic acid. The best risk reduction measure is to use a
less toxic chemical as a substitute for fluoroacetic
acid. If this is not possible or feasible, then 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

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

exposure risk. Using respiratory protection is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is still
advisable whenever working with or around
fluoroacetic acid. No exposure levels have been established for fluoroacetic acid. This does not mean
that exposure is without risk. It is a serious irritant and
exposure can cause a number of toxic systemic effects
up to and including death. For the best protection, use
a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full
facepiece and operated in pressure demand mode or a
supplied-air respirator with full facepiece operated in
pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. If a
full facepiece is not available, then chemical goggles
should be worn to protect the eyes. Whenever a
chemical splash or dust hazards exists, a face shield
and a protective apron should be worn. To prevent
hand and skin exposures, impervious gloves should be
used. Glove manufacturers should be contacted to
obtain permeation studies before gloves are selected.
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 fluoroacetic acid.
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 fluoroacetic acid is used or stored.
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following medical tests are recommended:

;
;

Lung function tests.

Neurological evaluation and special testing.

Skin testing with dilute fluoroacetic acid to help

diagnose allergy (performed by a qualified allergist).

Any medical evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an examination. Medical tests that look for existing damage are
not a substitute for controlling exposures. Also, since
smoking can cause heart disease, emphysema, and
other respiratory disorders, smokers exposed to irritating substances such as fluoroacetic acid may experience symptoms more quickly than non-smokers under the same conditions of exposure. Prudent risk
management requires careful consideration of all possible factors that may be causing the appearance of
exposure symptoms in the workplace.
Other methods to reduce exposure include:

Page: 4

;
;
;
;

Where possible, enclose operations and use local

exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release.
If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not
used, respiratory protection should be mandatory.
Always ensure that proper protective clothing is
worn when using chemical substances.
Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to
fluoroacetic acid 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 fluoroacetic
acid should be communicated to all exposed and
potentially exposed workers.
Never eat, drink, or smoke in areas were
fluoroacetic acid is used, handled or stored.

RISK ASSESSMENT: ENVIRONMENT

General Assessment
The environment is at risk of exposure during transportation, storage, disposal, or destruction of
fluoroacetic acid. 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).
Fluoroacetic acid is non-flammable solid. However, if it is involved in a fire it can produce toxic and
poisonous fumes and smoke. Its finely divided powders may create an explosive mixture in air, especially
in confined areas. Also, because it is incompatible
with a number of common alkaline metals, contact can
result in violent and explosive reactions. These characteristics require special consideration during any
emergency situation involving a leak or spill of
fluoroacetic acid.
Fluoroacetic acid can enter the environment
through its intended use as a rodenticide, from agricultural runoff, from unchecked industrial discharges
into effluents, and through 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 fluoroacetic acid. Insuf-

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

ficient data are available to evaluate or predict the

short-term effects of fluoroacetic acid to aquatic life,
plants, birds, or terrestrial 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. Insufficient data are available to evaluate
or predict the long-term effects of fluoroacetic acid to
aquatic life, plants, birds, or land animals.

6 Water Solubility
Fluoroacetic acid is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1000 milligrams and more will mix with a
liter of water.

 Persistence in the Environment

Fluoroacetic acid is highly persistent in water, with a
half-life of greater than 200 days. The half-life of a
pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of
the chemical to be degraded. Over 90% of fluoroacetic acid will eventually end up in water; the remainder
will end up in terrestrial and aquatic sediments. It is
not expected to be persistent in the air.

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.
The concentration of fluoroacetic acid found in
fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher then the
average concentration of fluoroacetic acid in water
from which the fish was taken.

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 fluoroacetic acid should be segregated
from incompatible alkaline metals to minimize the risk

Page: 5

of cross-contamination or contact. Buildings designated for storage should be equipped with appropriate
fire protection systems (alarms, sprinklers, emergency
lighting, portable extinguishers).
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 fluoroacetic acid
should contact the water table, aquifer, or navigable
waterway, time is of the essence. It is highly soluble
in water and, therefore, total containment and remediation may not be possible. 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 fluoroacetic
acid. If fluoroacetic acid 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 for normal work.
Ventilate area of spill, remove ignition sources.
Collect spilled powders using a HEPA vacuum.
Do NOT dry sweep (generates airborne dusts).
Damp mop residues and collect for disposal. Absorb liquid or solution spills in vermiculite, dry
sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in
sealed containers. Use non-sparking tools.
It may be necessary to dispose of fluoroacetic
acid 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.

RISK ASSESSMENT: BUSINESS

General Assessment
Accidents or mishaps involving fluoroacetic acid can
present a moderate 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.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

Page: 6

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.

Howard, P. H., et. al. 1991. Handbook of Environmental Degradation

Rates. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). 1987. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk to Humans, Overall
Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An updating of IARC Monographs
Volumes 1-42. Lyon: IARC.

Company attorneys, safety and health professionals,

and environmental specialists should be involved in
the development of any procedures or policies intended to manage the use of chemicals in the workplace. 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.

Jones, F. E. 1994. Toxic Organic Vapors in the Workplace. New York:

CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Kamrin, M. l A. 1988. Toxicology: A Primer on Principles and Applications. Chelsea, Michigan: Lewis Publishers.
Keith, L. H. and M. M. Walker. 1995. Handbook of Air Toxics. New
York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Landis, W. G., M. H. Yu. 1995. Introduction to Environmental Toxicology. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

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1996 by CRC Press, Inc.