Material Safety Data Sheet: Nicotine

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.
NICOTINE
NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) LABELING 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
EPA Class
Alkaloid of Tobacco
P075
DOT Proper Shipping Name
Acute Hazardous Waste
Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Number
Nicotine Liquid or Solid
54-11-5
DOT Hazard Class and Label Requirements
DOT Emergency Guide Code
Poison B; St. Andrews Cross
55
DOT Identification Number
Chemical Formula
UN 1654
C5H4NC4H7NCH3
Synonyms
3-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidyl)-pyridine; -pyridyl--n-methylpyrrolidine; black leaf; destruxol orchid spray.
SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS AND IDENTITY INFORMATION

Hazardous Components (specific identity)
Nicotine
(derivation: By distilling tobacco with milk of lime and extracting with

ether).
OSHA Exposure Criteria
NIOSH Exposure Criteria
PEL (skin):
0.07 ppm
0.5 mg/m3
REL (skin):
0.07 ppm
0.5 mg/m3
STEL:
Not
Established
STEL:
Not
Established
Immediately Dangerous to
Life and Health (IDLH)
ACGIH Exposure Criteria
TLV (skin):
0.07 ppm
0.5 mg/m3
5 mg/m3
1 ppm = 6.74 mg/m3
STEL:
Not
Established
SECTION III - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Boiling Point
Specific Gravity (H2O = 1)
482F (250C)
1.01
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg)
Molecular Weight
0.04 at 69F (20C)
162.2
Vapor Density (Air = 1)
Melting Point
-110F (-79C)
5.61
Solubility
Miscible in water at temperatures below 140F (60C). Soluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether, kerosene,
and oils.
Appearance and Odor
Pale yellow to dark brown thick oily, hygroscopic liquid with a slight fish-like odor when heated.
SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point (method used)
Explosive Limits in Air % by Volume
203F (95C) opened cup

NFPA Classification
LEL: 0.7%
UEL: 4.0%
Autoignition Temperature
Class IIIB Combustible Liquid
471F (244C)
Extinguishing Media
Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, water fog, or foam. Foam and water may cause frothing.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures
Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Poisonous gases are produced in fire. Use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards
Nicotine is moderately explosive when exposed to flame. The vapors are much heavier than air and can
collect in low areas or travel great distances to an ignition source and flashback to cause fire or explosion. Nicotine will attack many forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings. Use impervious equipment.
1996 by CRC Press, Inc.
Page: 2
SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA

Conditions to Avoid
Nicotine is normally stable under routine conditions of storage and handling. Avoid contact with heat
and incompatible materials.
Stability
Stable
Unstable
Incompatible with strong oxidizers (fluorine, bromine, chlorine), and strong acids (hydrochloric, sulfuric,
and nitric). It will attack many plastics, rubber, and coatings.
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 nicotine is not expected to occur.
Hazardous Decomposition or By-products
When heated to decomposition, nicotine can emit carbon monoxide and acrid, irritating smoke including
oxides of nitrogen and carbon.
SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Primary Route(s) of Entry:
Inhalation?
Absorption (skin/eye)?
Ingestion?
Health Hazards
INHALATION: Irritation of the respiratory tract with nausea and vomiting, salivation, abdominal pain,
headache, dizziness, hearing and visual disturbances, confusion, weakness, loss of
muscular coordination, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, convulsions, sweating, dypsnea.
ABSORPTION: Nicotine can pass through unbroken skin to cause symptoms similar to that noted for
inhalation. Irritates the conjunctiva of the eye.
INGESTION:
Gastrointestinal tract irritation.
Carcinogenicity
NTP Listed?
Unknown Human
Unknown Animal
No
IARC Cancer Review Group?
OSHA Regulated?
Target Organs?
No
29 CFR 1910.1000
Table Z-1
CNS, CVS, lungs, GI

tract, reproductive sys.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure
Existing nervous system or heart disorders may be aggravated by exposure to nicotine.

Emergency and First-aid Procedures
Eye contact: Do not allow victim to keep eyes tightly shut. 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. For inhalation: Remove the person from exposure. Provide
respiratory assistance and CPR. Transfer to medical facility. If swallowed: Seek medical attention. Give
victim one or two glasses of water or milk to drink as quickly as possible. Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed to do so. 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
Provide maximum explosion-proof ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Restrict those not involved
in cleanup from entering area. Absorb spills in vermiculite and deposit in sealed drums. Use nonsparking tools. Notify appropriate authorities, as required.
Preferred Waste Disposal Method
Incinerator equipped with scrubber and afterburner.

Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storage
Nicotine is a flammable liquid. Store to avoid contact with strong oxidizers, since violent reactions can
occur. Store in tightly closed containers in cool, well-ventilated area away from heat.
Other Precautions and Warnings
Sources of ignition (heat, flame, cigarettes, incompatibles) are prohibited where nicotine is used, handled, or stored. Bulk storage of nicotine is not recommended.
SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Respiratory Protection (specify type)
Exposure levels are relatively low (0.5 mg/m3). Use an MSHA/NIOSH-approved supplied-air respirator
with full facepiece in continuous flow mode, or use a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with
full facepiece operated in positive pressure mode.
Ventilation
Local exhaust (preferred) at site of chemical work or general ventilation.

Protective Gloves
Impervious Gloves
Eye Protection
Chemical Goggles or Face Mask
Other Protective Clothing
Boots; Aprons; Gauntlets
Work/Hygiene Practices
Always wash hands thoroughly after using chemical; never bring food, drink, or smoking materials into
vicinity of chemicals.
Page: 3
NICOTINE
C5H4NC4H7NCH3
CAS: 54-11-5
CH3
IDENTIFICATION AND TYPICAL USES
Nicotine is a pale yellow to dark brown oily, hygroscopic liquid with a slight fish-like odor when warm.
It may initially appear as a thick water-white oil that
turns brown on exposure to air. It is used as an insecticide (although such use may be restricted), as a fumigant, in tanning, and in medicine. It is also one of
the principal constituents of tobacco. It occurs in dried
leaves of Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica to
the extent of 2-8%.
RISK ASSESSMENT: HEALTH

General Assessment
Nicotine is a highly toxic compound. It can enter the
body through inhalation and skin absorption. Although unlikely in the industrial setting, ingestion is
also a possible route of exposure. There is no information in the reference to indicate that nicotine specifically causes cancer in humans. However, mutation
data have been reported and nicotine has been shown
to cause adverse reproductive effects in humans, especially by ingestion.
Inhalation causes irritation of the respiratory tract.
Systemic action by all routes of exposure primarily
affects the central nervous system and cardiovascular
system. Symptoms include stimulation of the neuromuscular junctions and nicotine receptors in the brain
causing depression and paralysis of autonomic ganglia.
Indications of such exposure may include headache,
nausea, vomiting, salivation, muscular weakness,
twitching, and convulsions, tremors, confusion, hallucinations, distorted perceptions with hearing and visual
disturbances. Death can occur from respiratory failure. There may also be incoordination, paroxysmal
atrial fibrillation, prostration, faintness, abdominal
pains, circulatory disturbances, and death from cardiac
disturbances. "Nicotinism" (or poisoning by nicotine)

is characterized by stimulation and subsequent depression of the central nervous system.
1 Acute Health Effects

The following acute (short-term) health effects may
occur immediately or shortly after exposure to nicotine
(within hours or days):
Skin:
Mild irritation in contact with the liquid.

Nicotine is readily absorbed through intact
skin.
Eye:
Severe irritation of the conjunctiva with

burning, itching, and watering. Direct contact
with heated vapors can irritate the eyes.
Lung: Irritation of the bronchial tubes and other

members of the respiratory tract. May cause
headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting,
slowed reactions, and death from respiratory
paralysis.
CNS:
Stimulation and then depression of the central

and autonomic nervous system causing salivation, nausea, vertigo, sweating, hearing and
visual disturbances, tremors and convulsions,
faintness, prostration, confusion, hallucinations, excitement, and possibly coma. Death
can occur from respiratory paralysis.
0 Chronic Health Effects

The following chronic (long-term) health effects may
occur at some time after exposure to nicotine and can
last for months or even years:
Cancer Hazards: According to information presented
in the references, nicotine has not been adequately
tested for its ability to cause cancer in test animals.
However, it is known to cause mutations (genetic

changes) in living cells and many scientists believe
that long-term exposure to such chemicals may pose a
cancer risk in the long-term. The data on its human
carcinogenicity are inconclusive.
Reproductive Hazard: According to the references,
nicotine has been shown to cause teratogenic effects
and adversely affect reproduction in test animals.
Other Chronic Effects: Chronic exposure to nicotine,
especially from long-term smoking, may lead to circulatory disorders and tobacco toxicosis. There can be
adverse effects to blood pressure and other cardiovascular system complications.
Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Personnel should avoid direct contact with nicotine. It
is a questionable teratogen and mutagen. Its carcinogenic potential is not clearly understood. If a less
toxic chemical cannot be substituted for a hazardous
substance, 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 exposure. Using respiratory
protection is less effective than the controls mentioned
above, but is still advisable whenever working with or
around nicotine. Air-purifying respirators will provide
protection for exposures above the PEL. However, a
self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full
facepiece operated in pressure demand or a suppliedair respirator operated in continuous flow mode are the
recommended respiratory protection methods of
choice when working with a questioned carcinogen. If
a full facepiece is not available, then chemical/dust
goggles should be worn to protect the eyes. A face
shield and a protective apron should also be worn. To
prevent hand and skin exposures, impervious gloves
should be used. Glove manufacturers should be contacted and permeation studies obtained before final
glove selections have been made. Skin contact must
be prevented since nicotine can pass through intact
skin quickly.
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 nicotine.
All personnel should receive training on the use,
hazards, protective measures, emergency actions, and
other precautions per 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard
Page: 4
Communication), prior to the first assignment in an

area where nicotine is used or stored.
Before beginning employment, and at regular intervals thereafter (e.g., annually), the following medical tests are recommended for personnel working with
nicotine:
; Evaluation of nervous system function and performance to establish a baseline of response levels.
; Lung function tests (establish a baseline).
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the
following may be useful:
; Liver and kidney function tests.
; Evaluation of cardiovascular system functions
with electrocardiogram (EKG) and other special
testing.
; Lung function tests (compare to baseline).
; Nervous system evaluation by a qualified neurologist.
; Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including
careful evaluation of exposure history and special
testing (may help diagnose skin allergy).
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past
and present symptoms with an examination. Medical
tests that simply look for existing damage are not a
substitute for controlling exposures. Also, since
smoking can cause heart disease, emphysema, lung
cancer, high blood pressure, and other serious physical
disorders, as well as cause an increase in nicotine
content in the body, smokers exposed to nicotine in the
workplace may experience symptoms more quickly
than non-smokers under the same conditions of exposure. Prudent risk management requires proper consideration of all possible exposure factors.
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, respiratory protection should be mandatory.
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

nicotine 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 nicotine

should be communicated to all exposed workers.
;
Eye wash stations should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. If there is
a possibility of skin exposure to nicotine, emergency shower facilities should also be provided.
Page: 5
Chronic (long-term) 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 nicotine to aquatic life,
plants, birds, or land animals.
RISK ASSESSMENT: ENVIRONMENT

General Assessment
6 Water Solubility
The environment is at risk of exposure during transportation, storage, disposal, or destruction of nicotine.
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 (depending upon conditions of spill), and possible contamination of the surrounding environmental mediums (water, soil, and
air).
Nicotine is considered a Class IIIB combustible
liquid. Its moderate flash point and relatively high
boiling point present a serious fire hazard under normal or emergency response conditions. Also, because
it is incompatible with many common oxidizers and
acids, extreme caution is required in handling, storage,
transportation, and disposal of nicotine. These characteristics also require special consideration during
any emergency situation involving a leak or spill of
nicotine liquid. Its vapors are heavier than air and can
collect in low-lying areas. Should nicotine ever come
into contact with incompatible substances (such as
oxidizers) either during use, transportation, storage, or
disposal, the formation of highly toxic and/or highly
explosive commodities is extremely possible.
The proper disposal/destruction method for nicotine waste is to burn it in a chemical incinerator
equipped with an afterburner and air scrubber.
Nicotine can enter the environment from industrial
and municipal plant discharges and from spills.
Nicotine is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of

1000 milligrams or more will mix with a liter of water.
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 nicotine.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of nicotine to aquatic life,
plants, birds, or land animals.
0 Chronic Ecological Effects
Persistence in the Environment

Nicotine is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life
between 2 and 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is
the amount of time it takes for one half of the chemical
to be degraded.
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 nicotine found in fish tissues
is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of nicotine in the water from which the fish
was taken.

Proper training of all transporters will reduce the likelihood of a mishap or accident resulting in a leak or
spill of nicotine into 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 nicotine should be segregated from incompatible chemicals to minimize the risk of crosscontamination or contact. Personnel working in storage areas must be trained on the hazards of nicotine.
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 using
non-sparking tools. Contaminated soils should be removed for incineration and replaced with clean soil. If
nicotine should contact the water table, aquifer, or
navigable waterway, 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 nicotine. If nicotine 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.
Remove all ignition sources and ventilate area.
Absorb liquids using vermiculite or other material and deposit in sealed drums for disposal.
Collect in safest manner possible using nonsparking tools. Nicotine can attack some rubber,
plastics, and coatings. Brass, copper, or other
soft metal tools may be required to prevent
sparking.
It may be necessary to dispose of nicotine 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.
Page: 6
mental policies or procedures. 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.
REFERENCES
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. 1988.
Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices, 5th Edition (with updates). Cincinnati: ACGIH
Bloom, A. D. and F. J. DeSerres. 1995. Ecotoxicity and Human Health.
New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Bueche, J. R. 1972. Principles of Physics, 2nd Edition. New York:
McGraw-Hill.
Calabrese, E. J. 1994. Biological Effects of Low Level Exposures. New
York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Cockerman, L. G., B. S. Shane. 1994. Basic Environmental Toxicology.
Gardner, R. W. 1994. Chemical Intolerance.
Press/Lewis Publishers.
New York:
CRC
Howard, P. H. 1995. Handbook of Environmental Fate and Exposures

Data for Organic Chemicals, Vol. I-IV. New York: CRC
Jones, F. E. 1994. Toxic Organic Vapors in the Workplace. New York:
CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Lewis, R. J., Sr. 1993. Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 12th
Edition. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
RISK ASSESSMENT: BUSINESS

General Assessment
Accidents or mishaps involving nicotine 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 any time the term
"reproductive hazard" is used, public emotion, hysteria, and ignorance can run equally high. This should
be carefully considered when drafting or implementing
public relations policies.
Lewis, R. J., Sr. 1992. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, Volumes 1, 2, and 3, 8th Edition. New York: Van Nostrand
Reinhold.
Lide, D. R. 1995. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 76th Edition.
Rea, W. J. 1995. Chemical Sensitivity, Vol. I-III. New York: CRC
Richardson, M. 1995. Dictionary of Substance and Their Effects, Vol. IVI. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Sacarello, H. L. A. 1994. The Comprehensive Handbook of Hazardous
Materials. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Torkelson, T. R. V. K. Rowe. 1981. Pattys Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, Vol. 2B. New York: Wiley-Interscience.

Company attorneys, safety and health professionals,
and environmental specialists should be involved in
the development of any safety, health or environ1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Material Safety Data Sheet: Nicotine

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Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals