Disclaimer: These guidelines were developed under contract using generally accepted secondary sources. The protocol used by the contractor for surveying these data sources was developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Department of Energy (DOE). The information contained in these guidelines is intended for reference purposes only. None of the agencies have conducted a comprehensive check of the information and data contained in these sources. It provides a summary of information about chemicals that workers may be exposed to in their workplaces. The secondary sources used for supplements 111 and 1V were published before 1992 and 1993, respectively, and for the remainder of the guidelines the secondary sources used were published before September 1996. This information may be superseded by new developments in the field of industrial hygiene. Therefore readers are advised to determine whether new information is available.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH GUIDELINE FOR ISOOCTYL ALCOHOL

INTRODUCTION

This guideline summarizes pertinent information about isooctyl alcohol for workers and employers as well as for physicians, industrial hygienists, and other occupational safety and health professionals who may need such information to conduct effective occupational safety and health programs. Recommendations may be superseded by new developments in these fields; readers are therefore advised to regard these recommendations as general guidelines and to determine whether new information is available.

SUBSTANCE IDENTIFICATION

* Formula

C(7)H(15)CH(2)OH

* Structure

(For Structure, see paper copy)

* Synonyms

Isooctanol, 2-ethylhexanol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol

* Identifiers

1. CAS No.: 26952-21-6

2. RTECS No.: NS7700000

3. Specific DOT number: None

4. Specific DOT label: None

* Appearance and odor

Isooctyl alcohol is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. Isooctyl alcohol consists of a mixture of closely related isomeric primary alcohols with branched chains having the general formula R-CH(2)OH. An odor threshold of 0.138 part per million (ppm) parts of air with 100% recognition has been reported.

CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

* Physical data

1. Molecular weight: 130.23

2. Boiling point (at 760 mm Hg): 185 degrees C (365 degrees F)

3. Specific gravity (water = 1): 0.834 at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F)

4. Vapor density: 4.5

5. Melting point: Less than -76 degrees C (-104.8 degrees F)

6. Vapor pressure at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F): Data not available.

7. Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in other alcohols, ether, acetone and benzene.

8. Evaporation rate: Data not available.

* Reactivity

1. Conditions contributing to instability: Heat, sparks, and open flame.

2. Incompatibilities: Isooctyl alcohol is incompatible with strong oxidizers (such as perchlorates, perman- ganates, chlorates, nitrates, and peroxides).

3. Hazardous decomposition products: Toxic gases (such as oxides of carbon) may be released in a fire involving isooctyl alcohol.

4. Special precautions: None reported.

* Flammability

The National Fire Protection Association has assigned a flammability rating of 2 (moderate fire hazard) to isooctyl alcohol.

1. Flash point: 82 degrees C (180 degrees F) (open cup)

2. Autoignition temperature: Data not available.

3. Flammable limits in air (percent by volume): Lower, 0.9; upper, 5.7

4. Extinguishant: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam to fight fires involving isooctyl alcohol. Use water spray to cool fire- exposed containers.

Fires involving isooctyl alcohol should be fought upwind and from the maximum distance possible. Isolate the hazard area and deny access to unnecessary personnel. Firefighters should wear a full set of protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving isooctyl alcohol.

EXPOSURE LIMITS

* OSHA PEL

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not currently regulate isooctyl alcohol.

* NIOSH REL

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established a recommended exposure limit (REL) for isooctyl alcohol of 50 ppm (270 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m(3))) as a TWA for up to a 10-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek. NIOSH also assigns a "Skin" notation, which indicates that the cutaneous route of exposure, including mucous membranes and eyes, contributes to overall exposure [NIOSH 1992].

* ACGIH TLV

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has assigned isooctyl alcohol a threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 ppm (266 mg/m(3)) as a TWA for a normal 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek. The ACGIH also assigns a "Skin" notation to isooctyl alcohol [ACGIH 1994, p. 24].

* Rationale for Limits

The NIOSH limit is based on the risk of conjunctival irritation (reported in animals) [NIOSH 1992].

The ACGIH limit is based on the risk of irritation [ACGIH 1991, p. 817].

HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

* Routes of Exposure

Exposure to isooctyl alcohol can occur through inhalation, ingestion, and eye or skin contact.

* Summary of toxicology

1. Effects on Animals: Isooctyl alcohol is an irritant and a central nervous system depressant [ACGIH 1991]. Isooctyl alcohol is a severe eye irritant in rabbits [NIOSH 1991]. Isooctyl alcohol was moderately irritating to the shaved abdominal skin of rabbits and caused mild necrosis; a sufficient quantity of isooctyl alcohol was absorbed to cause central nervous system depression, dyspnea, and ataxia [ACGIH 1991]. In a separate dermal absorption study, anesthesia and death occurred in rabbits after a moderately short period (no information on concentration or exposure duration was reported) [ACGIH 1991]. The dermal LD(50) in rabbits is 2,520 mg/kg [NIOSH 1991]. The oral LD(50) is 1,480 mg/kg in rats and 1,670 mg/kg in mice [NIOSH 1991]. Primary symptoms associated with acute oral poisoning in rats were central nervous system depression and labored respiration [ACGIH 1991]. Mice, rats, and guinea pigs exposed to 200 ppm isooctyl alcohol for 6 hours by inhalation showed moderate local irritation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract but no signs of systemic poisoning [ACGIH 1991].

2. Effects on Humans: No data on the toxicity of isooctyl alcohol to humans were identified.

* Signs and symptoms of exposure

1. Acute exposure: No signs or symptoms of acute exposure to isooctyl alcohol have been reported in humans.

2. Chronic exposure: No signs or symptoms of chronic exposure to isooctyl alcohol have been reported in humans.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROCEDURES

* Emergency procedures

WARNING!

Seek immediate medical attention for severely affected victims or for victims with signs and symptoms of toxicity or irritation!

Keep unconscious victims warm and on their sides to avoid choking if vomiting occurs. Initiate the following emergency procedures:

1. Eye exposure: Irritation may result from exposure to concentrated solutions, vapors, mists, or aerosols of isooctyl alcohol. Immediately and thoroughly flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 min, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids.

2. Skin exposure: Skin irritation or absorption of toxic amounts may result. Immediately remove contaminated clothing and thoroughly wash contaminated skin with soap and water for at least 15 min.

3. Inhalation exposure: Move the victim to fresh air immediately.

If the victim is not breathing, clean any chemical contamination from the victim's lips and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); if breathing is difficult, give oxygen.

4. Ingestion exposure: Take the following steps if isooctyl alcohol or any material containing it is ingested:

* Have the victim rinse the contaminated mouth cavity several times with a fluid such as water.

* Have the victim drink a glass (8 oz) of fluid such as water.

* Induce vomiting by giving syrup of ipecac as directed on the package. If ipecac is unavailable, have the victim touch the back of the throat with a finger until productive vomiting ceases.

* Do not force an unconscious or convulsing person to drink fluid or to vomit.

5. Rescue: Remove an incapacitated worker from further exposure and implement appropriate emergency procedures (e.g., those listed on the Material Safety Data Sheet required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard [29 CFR 1910.1200]). All workers should be familiar with emergency procedures, the location and proper use of emergency equipment, and methods of protecting themselves during rescue operations.

EXPOSURE SOURCES AND CONTROL METHODS

The following operations may involve isooctyl alcohol and lead to worker exposures to this substance:

* The manufacture and transportation of isooctyl alcohol

* Use to form phthalate, maleate, adipate, and sebacate esters with the corresponding acids for use as plasticizers

* Use as a raw material for surfactants and as an antifoaming agent, emulsifier, and solvent

* Use in the production of lacquers, enamels, cellulose nitrate, varnishes, ceramics, paper coatings, rubber, latex, and textiles

Methods that are effective in controlling worker exposures to isooctyl alcohol, depending on the feasibility of implementation, are as follows:

* Process enclosure
* Local exhaust ventilation
* General dilution ventilation
* Personal protective equipment

Workers responding to a release or potential release of a hazardous substance must be protected as required by paragraph (q) of OSHA's Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard [29 CFR 1910.120].

Good sources of information about control methods are as follows:

1. ACGIH [1992]. Industrial ventilation--a manual of recommended practice. 21st ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

2. Burton DJ [1986]. Industrial ventilation--a self study companion. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

3. Alden JL, Kane JM [1982]. Design of industrial ventilation systems. New York, NY: Industrial Press, Inc.

4. Wadden RA, Scheff PA [1987]. Engineering design for control of workplace hazards. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

5. Plog BA [1988]. Fundamentals of industrial hygiene. Chicago, IL: National Safety Council.

WORKPLACE MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT

Determination of a worker's exposure to airborne isooctyl alcohol is made using a charcoal tube (100 mg/50 mg sections, 20/40 mesh). Samples are collected at a maximum flow rate of 0.2 liter/minute until a maximum collection volume of 10 liters is reached. The sample is then treated with a 99:1 carbon disulfide:dimethyl formamide solvent. Analysis is conducted by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. This method is described in the OSHA Computerized Information System [OSHA 1994]. Note: This method is currently partially validated.

PERSONAL HYGIENE PROCEDURES

If isooctyl alcohol contacts the skin, workers should immediately wash the affected areas with soap and water.

Clothing contaminated with isooctyl alcohol should be removed immediately, and provisions should be made for the safe removal of the chemical from the clothing. Persons laundering the clothes should be informed of the hazardous properties of isooctyl alcohol, particularly its potential for causing sensory irritation.

A worker who handles isooctyl alcohol should thoroughly wash hands, forearms, and face with soap and water before eating, using tobacco products, using toilet facilities, applying cosmetics, or taking medication.

Workers should not eat, drink, use tobacco products, apply cosmetics, or take medication in areas where isooctyl alcohol or a solution containing isooctyl alcohol is handled, processed, or stored.

STORAGE

Isooctyl alcohol should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly sealed containers that are labeled in accordance with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard [29 CFR 1910.1200]. Containers of isooctyl alcohol should be protected from physical damage and exposure to heat, sparks, or open flames and should be stored separately from strong oxidizers.

SPILLS AND LEAKS

In the event of a spill or leak involving isooctyl alcohol, persons not wearing protective equipment and clothing should be restricted from contaminated areas until cleanup has been completed. The following steps should be undertaken following a spill or leak:

1. Avoid skin contact with the spilled liquid.

2. For small liquid spills, take up with sand or other noncombustible absorbent material and place into closed containers for later disposal.

3. For large liquid spills, immediately contact the local fire department.

4. Use dikes to prevent spills from entering sewers or open waters.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements for emergency planning, reportable quantities of hazardous releases, community right-to-know, and hazardous waste management may change over time. Users are therefore advised to determine periodically whether new information is available.

* Emergency planning requirements

Isooctyl alcohol is not subject to EPA emergency planning requirements under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) (Title III) in 42 USC 11022.

* Reportable quantity requirements for hazardous releases

Employers are not required by the emergency release notification provisions in 40 CFR Part 355.40 to notify the National Response Center of an accidental release of isooctyl alcohol; there is no reportable quantity for this substance.

* Community right-to-know requirements

Employers are not required by EPA in 40 CFR Part 372.30 to submit a Toxic Chemical Release Inventory form (Form R) to EPA reporting the amount of isooctyl alcohol emitted or released from their facility annually.

* Hazardous waste management requirements

EPA considers a waste to be hazardous if it exhibits any of the following characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity as defined in 40 CFR 261.21-261.24. Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) [40 USC 6901 et seq.], EPA has specifically listed many chemical wastes as hazardous. Although isooctyl alcohol is not specifically listed as a hazardous waste under RCRA, EPA requires employers to treat waste as hazardous if it exhibits any of the characteristics discussed above.

Providing detailed information about the removal and disposal of specific chemicals is beyond the scope of this guideline. The U.S. Department of Transportation, EPA, and State and local regulations should be followed to ensure that removal, transport, and disposal of this substance are conducted in accordance with existing regulations. To be certain that chemical waste disposal meets EPA regulatory requirements, employers should address any questions to the RCRA hotline at (703) 412-9810 (in the Washington, D.C. area) or toll-free at (800) 424-9346 (outside Washington, D.C.). In addition, relevant State and local authorities should be contacted for information on any requirements they may have for the waste removal and disposal of this substance.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

* Conditions for respirator use

Good industrial hygiene practice requires that engineering controls be used where feasible to reduce workplace concentrations of hazardous materials to the prescribed exposure limit. However, some situations may require the use of respirators to control exposure. Respirators must be worn if the ambient concentration of isooctyl alcohol exceeds prescribed exposure limits. Respirators may be used (1) before engineering controls have been installed, (2) during work operations such as maintenance or repair activities that involve unknown exposures, (3) during operations that require entry into tanks or closed vessels, and (4) during emergencies. Workers should only use respirators that have been approved by NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

* Respiratory protection program

Employers should institute a complete respiratory protection program that, at a minimum, complies with the requirements of OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard [29 CFR 1910.134]. Such a program must include respirator selection, an evaluation of the worker's ability to perform the work while wearing a respirator, the regular training of personnel, respirator fit testing, periodic workplace monitoring, and regular respirator maintenance, inspection, and cleaning. The implementation of an adequate respiratory protection program (including selection of the correct respirator) requires that a knowledgeable person be in charge of the program and that the program be evaluated regularly. For additional information on the selection and use of respirators and on the medical screening of respirator users, consult the latest edition of the NIOSH Respirator Decision Logic [NIOSH 1987b] and the NIOSH Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection [NIOSH 1987a].

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Workers should use appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment that must be carefully selected, used, and maintained to be effective in preventing skin contact with isooctyl alcohol. The selection of the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., gloves, sleeves, encapsulating suits) should be based on the extent of the worker's potential exposure to isooctyl alcohol. The resistance of various materials to permeation by isooctyl alcohol is shown below:

(*) Not recommended, degradation may occur

To evaluate the use of these materials with isooctyl alcohol, users should consult the best available performance data and manufacturers' recommendations. Significant differences have been demonstrated in the chemical resistance of generically similar PPE materials (e.g., butyl) produced by different manufacturers. In addition, the chemical resistance of a mixture may be significantly different from that of any of its neat components.

Any chemical-resistant clothing that is used should be periodically evaluated to determine its effectiveness in preventing dermal contact. Safety showers and eye wash stations should be located close to operations that involve isooctyl alcohol.

Splash-proof chemical safety goggles or face shields (20 to 30 cm long, minimum) should be worn during any operation in which a solvent, caustic, or other toxic substance may be splashed into the eyes.

In addition to the possible need for wearing protective outer apparel (e.g., aprons, encapsulating suits), workers should wear work uniforms, coveralls, or similar full-body coverings that are laundered each day. Employers should provide lockers or other closed areas to store work and street clothing separately. Employers should collect work clothing at the end of each work shift and provide for its laundering. Laundry personnel should be informed about the potential hazards of handling contaminated clothing and instructed about measures to minimize their health risk.

Protective clothing should be kept free of oil and grease and should be inspected and maintained regularly to preserve its effectiveness.

Protective clothing may interfere with the body's heat dissipation, especially during hot weather or during work in hot or poorly ventilated work environments.

REFERENCES

ACGIH [1994]. 1994-1995 Threshold limit values for chemical substances and physical agents and biological exposure indices. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

ACGIH [1991]. Documentation of the threshold limit values and biological exposure indices. 6th ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

ATS [1987]. Standardization of spirometry -- 1987 update. American Thoracic Society. Am Rev Respir Dis 136:1285-1296.

CFR. Code of Federal regulations. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Office of the Federal Register.

Forsberg K, Mansdorf SZ [1993]. Quick selection guide to chemical protective clothing. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Genium [1984] Material safety data sheet No. 367. Schenectady, NY: Genium Publishing Corporation.

Hathaway GJ, Proctor NH, Hughes JP, and Fischman ML [1991]. Proctor and Hughes' chemical hazards of the workplace. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Lewis RJ, ed. [1993]. Hawley's condensed chemical dictionary. 12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company.

Lide DR [1993]. CRC handbook of chemistry and physics. 73rd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Inc.

Mickelsen RL, Hall RC [1987]. A breakthrough time comparison of nitrile and neoprene glove materials produced by different glove manufacturers. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 48(11): 941-947.

Mickelsen RL, Hall RC, Chern RT, Myers JR [1991]. Evaluation of a simple weight-loss method for determining the permeation of organic liquids through rubber films. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 52(10): 445-447.

NFPA [1986]. Fire protection guide on hazardous materials. 9th ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association.

NIOSH [1987a]. NIOSH guide to industrial respiratory protection. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 87-116.

NIOSH [1987b]. NIOSH respirator decision logic. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 87-108.

NIOSH [1991]. Registry of toxic effects of chemical substances: Isooctyl alcohol. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Standards Development and Technology Transfer, Technical Information Branch.

NIOSH [1992]. Recommendations for occupational safety and health: Compendium of policy documents and statements. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 92-100.

NJDH [1986]. Hazardous substance fact sheet: Isooctyl alcohol. Trenton, NJ: New Jersey Department of Health.

NLM [1992]. Hazardous substances data bank: Isooctyl alcohol. Bethesda, MD: National Library of Medicine.

OSHA [1994]. Computerized information system. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Parmeggiani L [1983]. Encyclopedia of occupational health and safety. 3rd rev. ed. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Organisation.

Sittig M [1991]. Handbook of toxic and hazardous chemicals. 3rd ed. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Publications.

USC. United States code. Washington. DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.