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Chemical Sampling Information (CSI)
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General Description

Synonyms: Ethanoic anhydride; Acetic acid anhydride; Acetyl oxide

OSHA IMIS Code Number: 0030

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 108-24-7

NIOSH Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) Identification Number: AK1925000

Department of Transportation Regulation Number (49 CFR 172.101): 1715 137

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Acetic Anhydride: chemical description, physical properties, potentially hazardous incompatibilities, and more

Exposure Limits

OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):

General Industry: 29 CFR 1910.1000 Z-1 Table -- 5 ppm, 20 mg/m3 TWA

Construction Industry: 29 CFR 1926.55 Appendix A -- 5 ppm, 20 mg/m3 TWA

Maritime: 29 CFR 1915.1000 Table Z-Shipyards -- 5 ppm, 20 mg/m3 TWA

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 15 ppm, 21 mg/m3 TWA

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): 5 ppm, 20 mg/m3 Ceiling

Health Factors

NIOSH Immediately Dangerous To Life or Health Concentration (IDLH): 200 ppm

Potential Symptoms: Conjunctivitis, lacrimation, corneal edema, burns, opacity, photophobia; burning sensation in nose and throat; cough, dyspnea, bronchitis, pulmonary edema; skin burns, blisters, dermatitis, sensitization. Death can occur from circulatory collapse (shock), asphyxia due to glottic edema or from damage to respiratory system.

Health Effects: Irritation-Eye, Nose, Throat, Skin---Marked (HE14); Acute Cardiorespiratory Toxicity (HE4); LD50 (oral, rat) 1780 mg/kg

Affected Organs: Respiratory system, eyes, skin

Notes: Eyes affected by ≥0.36mg/m3

Date Last Revised: 10/16/2001

Literature Basis:

  • (eyes affected by 0.36mg/ m3)
    Wagner, F.S., Jr.: Acetic anhydride. In: Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 4th Ed., Vol. 1. New York: John Wiley and Sons, pp.142-154, 1991.
  • (death from inhalation)
    Sinclair, J.S., McManus, D.T., O'Hara, M.D. and Millar, R.: Fatal inhalation injury following an industrial accident involving acetic anhydride. Burns 20(5): 469-470, 1994.
Monitoring Methods used by OSHA

Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method:

  • sampling media: Two Coated Glass Fiber Filters (37 mm) Coating is 10 mg Veratryamine and 10 mg di-n-octylphthalate.
    analytical solvent: (50:50) Isopropanol:Toluene
    maximum volume: 7.5 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 0.05 L/min
    current analytical method: Gas Chromatography; GC/NPD
    method reference: OSHA Analytical Method (OSHA 102)
    method classification: Fully Validated
    note: Store filters under refrigeration and use within 1 month. Small interfering peaks start appearing after that time.

On-Site Sampling Technique/Method:

  • device: Detector Tube
    manufacturer: Gastec
    model/type: Acetic Acid Tube 81
    sampling information: 1 stroke
    upper measuremnet limit: 15 ppm
    detection limit: approximately 0.3 ppm
    overall uncertainty: 16.4%
    method reference: on-site air secondary (manufacturer)

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