1. OSHA Occupational Chemical Database
  2. PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE
Label abbreviations descriptions

PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE†

Chemical Identification
Chemical Identification
CAS # 85-44-9
Formula
 

C₈H₄O₃
Synonyms
 

1,2-benzenedicarboxylic anhydride; 1,3, dioxophthalan; 1,3 isobenzoflurandione; PAN; phthalic acid anhydride
Physical Properties
Physical Properties
Physical description A colorless to white lustrous solid in the form of needles with a mild distinctive odor.
Boiling point 563°F Molecular weight 148.12
Freezing point/melting point 267.4°F Vapor pressure 0.0015 mmHg
Flash point 305°F Vapor density 5.1
Specific gravity 1.53 at 68°F Ionization potential 10.00 eV
Lower explosive limit (LEL) 1.7% Upper explosive limit (UEL) 10.5%
NFPA health rating 2 NFPA fire rating 1
NFPA reactivity rating 0 NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs
Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Analyte code (IMIS no.) 2110
Sampling group
Sampler/Sampling media GFFs coated with veratrylamine (3,4-dimethoxybenzylamine) and di-n-octyl phthalate [SLTC100]
Sampling time*
 

75 min
Sampling volume (TWA)*
 

75 L
Sampling flow rate (TWA)*
 

1 L/min
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)*
 

 
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)*
 

 
Analytical method instruments HPLC
Method reference OSHA 90 (fully validated)
Notes
 

Store filters under refrigeration and use within 1 month. Small interfering peaks start appearing after that time.
Special requirements
 

These media are prepared by SLTC as needed and are not available for immediate shipment. Please allow time for SLTC to prepare these media prior to sampling.

* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Wipe Method
Wipe Method
Sampler/Sampling media
 

 
Bulk Method
Bulk Method
 

 
On-Site Screening Techniques
On-Site Screening Techniques
Device
Model/Type
Sampling information
(see manufacturer instructions)
Exposure Limits
Exposure Limits
OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
NIOSH REL
Up to 10-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
ACGIH TLV©
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
CAL/OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
PEL-TWA
 

2 ppm (12 mg/m³)

 REL-TWA
 

1 ppm (6 mg/m³)

 TLV-TWA
 

0.002 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction and vapor) [2016]

 PEL-TWA
 

1 ppm (6 mg/m³)
PEL-STEL
 

 

 REL-STEL
 

 

 TLV-STEL
 

0.005 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction and vapor) [2016]

 PEL-STEL
 

 
PEL-C
 

 

 REL-C
 

 

 TLV-C
 

 

 PEL-C
 

 
Skin notation
 

N

 Skin notation
 

N

 Skin notation
 

Y

 Skin notation
 

N
Notes:
 

See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1.

 Notes:
 

 

 Notes:
 

dermal sensitizer (DSEN), respiratory sensitizer (RSEN)

 Notes:
 

 
Health factors:  See NIH-NLM PubChem. IDLH
 

60 mg/m³
Carcinogenic classifications: TLV-A4 Notes:
 

 
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:
 

 
Additional Resources and Literature References
Additional Resources and Literature References

NOAA: CAMEO Chemicals - Phthalic anhydride

NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Phthalic anhydride

Literature References

 
  • ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) - Phthalic anhydride. See annual publication for most recent information.
  • EPA Air Toxics Website: Phthalic anhydride. US Environmental Protection Agency Technology Transfer Network.
  • Liss, G.M., Albro, P.W., Hartle, R.W. and Stringer, W.T.: Urine phthalate determinations as an index of occupational exposure to phthalic anhydride and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate. Scand. J. Work Environ. Health 11(5): 381-387, 1985.
  • Pauli, G., et al.: Meat wrapper's asthma: identification of the causal agent. Clin. Allergy 10(3): 263-269, 1980.
  • Pfaffli, P.: Phthalic acid excretion as an indicator of exposure to phthalic anhydride in the work atmosphere. Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 58(3): 209-216, 1986.

Last Updated Date : 01/29/2021