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 This information may be superseded by new developments in the field of industrial hygiene.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 DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL METHYL ETHER

INTRODUCTION

This guideline summarizes pertinent information about dipropylene glycol methyl ether 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 Recommendations may be superseded by new developments in these fields; readers are therefore advised to regard these recommendations as general guidelines and to determine whether new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(16)O(3)

* Structure

(For Structure, see paper copy)

* Synonyms

Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether;

1-(2-methoxyisopropoxy)-2-propanol; dowanol 50B; propasol; solvent DM; poly-solv; DPM solvent; UCAR solvent 2LM; arcosolv; dowanol DPM glycol ether

* Identifiers

1. CAS No.: 34590-94-8

2. RTECS No.: JM1575000

3. Specific DOT number: None.

4. Specific DOT label: None.

* Appearance and odor Dipropylene glycol methyl ether is a colorless liquid with a weak, ether-like odor.

CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

* Physical data

1. Molecular weight: 148.20

2. Boiling point (at 760 mm Hg): 190 degrees C (374 degrees F)

3. Specific gravity: 0.95 at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F)

4. Vapor density: 5.11

5. Melting point: -80 degrees C (-112 degrees F)

6. Vapor pressure at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F): 0.3 mm Hg

7. Solubility: Completely miscible with water, acetone, ethanol, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, ether, methanol, monochlorobenzene, petroleum ether, and VM&P naphtha.

8. Evaporation rate: Data not available.

* Reactivity

1. Conditions contributing to instability: Heat or flame .

2. Incompatibilities: Contact between dipropylene glycol methyl ether and strong oxidizing agents may cause fires and explosions.

3. Hazardous decomposition products: Toxic gases and vapors (such as oxides of carbon) may be released in a fire involving dipropylene glycol methyl ether.

4. Special precautions: None reported.

* Flammability

The National Fire Protection Association has assigned a flammability rating of 2 (moderate fire hazard) to dipropylene glycol methyl ether.

1. Flash point: 85 degrees C (185 degrees F) (open cup)

2. Autoignition temperature: Data not available.

3. Flammable limits in air: Data not available.

4. Extinguishant: Use water fog, dry chemical, alcohol foam, and carbon dioxide to extinguish fires involving dipropylene glycol methyl ether.

Fires involving dipropylene glycol methyl ether should be fought upwind from the maximum distance possible. Isolate the hazard area and deny access to unnecessary personnel. Use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers. Water or foam may cause frothing. Firefighters should wear a full set of protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving dipropylene glycol methyl ether.

EXPOSURE LIMITS

* OSHA PEL

The current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for dipropylene glycol methyl ether is 100 parts per million (ppm) parts of air (600 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m(3)) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration. The OSHA PEL also bears a "Skin" notation, which indicates that the cutaneous route of exposure (including mucous membranes and eyes) contributes to overall exposure [29 CFR 1910.1000, Table Z-1].

* NIOSH REL

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established recommended exposure limits (RELs) for dipropylene glycol methyl ether of 100 ppm (600 mg/m(3)) as a TWA for up to a 10-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek and 150 ppm (900 mg/m(3)) as a short-term exposure limit (STEL). NIOSH also assigns a "Skin" notation to dipropylene glycol methyl ether [NIOSH 1992].

* ACGIH TLV

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has assigned dipropylene glycol methyl ether threshold limit values (TLVs) of 100 ppm (606 mg/m(3)) as a TWA for a normal 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek and a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 150 ppm (909 mg/m(3)) for periods not to exceed 15 minutes. Exposures at the STEL concentration should not be repeated more than four times a day and should be separated by intervals of at least 60 minutes. The ACGIH also assigns a "Skin" notation to dipropylene glycol methyl ether [ACGIH 1994, p. 20].

* Rationale for Limits

The NIOSH limits are based on the risk of narcotic effects and mild irritation of the nose and eyes [NIOSH 1992].

The ACGIH limits are based on the risk of irritation and central nervous system impairment [ACGIH 1991, p. 520].

HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

* Routes of Exposure

Exposure to dipropylene glycol methyl ether can occur through inhalation, ingestion, and eye or skin contact [Sittig 1991].

* Summary of toxicology 1. Effects on Animals: Dipropylene glycol methyl ether causes narcosis in animals at very high concentrations. The acute oral LD(50)s in rats and dogs are 5,135 mg/kg and 7,500 mg/kg, respectively [NIOSH 1991]. Death resulted from central nervous system depression and respiratory failure [Clayton and Clayton 1982]. The dermal LD(50) in rabbits is 9,500 mg/kg [ACGIH 1991]. Rats exposed for 7 hours to 500 ppm showed signs of mild narcosis but recovered rapidly [Hathaway et al. 1991]. Repeated daily exposures to 300-400 ppm for more than 100 days caused minor cellular changes in the liver of rabbits, monkeys, and guinea pigs, but not in the liver of rats [Hathaway et al. 1991]. Topical administration of 10 mg/kg dipropylene glycol methyl ether five times per week for 13 weeks to the shaved skin of rabbits caused death in six of seven rabbits [Clayton and Clayton 1982]. Direct eye contact or eye exposure to a high ambient concentration results in slight and transient eye irritation but does not cause permanent damage [Grant 1986].

2. Effects on Humans: Dipropylene glycol methyl ether is an irritant of the eyes, nose, and throat. At very high concentrations, it is expected that it would also cause narcosis in humans. The lowest concentrations that produce nasal irritation of eye, throat, and upper respiratory tract irritation are 35 and 75 ppm, respectively [Clayton and Clayton 1982]. The eye irritation caused by these concentrations or by direct contact of the eye with the liquid is transient [Hathaway et al. 1991]. The lowest concentration which produced an intolerable odor was 80 ppm; for most persons, its odor is transiently objectionable at 100 ppm [ACGIH 1991; Clayton and Clayton 1982]. Central nervous system impairment occurred in one subject exposed to 1,000 ppm [ACGIH 1991].

* Signs and symptoms of exposure

1. Acute exposure: Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat may occur and be associated with symptoms of burning, itching, runny nose, and nose and throat soreness. At very high concentrations, central nervous system impairment may occur with sleepiness, headache, inability to concentrate, and other symptoms of narcosis [Sittig 1991].

2. Chronic exposure: No signs or symptoms of chronic exposure to dipropylene glycol methyl ether have been reported in humans.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROCEDURES

* Emergency medical procedures: [NIOSH to supply]

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 dipropylene glycol methyl ether and lead to worker exposures to this substance:

* The manufacture and transportation of dipropylene glycol methyl ether

* Used as a general and high-boiling solvent for oils, greases, lacquers, paints, nitrocellulose and synthetic resins; used in application of water-based surface coatings

* Used as a coupling and dispersing agent in manufacture and application of printing pastes, dyes, in ks, cosmetics, and water-based polishes

* Used in manufacture of latex paints, lacquers, enamels, adhesives, and leather protective coatings

* Used as slimicides in food packaging and adhesives in food industry; used as a solvent in hard-surface liquid household cleaners

* Used as a heat-transfer agent in hydraulic brake fluid

Methods that are effective in controlling worker exposures to dipropylene glycol methyl ether, 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.

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE

OSHA is currently developing requirements for medical surveillance. When these requirements are promulgated, readers should refer to them for additional information and to determine whether employers whose employees are exposed to dipropylene glycol methyl ether are required to implement medical surveillance procedures.

* Medical Screening

Workers who may be exposed to chemical hazards should be monitored in a systematic program of medical surveillance that is intended to prevent occupational injury and disease. The program should include education of employers and workers about work-related hazards, early detection of adverse health effects, and referral of workers for diagnosis and treatment. The occurrence of disease or other work-related adverse health effects should prompt immediate evaluation of primary preventive measures (e.g., industrial hygiene monitoring, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment). A medical surveillance program is intended to supplement, not replace, such measures. To detect and control work-related health effects, medical evaluations should be performed (1) before job placement, (2) periodically during the term of employment, and (3) at the time of job transfer or termination.

* Preplacement medical evaluation

Before a worker is placed in a job with a potential for exposure to dipropylene glycol methyl ether, a licensed health care professional should evaluate and document the worker's baseline health status with thorough medical, environmental, and occupational histories, a physical examination, and physiologic and laboratory tests appropriate for the anticipated occupational risks. These should concentrate on the function and integrity of the respiratory system. Medical surveillance for respiratory disease should be conducted using the principles and methods recommended by the American Thoracic Society.

A preplacement medical evaluation is recommended to assess medical conditions that may be aggravated or may result in increased risk when a worker is exposed to dipropylene glycol methyl ether at or below the prescribed exposure limit. The health care professional should consider the probable frequency, intensity, and duration of exposure as well as the nature and degree of any applicable medical condition. Such conditions (which should not be regarded as absolute contraindications to job placement) include a history and other findings consistent with diseases of the respiratory system.

* Periodic medical evaluations

Occupational health interviews and physical examinations should be performed at regular intervals during the employment period, as mandated by any applicable Federal, State, or local standard. Where no standard exists and the hazard is minimal, evaluations should be conducted every 3 to 5 years or as frequently as recommended by an experienced occupational health physician. Additional examinations may be necessary if a worker develops symptoms attributable to dipropylene glycol methyl ether exposure. The interviews, examinations, and medical screening tests should focus on identifying the adverse effects of dipropylene glycol methyl ether on the respiratory system. Current health status should be compared with the baseline health status of the individual worker or with expected values for a suitable reference population.

* Termination medical evaluations

The medical, environmental, and occupational history interviews, the physical examination, and selected physiologic or laboratory tests that were conducted at the time of placement should be repeated at the time of job transfer or termination to determine the worker's medical status at the end of his or her employment. Any changes in the worker's health status should be compared with those expected for a suitable reference population.

* Biological monitoring

Biological monitoring involves sampling and analyzing body tissues or fluids to provide an index of exposure to a toxic substance or metabolite. No biological monitoring test acceptable for routine use has yet been developed for dipropylene glycol methyl ether.

WORKPLACE MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT

Determination of a worker's exposure to airborne dipropylene glycol methyl ether is made using a charcoal tube (100/50 mg sections, 20/40 mesh). Samples are collected at a maximum flow rate of 0.1 liter/minute until a maximum collection volume of 10 liters is reached. The sample is then treated with 95:5 methylene chloride:methanol. Analysis is conducted by gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector (GC/FID). This method (OSHA 101) is fully validated and is described in the OSHA Computerized Information System [OSHA 1994].

PERSONAL HYGIENE PROCEDURES

If dipropylene glycol methyl ether contacts the skin, workers should immediately wash the affected areas with soap and water.

Clothing contaminated with dipropylene glycol methyl ether 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 dipropylene glycol methyl ether, particularly its potential for causing eye, nose, and throat irritation.

A worker who handles dipropylene glycol methyl ether 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 dipropylene glycol methyl ether or a solution containing dipropylene glycol methyl ether is handled, processed, or stored.

STORAGE

Dipropylene glycol methyl ether 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 dipropylene glycol methyl ether should be stored out of direct sunlight, ignition sources, and protected from physical damage, and should be stored separately from strong oxidizing agents. Containers of dipropylene glycol methyl ether should be inspected and monitored periodically. Empty containers should be handled appropriately.

SPILLS AND LEAKS

In the event of a spill or leak involving dipropylene glycol methyl ether, 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. Notify safety personnel.

2. Remove all sources of heat and ignition.

3. Ventilate potentially explosive atmospheres.

4. Do not touch the spilled material; stop the leak if it is possible to do so without risk.

5. Use non-sparking tools.

6. Absorb spills in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or similar material and deposit in sealed container.

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

dipropylene glycol methyl ether 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

A hazardous substance release is defined by EPA as any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing into the environment (including the abandonment or discarding of contaminated containers) of hazardous substances. In the event of a release that is above the reportable quantity for that chemical, employers are required to notify the proper Federal, State, and local authorities [40 CFR 355.40].

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 dipropylene glycol methyl ether; 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 dipropylene glycol methyl ether 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 dipropylene glycol methyl ether 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 dipropylene glycol methyl ether 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 dipropylene glycol methyl ether. 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 dipropylene glycol methyl ether. There are no published reports on the resistance of various materials to permeation by dipropylene glycol methyl ether.

To evaluate the use of PPE materials with dipropylene glycol methyl ether, 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 dipropylene glycol methyl ether.

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

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.

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