Common Name: Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate
CAS Number: 103-23-1
DOT Number: None
Date: January 4, 1989
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate can affect you when breathed in.
* Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate can cause eye irritation and may
burn the skin.
IDENTIFICATION
Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is a light colored, oily liquid. It is
used as a plasticizer in making polyvinyl and certain other
plastics, and in solvents and aircraft lubricants.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is on the Hazardous Substance List
because it is cited by DEP, EPA, IARC and NFPA.
* Definitions are attached.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely
evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air
samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your
employer. You have a legal right to this information under
OSHA 1910.20.
* If you think you are experiencing any work related health
problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational
diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you.
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
No occupational exposure limits have been established for Bis (2-
Ethylhexyl) Adipate. This does not mean that this substance is not
harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed.
* Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate may cause cancer, mutations or
reproductive problems. All contact with this chemical should
be reduced to the lowest possible level.
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust
ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust
ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be
worn.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Bis (2-
Ethylhexyl) Adipate and at the end of the workshift.
* Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In
addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort,
communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Bis
(2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate to potentially exposed workers.
This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential
and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure.
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential
effects described below.
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HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to Bis (2-Ethylhexyl)
Adipate:
* Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate can irritate the eyes and may burn
the skin.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate and can last for
months or years:
Cancer Hazard
* There is limited evidence that Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate
causes cancer in animals. It may cause cancer of the liver.
* Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to
a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for
causing reproductive damage in humans.
Reproductive Hazard
* There is limited evidence that Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate may
damage the developing fetus.
* There is limited evidence that Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate may
decrease fertility in males and females.
Other Long Term Effects
* Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate has not been tested for other
chronic (long term) health effects.
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present
symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already
done are not a substitute for controlling exposure.
There is no special test for this chemical. However, if illness
occurs or over exposure is suspected, medical attention is
recommended.
Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to
this information under OSHA 1910.20.
WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES
Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous
substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of
reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations
and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical
release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using
respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the
controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary.
In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1)
how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is
released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye
contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly
toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing
exposures are possible.
In addition, the following control is recommended:
* Where possible, automatically pump liquid Bis (2-Ethylhexyl)
Adipate from drums or other storage containers to process
containers.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Bis (2-
Ethylhexyl) Adipate should change into clean clothing
promptly.
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Bis (2-
Ethylhexyl) Adipate.
* On skin contact with Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate, immediately
wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the
workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted
Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate, whether or not known skin contact
has occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate
is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be
swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry,
jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace
controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be
appropriate.
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply
to every situation.
Clothing
* Avoid skin contact with Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate. Wear
protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment
suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the
most protective glove/clothing material for your operation.
* All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
Eye Protection
* Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when
working with liquid Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate, unless full
facepiece respiratory protection is worn.
Respiratory Protection
IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should
only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into
account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training,
respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA
1910.134.
* Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure
to Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate does not occur.
* Where the potential exists for exposure to Bis (2-Ethylhexyl)
Adipate, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator
with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode
or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous
flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained
breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure
demand or other positive pressure mode.
Common Name: Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate
DOT Number: None
DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation
CAS Number: 103-23-1
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Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA
FLAMMABILITY - 1
REACTIVITY - 0
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POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
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Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol foam extinguishers.
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including acrid smoke
and irritating fumes.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is spilled or leaked, take the
following steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill or leak until cleanup is complete.
* Remove all ignition sources.
* Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar
material and deposit in sealed containers.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Bis (2-
Ethylhexyl) Adipate as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state
Environmental Program for specific recommendations.
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FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department.
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HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate you should be
trained on its proper handling and storage.
* Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is an ester. Some esters may
explode on mixing with NITRATES.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated
area.
* Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is used, handled,
or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or
explosion hazard.
FIRST AID
POISON INFORMATION
Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15
minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids.
Skin Contact
* Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with
water.
Breathing
* Remove the person from exposure.
PHYSICAL DATA
Vapor Pressure: 2.60 mm Hg at 392oF (200oC)
Flash Point: 385oF (196oC)
Water Solubility: Insoluble
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name:
Hexanedioic Acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester
Other Names and Formulations:
BEHA; DEHA; DOA; Dioctyl Adipate; Octyl Adipate; Di-2-Ethylhexyl
Adipate.
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is a liquid used to make plastics and
lubricants. It may enter the environment from industrial
discharges or spills.
ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or
fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are
seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with
a toxic chemical substance.
Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate has slight acute toxicity to aquatic
life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the
short-term effects of this chemical to plants, birds, or land
animals.
CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive
problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior.
Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic
chemical.
Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic
life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the
long-term effects of this chemical to plants, birds, or land
animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is slightly soluble in water.
Concentrations of 1 milligram and less will mix with a liter of
water.
DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate is slightly persistent in water, with a
half-life of between 2 to 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is
the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be
degraded. About 47.5% of this chemical will eventually end up in
terrestrial soils; about 44% will end up in aquatic sediments; and
the rest will end up in the air.
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
and humans.
The concentration of Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate found in fish
tissues is expected to be considerably higher than the average
concentration of this chemical in the water from which the fish was
taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.
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