Material Safety Data Sheet: Agent T
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AGENT T
SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION
DATE: 16 April 1988
REVISED: 11 Dec 1996
MANUFACTURER'S ADDRESS:
U.S. ARMY CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE COMMAND
EDGEWOOD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT,
AND ENGINEERING CENTER (ERDEC)
ATTN: SCBRD-ODR-S
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD 20101-5423
Emergency telephone #' s: 0700-1630 EST: 410-671-4411/4414
After: 1630 EST: 410- 278-5201, Ask for Staff Duty Officer
CAS REGISTRY NUMBER: 63918-89-8
CHEMICAL NAME:
Bis-(2-(2-chloroethylthio)ethyl) ether
ALTERNATE CHEMICAL NAMES:
Di (2- (2-chloroethylthio))ethyl ether
Di (2- (B-chloroethyl thio))ethyl ether
TRADE NAME AND SYNONYMS:
T
Sulfur Mustard (Vesicant)
CHEMICAL FAMILY: Chlorinated Sulfur Compound
FORMULA/CHEMICAL STRUCTURE:
C8H16Cl2OS2
NFPA 704 HAZARD SIGNAL:
Health - 4
Flammability - 1
Reactivity - 1
Special - 0
SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS NAME FORMULA PERCENTAGE BY WEIGHT AIRBORN EXPOSURE LIMIT
(AEL)TC8H16Cl2OS2100 None Established
SECTION III - PHYSICAL DATA
BOILING POINT:
120 C @ 0.02 torr
174 C @ 2.0 torr
VAPOR PRESSURE (torr): 2.9 x E-5 @ 25 C (Calculated)
VAPOR DENSITY (AIR=1): 9.08 (Calculated)
SOLUBILITY IN WATER: Practically insoluble.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY (H2O=1): 1.2361 @ 25 C
FREEZING (MELTING) POINT: 9.6 - 9.9 C
VOLATILITY (mg/liter): 4.1 x E-4 @ 25 C (Calculated)
VISCOSITY (CENTISTOKE): 14.7 @ 25 C
EVAPORATION RATE: Very slow.
APPEARANCE AND ODOR: Yellow liquid with a garlic-like odor, similar to Mustard Agent.
SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA
FLASHPOINT (Method Used): Unknown
FLAMMABILITY LIMITS: Unknown
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Water, fog, foam, CO2.
Avoid use of extinguishing methods that will cause splashing or
spreading of T.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES: All persons not
engaged in extinguishing the fire should be evacuated immediately.
Fires involving T should be contained to prevent contamination of
uncontrolled areas. When responding to a fire alarm in buildings or
areas containing agents, firefighting personnel should wear full
firefighters protective clothing (Not TAP Clothing) during chemical
agent firefighting and fire rescue operations. Respiratory protection
is required. Positive pressure, full face piece, NIOSH approved
self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) will be worn where
there is danger of oxygen deficiency and when directed by the fire
chief or chemical accident/incident (CAI)operations officer. In
cases where firefighters are responding to a chemical
accident/incident for rescue/reconnaissance purposes, they will
wear appropriate levels of protective clothing (See Section VIII).
Do not breathe fumes. Skin contact with agents must be avoided
always. Although the fire may destroy most of the agent, care must
still be taken to assure the agent or contaminated liquids do not
further contaminate other areas or sewers. Contact with the agent
liquid or vapor can be fatal.
SECTION V - HEALTH HAZARD DATA
AIRBORNE EXPOSURE LIMITS (AEL): No detailed health
hazard data on T is available. The following information is based
upon the limited available information and the chemical similarity
to Mustard (HD) Agent. Under no circumstances should any
individual be intentionally exposed to any direct skin or eye
contact.
T presently is not listed by the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC), National Toxicology Program (NTP),
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), or
American Conference of Governmental Hygienist as a carcinogen.
However, agent T should be treated as a suspect carcinogen due to
its similarity to Mustard Agent (HD).
EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: T is a vesicant (blister agent)
and alkylating agent producing cytotoxic action on the
hematopoietic (blood forming) tissues, which are especially
sensitive, much the same as for HD. The median lethal and
incapacitating doses of T in man have not been established. The
median lethal dosage (LCt50) of T in mice is 1650-2250 mg-
min/m3, based upon a ten minute exposure time.
ACUTE PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION OF T IS CLASSIFIED AS LOCAL AND SYSTEMIC.
ACUTE EFFECTS: T affects both the eyes and skin. Skin damage
occurs after percutaneous absorption. Being lipid soluble, T can be
absorbed into all organs. Skin penetration is rapid without skin
irritation. Swelling (blisters) and reddening (erythema) of the skin
occurs after a latency period of 4-24 hours following the exposure,
depending on the degree of the exposure and individual sensitivity.
The skin healing process is very slow. Tender skin, mucous
membranes, and perspiration-covered skin is more sensitive to the
effects of T. T's effect on the skin, however, is less than on the
eyes. Severe exposure to the eyes produces severe necrotic damage
and loss of eyesight. Exposure of the eyes to T vapors or aerosol
produces lacrimation, photophobia, and inflammation of the
cornea.
SYSTEMIC EFFECTS: Occurs primarily through inhalation and
ingestion. The T vapor or aerosol is less toxic to the skin or eyes
than the liquid form. When inhaled, the upper respiratory tract
(nose, throat, tracheae) is inflamed after a few hours latency period,
accompanied by sneezing, coughing and bronchitis, loss of
appetite, diarrhea, fever, and apathy. Exposure to nearly lethal
doses of T can produce injury to bone marrow, lymph nodes, and
spleen as indicated by a drop in white blood cell (WBC) count and,
therefore, results in increased susceptibility to local and systemic
infections. Ingestion of T will produce severe stomach pains,
vomiting, and bloody stools after a 15-20 minute latency period.
CHRONIC EXPOSURE: T can cause sensitization, chronic lung
impairment (cough, shortness of breath, chest pain) and possibly
cancer of the mouth, throat, respiratory tract and skin, and
leukemia. Exposure to T may also cause birth defects.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: Hold breath until respiratory protective
mask is donned. Remove from the source IMMEDIATELY. If
breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If breathing has stopped,
give artificial respiration. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should be
used when approved mask-bag or oxygen delivery systems are not
available. Do not use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when facial
contamination exists. Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
EYE CONTACT: Speed in decontaminating the eyes is essential.
Remove the person from the liquid source, flush the eyes
immediately with water for at least 15 minutes by tilting the head to
the side, pulling eyelids apart with fingers and pouring water
slowly into the eyes. Do not cover eyes with bandages but, if
necessary, protect eyes by means of dark or opaque goggles. Seek
medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
SKIN CONTACT: Remove the victim from the source and
immediately decon skin and clothes by flushing with 5% sodium
hypochlorite solution or liquid household bleach within one
minute. Cut and remove contaminated clothing, flush affected areas
again with decon. Wash skin area with soap and water. Seek
medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
INGESTION: Do not induce vomiting. Give victim milk to drink.
Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
SECTION VI - REACTIVITY DATA
STABILITY: Stable at ambient temperatures. Decomposition
temperature is approximately 180 C. T is a persistent agent
depending on pH and moisture.
INCOMPATIBILITY: Unknown
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: T will hydrolyze to form HCl and di-2-(2-hydroxy ethyl thio) ethyl ether.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: Unknown
SECTION VII - SPILL, LEAK, AND DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR SPILLED: If spills or leaks of T occur only personnel in full protective clothing (See Section VIII) will be allowed in the area. See Section V for emergency and first aid procedures.
RECOMMENDED FIELD PROCEDURES: T should be
contained using vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, clay, or fine sand
and neutralized as soon as possible using copious amounts of
alcoholic caustic, carbonate, or Decontaminating Solution, DS2.
Caution must be exercised when using these decontaminates since
acetylene will be given off. Household bleach can also be used if
accompanied by stirring to allow contact. Scoop up all
contaminated material and place in approved DOT containers.
Cover the contents with additional decontaminant. All leaking
containers will be over packed with vermiculite placed between the
interior and exterior containers. Decontaminate the outside of the
container and label according to DOT and EPA requirements.
Dispose of according to waste procedures below. Dispose of
decontaminate according to Federal, state, and local laws. Conduct
general area monitoring with an approved monitor to confirm that
the atmospheric concentrations do not exceed the airborne
exposure limit (See Sections II and VIII).
WARNING: Never use dry High Test Hypochlorite (HTH) or Super
Tropical Bleach (STB) since they will react violently with T and
may burst into flames.
RECOMMENDED LABORATORY PROCEDURES:
A minimum of 65 grams of decon solution per gram of T is allowed
to agitate for a minimum of one hour. Agitation is not necessary
following the first hour if a single phase is obtained. At the end of
24 hours, the resulting solution will be adjusted to a pH between
10 and 11. Test for presence of active chlorine by use of acidic
potassium iodide solution to give free iodine color. Place 3 ml of
the decontaminate in a test tube. Add several crystals of potassium
iodine and swirl to dissolve. Add 3 ml of 50 wt.% sulfuric acid:
water and swirl. IMMEDIATE iodine color shows the presence of
active chlorine. If negative, add additional 5.25 % sodium
hypochlorite solution to the decontamination solution, wait two
hours, then test again for active chlorine. Continue procedure until
positive chlorine is given by solution. Scoop up all material and
place in approved DOT containers. Cover the contents with
additional decontaminate as above. The exterior of the container
will be decontaminated and labeled according to EPA and DOT
regulations. All leaking containers will be over packed with
vermiculite placed between the interior and exterior containers.
Decontaminate and label according to EPA and DOT regulations.
Dispose of the material according to waste disposal methods
provided below. Dispose of decontaminate according to Federal,
state and local regulations. Conduct general area monitoring with
an approved monitor to confirm that the atmospheric concentrations
do not exceed the airborne exposure limits (See Sections II and
VIII).
A 10 wt.% calcium hypochlorite mixture may be substituted for
sodium hypochlorite. Use 65 grams of decon per gram of T and
continue the test as described for sodium hypochlorite.
NOTE: Surfaces contaminated with T, then rinse-decontaminated
may evolve sufficient T vapor to produce a physiological response.
T on laboratory glassware may be oxidized by it vigorous reaction
with concentrated nitric acid.
WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD: All neutralized material should be
collected, contained and thermally decomposed in EPA approved
incinerators that will filter or scrub toxic by-products from effluent
air before discharge to the atmosphere. Any contaminated materials
or protective clothing should be decontaminated using HTH or
bleach and analyzed to assure it is free of detectable contamination
(3X) level. The clothing should then be sealed in plastic bags
inside properly labeled drums and held for shipment back to the
DA issue point.
NOTE: Some states define decontaminated surety material as a
RCRA hazardous waste.
SECTION VIII - SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
CONCENTRATION RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
< 0.003 ( mg/m3)NIOSH approved full face piece,
chemical canister air-purifying, respirators or protective masks will
be on hand for escape. (M9, M17, M40 series protective masks or
other certified equivalent masks are acceptable for this, use with the
M3 toxicological agent protective suit for dermal
protection).
>0.003 or concentration unknown NIOSH approved pressure demand full face piece SCBA, suitable for use in unknown or high agent concentrations, with a protective ensemble. (See DA Pam 385-61 for examples)
VENTILATION
Local exhaust: Mandatory. Must be filtered or scrubbed to limit
exit concentration to non-detectable level. Air emissions will meet
Federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Special: Chemical laboratory hoods will have an average inward
face velocity of 100 linear feet per minute (1fpm) +/- 10% with the
velocity at any point not deviating from the average face velocity by
more than 20%. Existing laboratory hoods will have an inward face
velocity of 150 lfpm +/- 20%. Laboratory hoods will be located
such that cross drafts do not exceed 20% of the inward face
velocity. A visual performance test utilizing smoke producing
devices will be performed in the assessment of the inclosure's
ability to contain T.
Other: Recirculation of exhaust air from agent areas is prohibited.
No connection between agent area and other areas through the
ventilation system are permitted. Emergency backup power is
necessary. Hoods should be tested semiannually or after
modification or maintenance operations. Operations should be
performed 20 centimeters inside hoods. Procedures should be
developed for disposal of contaminated filters.
PROTECTIVE GLOVES: M3 and M4 Butyl Rubber, Norton,
Chemical Protective Glove Set
EYE PROTECTION: As a minimum, chemical goggles will be
worn. For splash hazards use goggles and face-shield.
OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: For laboratory operations,
wear lab coats, gloves and have a mask readily accessible. In
addition, daily clean smocks, foot covers, and head covers will be
required when handling contaminated lab animals.
MONITORING: Real Time Analytical Platform (RTAP)
Real-time, low-level monitors (with alarm) are required for
operations. In their absence, an Immediately Dangerous to Life and
Health (IDLH) atmosphere must be presumed. Laboratory
operations conducted in appropriately maintained and alarmed
engineering controls require only periodic low-level monitoring.
SECTION IX - SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN HANDLING AND STORING: When handling agents, the buddy system will be
incorporated. No smoking, eating, or drinking in areas containing
agents are permitted. Containers should be periodically inspected
for leaks, either visually or using a detector kit. Stringent control
over all personnel handling agents must be exercised.
Decontaminating equipment will be conveniently placed. Exits
must be designed to permit rapid evacuation. Chemical showers,
eye wash stations, and personal cleanliness facilities must be
provided. Wash hands before meals and shower thoroughly with
special attention given to hair, face, neck, and hands, using plenty
of soap before leaving at the end of the workday.
OTHER PRECAUTIONS: T should be stored in containers made
of glass for Research, Development Test and Evaluation (RDTE)
quantities or one-ton steel containers for large quantities. Agents
will be double contained in vapor and liquid tight containers when
in storage or during transportation.
For additional information see "AR 385-61, The Army Toxic Chemical Agent Safety Program," "DA Pam 385-61, Toxic Chemical Agent Safety Standards," and "DA Pam 40-173, Occupational Health Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of
Occupational Exposure to Mustard H, HD, and HT."
SECTION X - TRANSPORTATION DATA
PROPER SHIPPING NAME: Poisonous liquids, n.o.s.
DOT HAZARDS CLASSIFICATION: 6.1, Packing Group I, Zone B
DOT LABEL: Poison
DOT MARKING: Poisonous liquids, n.o.s. Bis-(2-(2-chloroethylthio)ethyl) ether UN 2810, Inhalation Hazard
DOT PLACARD: POISON
EMERGENCY ACCIDENT PRECAUTIONS & PROCEDURES: See Sections IV, VII and VIII.
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN TRANSPORTATION: Motor
vehicles will be placarded regardless of quantity. Drivers will be
given full information regarding shipment and conditions in case of
an emergency. AR 50-6 deals specifically with the shipment of
chemical agents. Shipment of agents will be escorted according to
AR 740-32.
While the Edgewood Research Development, and Engineering
Center, Department of the Army believes that the data contained
herein are factual and the opinions expressed are those of the
experts regarding the results of the tests conducted, the data are not
to be taken as a warranty or representation for which the
Department of the Army or Edgewood Research Development, and
Engineering Center assumes legal responsibility. They are offered
solely for your consideration, investigation, and verification. Any
use of these data and information must be determined by the user
according to applicable Federal, State, and local laws and
regulations.
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