ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
2-NITROPROPANE (CH3CH(NO2)CH3)
SYNONYMS
sec-Nitropropane, dimethylnitromethane, isonitropropane,
nitroisopropane, 2-NP
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Possible carcinogen
Probable foetotoxin
Probable mutagen
Flammable substance keep away from heat
Avoid inhalation or ingestion
Wash hands thoroughly after handling
Can form explosive mixtures with air
CHARACTERISTICS
Clear, colourless, oily liquid with a pleasant, mild odour
described as fruity.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Worksafe Australia Category 2 carcinogen. Although no human data
is available Nitropropane has provided positive mutagenic
results with bacteria and cultured human cells. Has caused
foetal death in laboratory animals at doses not toxic to the
mother. Vapours are heavier than air and can travel a
considerable distance along the ground to a source of ignition
and flash back. Can form explosive mixtures with air.
Skin - Slight skin irritation may occur as a result of drying.
Dermatitis may develop after prolonged exposure.
Eyes - Can cause local eye irritation.
Inhalation - Can cause coughing, headache, nausea, drowsiness,
cyanosis, and faintness. The threshold level is 5ppm. At
20-45ppm vomiting, diarrhoea and severe headaches have been
reported. Also reported in workers exposed for 6 to 16 hours to
unknown concentrations were muscular incoordination, chest and
abdominal pain, liver and stomach problems with death reported
in 6 cases after 2 weeks. Methaemoglobinaemia has been reported.
Convulsions and coma may occur at methaemoglobin levels of 70%.
Ingestion - No human ingestion data is available. Ingestion
effects are likely to be similar to inhalation effects.
TREATMENTS
Skin - Immediately wash the affected area with soap or mild
detergent and large amounts of water until all evidence of the
chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If
irritation persists or dermatitis develops seek medical advice.
Remove contaminated clothing and shoes and decontaminate before
re-use.
Eyes - Immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation or pain persists seek
immediate medical attention.
Inhalation - Remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. Keep
warm and allow to rest. If breathing is difficult give oxygen if
available. If breathing has stopped begin artificial
respiration. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion - Never give anything by mouth if the victim is losing
consciousness, is unconscious or convulsing. Rinse the mouth
thoroughly with water. Do Not induce vomiting. Seek immediate
medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Incompatible with strong acids and bases and oxidising
materials. Corrodes mild steel in the presence of moisture.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry, well ventilated area away from direct
sunlight. Store away from sources of ignition. keep away from
incompatible substances.
HANDLING
TLV 10ppm. Always use a fume hood and wear appropriate
protective clothing. Protection should include a laboratory coat
or gown with elasticised wrist bands, rubber gloves and safety
goggles as a minimum standard. If a fume hood is not available a
respirator should be worn. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
DISPOSAL
By controlled incineration or secure landfill.
ENVIRONMENT
No data available.
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