MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

Product:                 TRI Reagent, TRI Reagent LS, TRI Reagent BD

Cat. Nos.                TR 118, TS 120, TB 126

Molecular Research Center, Inc.

5645 Montgomery Rd.

Cincinnati, Ohio 45212

USA 1-888-841-0900

Product Name: Tri Reagent, TRI Reagent LS, TRI Reagent BD

Synonym: Phenol solution

Chemical Formula: A formulation

Molecular Weight: A formulation

CERCLA RATINGS: (scale 0-3)      Health=3                 Fire=1     Reactivity=0         Persistence=1

NFPA RATINGS: (scale 0-4)           Health=3                 Fire=1     Reactivity=0

HMIS RATINGS: (scale 0-4)            Health=3                 Fire=1     Reactivity=0         PPE=D*

* Use chemical fume hood or adequate ventilation.

CHEMTREC EMERGENCY NUMBER: Only in the event of an emergency involving a spill, leak, fire exposure or accident.  1-800-262-8200

2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

Component                                              CAS No                  Percent                RTECS #              DOT UN:

Phenol                                                       108-95-2                  <50                       SJ3325000               2821 55

Nonhazardous Ingredients                    NA 0004                 <20

Thiocyanate compounds                       NA 0022                 <30

3. HEALTH HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: Prolonged exposure to phenol fumes or contact with skin can be hazardous and emergency medical attention should be initiated.

ROUTES OF ENTRY:   

Inhalation:               Yes

                                                                       Skin:                         Yes

                                                                       Ingestion:                Yes                                            

INHALATION: (phenol) Corrosive, neurotoxin, highly toxic.  May cause respiratory tract irritation, injury or arrest.

ACUTE EFFECTS: Inhalation may cause severe irritation of the mucous membranes, profuse sweating, headache, intense thirst, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, salivation, cyanosis, and convulsions.  Methemoglobinemia and hemolysis have been reported occasionally.  Death may occur from respiratory, circulatory or cardiac failure.

CHRONIC EFFECTS: Symptoms of chronic phenol poisoning may include vomiting, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea, anorexia, headache, vertigo, muscle weakness and pain, mental disturbances, dark or “smokey” urine and possible skin eruptions.  Extensive damage to the liver and kidneys may be fatal.

SKIN CONTACT: (phenol) Corrosive, neurotoxin.

Dermal contact may irritate/inflame the skin, with burning sensation or localized loss of feeling.  Skin is a principle route of entry and toxic quantities may be rapidly absorbed.  Skin exposure can cause severe chemical burns.  On skin, there is an initial local anesthesia followed with a white discoloration.

ACUTE AFFECTS: Contact may cause local anesthesia, skin necrosis, and burns.  Phenol burns may be severe, but painless due to damage to nerve endings.  Vapors and liquids may be readily absorbed through the skin to cause systemic effects as detailed in acute inhalation exposure.

CHRONIC EFFECTS: Prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis, and skin sensitization.  Coma and death have been reported following extensive skin exposure.  Pathologic findings include congestion of the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys.  Symptoms of chronic phenol poisoning may occur as detailed in chronic inhalation exposure.  Animal studies indicate phenol may have tumor promoting and/or mutagenic capabilities.

EYE CONTACT: (phenol) Corrosive to tissue, may cause blindness.

ACUTE EFFECTS: May cause tearing, conjunctival swelling, loss of sensation and blurred vision.

CHRONIC EXPOSURE: Repeated or prolonged exposure to phenol vapors may cause corneal ulceration, permanent damage or blindness.

INGESTION: (phenol) May cause severe burns to the mouth or throat. May cause severe abdominal burning sensation.

4. FIRST AID

INHALATION: Remove from low-lying contamination areas and transport to fresh air immediately.  If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration.  Maintain airway and blood pressure and administer oxygen if available.  Treat symptomatically and supportively.  Oxygen should be administration by qualified personnel.  Get medical attention immediately.

SKIN CONTACT: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.  Wash affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of water until no evidence of chemical remains. Use a deluge shower for at least 15 minutes.  In case of chemical burns, cover area with sterile, dry dressing, bandage securely, but not too tightly.  Get medical attention immediately.               

EYE CONTACT: Wash eyes immediately with large amounts of water, holding upper and lower lids open. Get medical attention immediately.

INGESTION: Wash mouth out if vomiting occurs.  Seek immediate medical attention. 

Note to attending physician: No known specific antidote.  Areas of skin contact smaller than 100 cm² may cause a minor health hazard. Systemic doses less than 1 gm may cause a minor health hazard although individual sensitivity may vary.  For ingestion exposure: give castor oil or other vegetable oil.  Give charcoal slurry if conscious.  Treat symptomatically.  Observe for 24 hrs.  Be prepared for emergency cardiovascular intervention.

5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Moderate fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame.  Vapor-air mixtures are explosive above flash point.  Vapors are heavier than air and may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back.  Fires involving phenol should be fought upwind from the maximum distance possible.  Emergency personnel should stay away from low areas and ventilate closed spaces before entry.

Flash point: 110° C                D93 Method A                      

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:  Use Class B extinguishers (oils, hydrocarbon liquids.)  Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, halon, water spray or standard foam (1987 Emergency Response Guidebook, DOT P 5800.4) for larger fires, use water spray, fog or standard foam (1987 Emergency Response Guidebook, DOT P 5800.4)

FIREFIGHTING: Evacuate area. Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. Extinguish using agents indicated.  Phenol is combustible and containers may explode in fire. Avoid breathing toxic fumes produced under fire conditions.

6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Note that accidental releases may be subject to special reporting requirements and other regulatory mandates.  Check and comply with local applicable laws and regulations.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Use gloves, boots, Tyvek suit or other impervious covering to avoid skin contact.  Use chemical goggles, face shield, or other appropriate eye protection.

SPILL AND LEAK PROCEDURES: Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area. Remove all ignition sources.  Neutralize spill with slaked lime, sodium bicarbonate or crushed limestone.  Collect powdered material and deposit in sealed containers and dispose of phenol as hazardous waste.  Isolate area and deny entry.

U.S. DOT EMERGENCY GUIDE # 60

NORTH AMERICAN EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK # 153

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE

Observe all Federal, state, and local regulations when storing or disposing of this substance.  Store in an area appropriate for flammables; a cool, dry, well-ventilated location, away from direct sunlight, heat or sources of ignition.  Avoid contact with hypochlorite, strong oxidizers such as chlorine and bromine.

8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS and PERSONAL PROTECTION

The current OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for phenol is 5 ppm (19 milligrams per cubic meter) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration.

GENERAL PROTECTION AND PRECAUTIONS

PROTECTIVE MEASURES: Do not touch unprotected skin.  Do not wear contact lenses while handling this product.  Do not pipette by mouth.  Area ventilation is generally adequate, but use fume hood if available.

AIR PURIFYING RESPIRATOR CANISTERS/CARTRIDGES:  Stacked cartridge for organic vapors (black ANSI color code, NIOSH approved) plus dust, mist (red ANSI color code, NIOSH approved).

GLOVES AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Employee must wear appropriate (impervious) clothing and gloves (rubber or neoprene rubber) to prevent any possibility of skin contact with this substance.

EYE PROTECTION: Safety glasses should be the minimum eye protection. Wear chemical goggles to reduce exposure to aerosols or mists. 

EMERGENCY WASH FACILITIES: Where there is any possibility that an employee's eyes and /or skin may be exposed to this substance, the employer should provide an eye wash fountain and quick drench shower within the immediate work area for emergency use.

ROUTINE OPERATIONS: Lab coats, safety glasses with side shields and gloves should be considered minimum body protection.  Wash hands thoroughly after using the reagent and never eat, drink, use tobacco products, apply cosmetics or take medications in areas where a phenol solution is handled, processed or stored.

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Description:                             Red to maroon color with a characteristic sweet, medicinal or tar-like odor.

Boiling point:                           Not determined

Melting point:                          Not Applicable

Vapor pressure:                      >0.35 mmHg@25C

Evaporation rate:                   Not determined

Solvent solubility:                 Soluble in water and glycerol; relatively soluble in aqueous alkali hydroxides, and dimethyl sulfoxide.