totse.com | Material Safety Data Sheet: Agent T

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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

INGREDIENTS NAME FORMULA PERCENTAGE BY WEIGHT AIRBORN EXPOSURE LIMIT
(AEL)TC8H16Cl2OS2100 None Established

APPEARANCE AND ODOR: Yellow liquid with a garlic-like odor, similar to Mustard Agent.

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.

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 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.

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.

STABILITY: Stable at ambient temperatures. Decomposition temperature is approximately 180 C. T is a persistent agent depending on pH and moisture.

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: T will hydrolyze to form HCl and di-2-(2-hydroxy ethyl thio) ethyl ether.

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.

< 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)

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.

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.

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."

DOT MARKING: Poisonous liquids, n.o.s. Bis-(2-(2-chloroethylthio)ethyl) ether UN 2810, Inhalation Hazard

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.