Material Safety Data Sheet: Mustard Gas (Distilled Mustard - Blister)
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DISTILLED MUSTARD (HD)
SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION
DATE: 22 September 1988
REVISED: 28 February 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 NUMBERS: 505-60-2, 39472-40-7, 68157-62-0
CHEMICAL NAME:
Bis-(2-chloroethyl)sulfide
TRADE NAMES AND SYNONYMS:
Sulfide, bis (2-chloroethyl)
Bis(beta-chloroethyl)sulfide
1,1'-thiobis(2-chloroethane)
1-chloro-2(beta-chloroethylthio)ethane
Beta, beta'-dichlorodiethyl sulfide
2,2'dichlorodiethyl sulfide
Di-2-chloroethyl sulfide
Beta, beta'-dichloroethyl sulfide
2,2'-dichloroethyl sulfide
H; HD; HS
Iprit
Kampstoff "Lost"; Lost
Mustard Gas
S-Lost; S-yperite; Schewefel-lost
Senfgas
Sulfur mustard; Sulphur mustard gas
Yellow Cross Liquid
Yperite
Y
CHEMICAL FAMILY: Chlorinated sulfur compound
FORMULA/CHEMICAL STRUCTURE:
C4H8Cl2S
NFPA 704 HAZARD SIGNAL:
Health - 4
Flammability - 1
Reactivity - 1
Special - 0
SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS NAME FORMULA PERCENTAGE BY WEIGHT AIRBORNE EXPOSURE LIMIT (AEL)
Sulfur MustardC4H8Cl2S1000.003 mg/m3
SECTION III - PHYSICAL DATA
BOILING POINT: 422 F 217 C
VAPOR PRESSURE (mm Hg):
0.072 mm Hg @ 20 C
0.11 mm Hg @ 25 C
VAPOR DENSITY (AIR=1): 5.5
SOLUBILITY IN WATER: Negligible. Soluble in fats and oils, gasoline, kerosene, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, alcohol, tetrachloroethane, ethylbenzoate, and ether. Miscible with the organophosphorus nerve agents.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY (H2O=1): 1.27 @ 20 C
FREEZING POINT: 14.45 C
LIQUID DENSITY (g/cc):
1.268 @ 25 C
1.27 @ 20 C
PERCENTAGE VOLATILE BY VOLUME:
610 mg/m3 @ 20 C
920 mg/m3 @ 25 C
APPEARANCE AND ODOR: Normally amber to black colored
liquid with garlic or a horseradish odor. Water clear if pure. The
odor threshold for HD is 0.6 mg/m3 (.0006 mg/L).
SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA
FLASHPOINT : 105 C (Can be ignited by large explosive charges)
FLAMMABILITY LIMITS (% by volume): Unknown
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Water, fog, foam, CO2. Avoid use of
extinguishing methods that will cause splashing or spreading of
HD.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES: All persons not
engaged in extinguishing the fire should be immediately evacuated
from the area. Fires involving HD should be contained to prevent
contamination to uncontrolled areas. When responding to a fire
alarm in buildings or areas containing agents, firefighting personnel
should wear full firefighter protective clothing (without 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 at
all times. 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 LIMIT (AEL): The AEL for HD is 0.003
mg/m3 as found in "AR 40-173, Occupational Health Guidelines
for the Evaluation and Control of Occupational Exposure to
Mustard Agents H, HD, HT." To date, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) has not promulgated a permissible
exposure concentration for HD.
EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: HD is a vesicant (causing
blisters) and alkylating agent producing cytotoxic action on the
hematopoietic (blood-forming) tissues which are especially
sensitive. The rate of detoxification of HD in the body is very slow
and repeated exposures produce a cumulative effect. HD has been
found to be a human carcinogen by the International Agency for
Research on Cancer (IARC).
Median doses of HD in man are:
LD50 (skin) = 100 mg/kg ICt50 (skin) = 2000 mg-min/m3 at 70 - 80 F (humid environment)= 1000 mg-min/m3 at 90 F (dry environment)
ICt50 (eyes) = 200 mg-min/m3
ICt50 (inhalation) = 1500 mg-min/m3 (Ct unchanged with time)
LD50 (oral) = 0.7 mg/kg
Maximum safe Ct for skin and eyes are 5 and 2 mg-min/m3,
respectively.
ACUTE PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION OF HD IS CLASSIFIED AS LOCAL AND SYSTEMIC.
LOCAL ACTIONS: HD effects both the eyes and the skin. SKIN
damage occurs after percutaneous absorption. Being lipid soluble,
HD 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 degree of exposure and
individual sensitivity. The skin healing process is very slow. Tender
skin, mucous membrane and perspiration-covered skin are more
sensitive to the effects of HD. HD's effect on the skin, however, is
less than on the eyes. Local action on the eyes produces severe
necrotic damage and loss of eyesight Exposure of eyes to HD vapor
or aerosol produces lacrimation, photophobia, and inflammation of
the conjunctiva and cornea.
SYSTEMIC ACTIONS: Occurs primarily through inhalation and
ingestion. The HD 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 HD can produce injury to bone marrow, lymph nodes, and
spleen as showed by a drop in white blood cell count, thus
resulting in increased susceptibility to local and systemic
infections. Ingestion of HD will produce severe stomach pains,
vomiting, and bloody stools after a 15-20 minute latency period.
CHRONIC EXPOSURE : HD can cause sensitization, chronic lung
impairment, (cough, shortness of breath, chest pain), cancer of the
mouth, throat, respiratory tract and skin, and leukemia. It 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 exits. Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
EYE CONTACT: Speed in decontaminating the eyes is absolutely
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 the eyelids apart with the 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.
Transfer the patient to a medical facility IMMEDIATELY.
SKIN CONTACT: Don respiratory protective mask. Remove the
victim from agent sources immediately. Immediately wash skin and
clothes with 5% solution of sodium hypochlorite or liquid
household bleach within one minute. Cut and remove contaminated
clothing, flush contaminated skin area again with 5% sodium
hypochlorite solution, then wash contaminated 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 149 C to 177 C. Mustard is a persistent agent
depending on pH and moisture, and has been known to remain
active for up to three years in soil.
INCOMPATIBILITY: Rapidly corrosive to brass @ 65 C. Will
corrode steel at a rate of .0001 in. of steel per month @ 65 C.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION: Mustard will hydrolyze to
form HCl and thiodiglycol.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: Does not occur.
SECTION VII - SPILL, LEAK, AND DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR
SPILLED: If spills or leaks occur, only personnel in full protective
clothing will remain in the area (See Section VIII). In case of
personnel contamination See Section V for emergency and first aid
instructions.
RECOMMENDED FIELD PROCEDURES: The HD should be
contained using vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, clay or fine sand
and neutralized as soon as possible using copious amounts of
5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution. Scoop up all material and
clothing and place in a approved DOT container. Cover the
contents of the container with decontaminating solution as above.
The exterior of the container will be decontaminated and labeled
according with EPA and DOT regulations. All leaking containers
will be over packed with vermiculite placed between the interior
and exterior containers. Decontaminate and label in accordance
with EPA and DOT regulations. Dispose of the material in
accordance with waste disposal methods provided below. Dispose
of the 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).
If 5.25 % sodium hypochlorite solution is not available then the
following decontaminants may be used instead and are listed in the
order of preference: Calcium Hypochlorite, contamination Solution
No. 2 (DS2), and Super Tropical Bleach Slurry (STB).
WARNING: Pure, undiluted calcium hypochlorite will burn on
contact with liquid HD.
RECOMMENDED LABORATORY PROCEDURES: A minimum
of 65 grams of decon solution per gram of HD 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. A 10 wt.% calcium
hypochlorite (HTH) mixture may be substituted for sodium
hypochlorite. Use 65 grams of decon per gram of HD and continue
the test as described for sodium hypochlorite. Scoop up all material
and clothing and place in a approved DOT container. Cover the
contents of the container with decontaminating solution as above.
The exterior of the container will be decontaminated and labeled
according with EPA and DOT regulations. All leaking containers
will be over packed with vermiculite placed between the interior
and exterior containers. Decontaminate and label in accordance
with EPA and DOT regulations. Dispose of the material in
accordance with waste disposal methods provided below. Dispose
of the 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 Section VIII).
NOTE: Surfaces contaminated with HD, then rinse and
decontaminated may evolve sufficient HD vapor to produce a
physiological response. HD on laboratory glassware may be
oxidized by its vigorous reaction with concentrated nitric acid.
WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD: Open pit burning or burying of
HD or items containing or contaminated with HD in any quantity is
prohibited. Decontamination of waste or excess material will be
accomplished according to the procedures outlined above can be
destroyed by incineration in EPA approved incinerators according
to appropriate provisions of Federal, State and local Resource
Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations.
NOTE: Some states define decontaminated surety material as a
RCRA hazardous waste.
SECTION VIII - SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
CONCENTRATIONRESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
< 0.003 mg/m3A full face piece, chemical canister, air purifying protective mask will be on hand for escape. (The M9-, M17-, or M40-series masks are acceptable for this purpose. Other masks certified as equivalent may be used)
> 0.003 mg/m3A NIOSH/MSHA approved pressure demand full face piece SCBA suitable for use in high agent concentrations with protective ensemble. (See DA PAM 385-61 for examples).
VENTILATION:
Local Exhaust: Mandatory. Must be filtered or scrubbed. Air
emissions will meet local, state and federal regulations.
Special: Chemical laboratory hoods will have an average inward
face velocity of 100 linear feet per minute (lfpm) +/- 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 using smoke producing devices
will be performed in assessing the ability of the hood to contain
agent HD.
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.
PROTECTIVE GLOVES: Butyl Rubber Gloves M3 and M4
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 mask readily accessible. In
addition, daily clean smocks, foot covers, and head covers will be
required when handling contaminated lab animals.
MONITORING: Available monitoring equipment for agent HD is
the M8/M9 detector paper, blue band tube, M256/M256A1 kits,
bubbler, Depot Area Air Monitoring System (DAMMS),
Automated Continuous Air Monitoring System (ACAMS),CAM-
M1, Hydrogen Flame Photometric Emission Detector (HYFED),
the Miniature Chemical Agent Monitor (MINICAM), and Real
Time Analytical Platform (RTAP).
Real-time, low-level monitors (with alarm) are required for HD
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 is permitted. Containers should be periodically inspected for
leaks, (either visually or using a detector kit). Stringent control
over all personnel practices must be exercised. Decontaminating
equipment will be conveniently placed. Exits must be designed to
permit rapid evacuation. Chemical showers, eyewash 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 and water before leaving
at the end of the work day .
OTHER PRECAUTIONS: HD should be stored in containers made
of glass for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDTE)
quantities or one-ton steel containers for large quantities. Agent
will be double-contained in liquid and vapor tight containers when
in storage.
For additional information see "AR 385-61, The Army Toxic
Chemical Agent Safety Program," "DA PAM 385-61, Toxic
Chemical Agent Safety Standards," and "AR 40-173, Occupational
Health Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Occupational
Exposure to HD Agents H, HD, and HT."
SECTION X - TRANSPORTATION DATA
FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT OTHER THAN VIA MILITARY (TECHNICAL ESCORT UNIT) TRANSPORT ACCORDING TO 49 CFR 172
PROPER SHIPPING NAME: Poisonous liquids, n.o.s.
DOT HAZARD CLASS: 6.1, Packing Group I, Hazard Zone B
DOT LABEL: Poison
DOT MARKING: Poisonous liquids, n.o.s. Bis-(2-chloroethyl) sulfide UN 2810, Inhalation Hazard
DOT PLACARD: POISON
EMERGENCY ACCIDENT PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES: See Sections IV, VII and VIII.
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN TRANSPORTATION: Motor
vehicles will be placarded regardless of quantity. Drivers shall 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 in accordance
with AR 740-32.
While the Edgewood Research Development, and Engineering
Center, Department of the Army believes that the data contained
herein are actual 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 assume 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 to
be in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and
regulations.
ADDENDUM A
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THICKENED HD
TRADE NAME AND SYNONYMS: Thickened HD, THD
HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS: K125 (acryloid copolymer, 5%) is
used to thicken HD. K125 is not known to be hazardous except in a
finely-divided, powder form.
PHYSICAL DATA: Essentially the same as HD except for
viscosity. The viscosity of HD is between 1000 and 1200 centistoke
@ 25 C.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA: Same as HD.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA: Same as HD except for skin contact.
For skin contact, don respiratory protective mask and remove
contaminated clothing IMMEDIATELY. IMMEDIATELY scrape
the HD from the skin surface, then wash the contaminated surface
with acetone. Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
SPILL, LEAK, AND DISPOSAL PROCEDURES: If spills or leaks
of HD occur, follow the same procedures as those for HD, but
dissolve THD in acetone before introducing any decontaminating
solution. Containment of THD is generally not necessary. Spilled
THD can be carefully scraped off the contaminated surface and
placed in a fully removable head drum with a high density,
polyethylene lining. THD can then be decontaminated, after it has
been dissolved in acetone, using the same procedures used for HD.
Contaminated surfaces should be treated with acetone, then
decontaminated using the same procedures as those used for HD.
NOTE: Surfaces contaminated with THD or HD and then rinse-
decontaminated may evolve sufficient HD vapor to produce a
physiological response.
SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION: Same as HD.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: Same as HD with the following
addition. Handling THD requires careful observation of the
"stringers" (elastic, threadlike attachments) formed when the agents
are transferred or dispensed. These stringers must be broken cleanly
before moving the contaminating device or dispensing device to
another location, or unwanted contamination of a working surface
will result.
TRANSPORTATION DATA: Same as HD.
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