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NIOSH

TETRAHYDROFURAN

ICSC: 0578

Tetramethylene oxide
Diethylene oxide
1,4-Epoxybutane
Oxacyclopentane
C4H8O / (CH2)3CH2O
Molecular mass: 72.1
ICSC # 0578 		CAS # 109-99-9
RTECS # LU5950000
UN # 2056
EC # 603-025-00-0
July 10, 1997 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Highly flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water in large amounts, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS!

•INHALATION Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Sore throat. Unconsciousness.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Dry skin. Redness. Pain.
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness. Pain.
Safety spectacles.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION (See Inhalation).
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours.
Fireproof. See Chemical Dangers. Store only if stabilized.
Airtight.
F symbol
Xi symbol
R: 11-19-36/37
S: 2-16-29-33
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: II
ICSC: 0578 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

TETRAHYDROFURAN

ICSC: 0578

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P

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T

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D

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance can form explosive peroxides. Reacts violently with strong oxidants,strong basesand some metal halides, causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks some forms of plastic rubber and coatings.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 50 ppm as TWA, 100 ppm as STEL; (skin); A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); (ACGIH 2005).
MAK: 50 ppm, 150 mg/m3;
Peak limitation category: I(2);
skin absorption (H);
Carcinogen category: 4; Pregnancy risk group: C;
(DFG 2005).
OSHA PEL†: TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m3)
NIOSH REL: TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m3) ST 250 ppm (735 mg/m3)
NIOSH IDLH: 2000 ppm 10%LEL See: 109999


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance or the vapour is irritating to the eyes , the skin and the respiratory tract . The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system at high level , resulting in narcosis.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 66°C
Melting point: -108.5°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.89
Solubility in water:
miscible
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 19.3
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.5
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.28
Flash point: -14.5°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 321°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2-11.8

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

p-Cresol or hydroquinone are commonly used stabilizers. Use of alcoholic beverages enhances the harmful effect. An added stabilizer or inhibitor can influence the toxicological properties of this substance, consult an expert. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Check for peroxides prior to distillation; eliminate if found. Card has been partly updated in October 2005. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, Emergency Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S2056 or 30GF1-I+II

NFPA Code: H2; F3; R1;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0578 TETRAHYDROFURAN
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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