Tetraethyl lead (as Pb)
Synonyms & Trade Names
Lead tetraethyl, TEL, TetraethylplumbaneExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 0.075 mg/m3 [skin]OSHA PEL
TWA 0.075 mg/m3 [skin]Physical Description
Colorless liquid (unless dyed red, orange, or blue) with a pleasant, sweet odor. [Note: Main usage is in anti-knock additives for gasoline.]Molecular Weight
323.5Boiling Point
228°F (Decomposes)Freezing Point
-202°FSolubility
0.00002%Vapor Pressure
0.2 mmHgIonization Potential
11.10 eVSpecific Gravity
1.65Flash Point
200°FUpper Exposive Limit
?Lower Explosive Limit
1.8%Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, sulfuryl chloride, rust, potassium permanganate [Note: Decomposes slowly at room temperature and more rapidly at higher temperatures.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
insomnia, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), anxiety; tremor, hyper-reflexia, spasticity; bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, pallor, nausea, anorexia, weight loss; confusion, hallucinations, psychosis, mania, convulsions, coma; eye irritationTarget Organs
central nervous system, cardiovascular system, kidneys, eyesPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact (>0.1%)
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated (>0.1%)
Remove:When wet or contaminated (>0.1%)
Change:Daily
Provide:Quick drench (>0.1%)
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 0.75 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 1.875 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
Up to 3.75 mg/m3:
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 40 mg/m3:
(APF = 1000) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division