Tetrachlorophthalic anhydride

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)

Use water spray, powder.

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION. You should then dampen the solid spill material with 60-70% methanol, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with methanol to pick up any remaining material. Your contaminated clothing and absorbent paper should be sealed in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent-wash contaminated surfaces with 60-70% methanol followed by washing with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Cough. Sore throat. Wheezing. Shortness of breath.

Redness. Burning sensation.

Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.

Burning sensation.

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Agent Search Results page, which tabulates all of the "Standard Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies", "Developmental Studies", and "Genetic Toxicity Studies" performed with this chemical. Clicking on the "Testing Status" link will take the user to the status (i.e., in review, in progress, in preparation, on test, completed, etc.) and results of all the studies that the NTP has done on this chemical. [http://ntp-apps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?fuseaction=ntpsearch.searchresults&searchterm=117-08-8]

THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY UTILIZES A NUMBER OF ORG CHEM WHICH HAVE THE POTENTIAL OF PRODUCING PULMONARY REACTIONS, PARTICULARLY IN SUSCEPTIBLE INDIVIDUALS. 5 WORKERS IN PRODN OF EPOXY RESINS DEVELOPED RECURRENT RESP SYMPTOMS & PHYSIOLOGIC ABNORMALITIES FOLLOWING EXPOSURE TO TETRACHLOROPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE (TCPA). INHALATION CHALLENGE WITH TCPA REPRODUCED THEIR SYMPTOMS & DEMONSTRATED IMMEDIATE & LATE (4-6 HR) PHYSIOLOGIC RESPONSE.

ASTHMA WAS INDUCED IN 7 WOMEN OCCUPATIONALLY EXPOSED TO TETRACHLOROPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE. INHALATION TESTS AT ATMOSPHERIC CONCN OF LESS THAN 1/10 OF MFR RECOMMENDED EXPOSURE LIMIT PROVOKED ASTHMATIC REACTIONS IN 4 WOMEN. SKIN PRICK TEST REACTIONS WERE ELICITED IN 7 SUBJECTS BY CONJUGATE OF TCPA WITH HUMAN SERUM ALBUMIN (TCPA-HSA) BUT NOT IN OTHERS TESTED. SPECIFIC IGE ANTIBODY LEVELS TO TCPA-HSA, MEASURED BY RADIOALLERGOSORBENT TEST SCORES, WERE SIGNIFICANTLY ELEVATED IN 7 WOMEN. RESULTS IMPLY THAT OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA CAUSED BY TCPA IS AN ALLERGIC REACTION MEDIATED BY SPECIFIC IGE ANTIBODY.