Material Safety Data Sheet -- Lethal Nerve Agents Somain (GD and Thickened GD)
Section I: General Information
Section II: Hazardous Ingredients
Section III: Physical Data
Section IV: Fire and Explosion Data
Section V: Health Hazard Data
Section VI: Reactivity Data
Section VII: Spill, Leak and Disposal Procedures
Section VIII: Special Protection Information
Section IX: Special Precautions
Section X: Transportation Data
Addendum A: Physiological Effects
Addendum B: First Aid Procedures
Addendum C: Additional Information for Thickened GD
Section I: General Information
MANUFACTURER'S NAME: Department of the Army
MANUFACTURER'S ADDRESS:
U.S. Army Armament, Munitions and Chemical Command
Chemical Research, Development and Engineering Center
ATTN: SMCCR-CMS-E
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5423
CAS REGISTRY NUMBER: 96-64-0 or 50642-24-5
CHEMICAL NAME: Phosphonofluoridic acid, methyl-, 1, 2, 2-trimethylpropyl ester
ALTERNATE CHEMICAL NAMES:
TRADE NAME AND SYNONYMS:
CHEMICAL FAMILY: Fluorinated organophosphorus compound
FORMULA: C7 H16 F02 P
NFPA 704 SIGNAL:
Section II: Hazardous Ingredients
INGREDIENTS FORMULA PERCENTAGE AIRBORNE BY WEIGHT EXPOSURE LIMIT GD C7 H16 FOP 100 0.00003 mg/m3
Section III: Physical Data
BOILING POINT DEG F (DEG C): (198 DEC C) 388 DEG F
VAPOR PRESSURE: 0.40 mm Hg @ 25 DEG C
VAPOR DENSITY (AIR=1): 6.3
SOLUBILITY IN WATER: Moderate
SPECIFIC GRAVITY (H20=1): 1.022 @ 25 DEG C
VOLATILITY: 3900 mg/m3 @ 25 DEC C
MELTING POINT: -42 DEG C
APPEARANCE AND ODOR: When pure, colorless liquid with fruity odor. With impurities, amber or dark brown, with oil of camphor odor
Section IV: Fire and Explosion Data
FLASHPOINT: 121 DEG C (Open Cup)
FLAMMABILITY LIMITS: Unknown
LOWER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT: Not applicable
UPPER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT: Not applicable
EXTINGUISING MEDIA: Water, fog, foam, CO2 - Avoid using extinguishing methods that will cause splashing or spreading of the GD.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES:
Fires involving GD should be contained to prevent contamination of uncontrolled areas. All persons not engaged in extinguishing the fire should be evacuated immediately. Contact with GD or its vapors can be fatal. 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 facepiece, 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. The M9 or M17 series mask may be worn in lieu of SCBA when there is no danger of oxygen deficiency. In cases where firefighter are responding to a chemical accident/incident for rescue/reconnaissance purposes vice firefighting, they will wear appropriate levels of protective clothing (see Section 8).
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Hydrogen produced by the corrosive vapors reacting with metals, concrete, etc., may be present.
Section V: Health Hazard Data
AIRBORNE EXPOSURE LIMIT (AEL): The suggested permissible airborne exposure
concentration of GD for an 8 hour workday or a 40 hour work week is an 8 hour time weighted
average (TWA) of 0.00003 mg/m3 (2 x 10-5 ppm). This value is based on the TWA of GB as
proposed in the USaEHA Technical Guide No. 169, "Occupational Health Guidelines for the
Evaluation and Control of Occupational Exposure to Nerve Agents GA, GB, GD, and VX." To
date, however, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has not promulgated
permissible exposure concentration for GD.
EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: GD is a lethal anticholinesterase agent with the median lethal dose in man being: LCt50 (inhalation) = 70 mg min/m3 (t = 10 min); LD50 (PC, bare skin) = 0.35 g/man (70 kg).
GD 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 Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) as a carcinogen.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
Section VI: Reactivity Data
STABILITY: Stable after storage in steel for 3 months at 65 Deg. C. GD corrodes steel at the
rate of 1 x 10-5 inch/month.
GD will hydrolyze to form HF--H-H-O-CH3 and (CH3) 3-C-C-O-P-OH
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: Will not occur.
Section VII: Spill, Leak and Disposal Procedures
STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR SPILLED: If leak or spills
occur, only personnel in full protective clothing (see Section 8) will remain in area. In case of
personnel contamination, see Section V "Emergency and First Aid Procedures."
RECOMMENDED FIELD PROCEDURES:
Spills must be contained by covering with vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, clay, fine sand, sponges and paper or cloth towels. This containment is followed by treatment with copious amounts of aqueous Sodium Hydroxide solution (a minimum of 10 percent). Scoop up all material and place in a fully removable head drum with a high density polyethylene liner. Cover the contents of the drum with decontaminating solution as above before affixing the drum head. After sealing the head, the exterior of the drum shall be decontaminated and then labeled IAW EPA and DOT regulations.
All leaking containers shall be overpacked with vermiculite placed between the interior and exterior containers. Decontaminate and label IAW EPA and DOT regulations. Dispose of the material IAW waste disposal methods provided below. Dispose of material used to decontaminate exterior of drum IAW Federal, state and local regulations. Contaminated clothing will be placed in a fully removable head drum with a high density polyethylene liner and the contents shall be covered with decontaminating solution as above before affixing the drum head. Conduct general area monitoring to confirm that the atmospheric concentrations do not exceed the exposure limits (see Section 8).
If 10 wt percent aqueous Sodium Hydroxide solution is not available then the following decontaminants may be used instead and are listed in the order of preference: Decontaminating Solution No. 2 (DS2), Sodium Carbonate, and Supertropical Tropical Bleach Slurry (STB).
RECOMMENDED LABORATORY PROCEDURES:
A minimum of 55 grams of decon solution is required per gram of GD. Decontaminant/agent solution is allowed to agitate for a minimum of one hour. Agitation is not necessary following the first hour provided a single phase is obtained. At the end of the first hour the pH should be checked and adjusted up to 11.5 with additional NaOH as required.
An alternate solution for the decontamination of GD is 10 percent Sodium Carbonate in place of the 10 percent Sodium Hydroxide solution above. Continue with 55 grams of decon per gram of GD. Agitate for one hour and allow to react for 3 hours. At the end of the third hour adjust the pH to above 10. It is also permitted to substitute 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite for the 10% Sodium Hydroxide solution above. Continue with 55 grams of decon per gram of GD. Agitate for one hour and allow to react for 3 hours then adjust the pH to above 10.
Scoop up alll material and place in a fully removable head and a high density polyethylene liner. Cover the contents with additional decontaminating solution before affixing the drum head. After sealing the head, the exterior of the drum shall be decontaminated and then labeled IAW EPA and DOT regulations. All contaminated clothing will be placed in a fully removable head drum with a high density polyethylene liner.
Cover the contents of the drum with decontaminating solution as above before affixing the drum head. After sealing the head, the exterior of the drum shall be decontaminated and then labeled IAW EPA and DOT regulations. All leaking containers shall be overpacked with vermiculite placed between the interior and exterior containers. Decontaminate and label IAW EPA and DOT regulations. Dispose of the material IAW waste disposal methods provided below. Conduct general area monitoring to confirm that the atmospheric concentrations do not exceed the exposure limits (see Section 8).
WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD: Open pit burning or burying of GD or items containing or contaminated with GD in any quantity is prohibited. The detoxified GD (using procedures above) can be thermally destroyed by incineration in an EPA approved incinerator in accordance with appropriate provisions of Federal, state and local RCRA regulations.
NOTE: Some states define decontaminated surety material as a RCRA Hazardous Waste.
Section VIII: Special Protection Informaton
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
GD Concentration Respiratory Protective Equipment Less than 0.00003 mg/m3 M9, M17, or M40 series mask shall be available for escape as necessary 0.00003 mg/m3 to 0.06 mg/m3 M9, or M40 series mask with Level A or Level B ensemble (see AMCR 385-131 for determination of appropriate level). Demilitarization Protective Emsemble (DPE), or Toxicological Agent Protective Ensemble Self-Contained (TAPES), used with prior approval from AMC Field Safety Activity. Greater than 0.06 mg/m3 or DPE or TAPES used with prior approval from AMC Field unknown Field Safety Activity NOTE: When DPE or TAPES is not available the M9 or M40 series mask with Level A protective ensemble can be used. However, use time shall be restricted to the extent operationally feasible, and may not exceed one hour. As an additional precaution, the cuffs of the sleeves and the legs of the M3 suit shall be taped to the gloves and boots respectively to reduce aspiration.
EYE PROTECTION: Chemical Goggles. For splash hazards use goggles and faceshield.
OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Full protective clothing will consist of M9 mask and hood, butyl rubber suit (M3), M2A1 butyl boots, M3 and M4 gloves, unimpregnated underwear, or demilitarization protective ensemble (DPE). For laboratory operations, wear lab coats and have a protective mask readily available.
MONITORING: Available monitoring equipment for agent GD is the Automatic Chemical Agent Detector Alarm (ACADA), bubblers (GC method), and Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM).
Section IX: Special Precautions
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN HANDLING AND STORING: In handling GD, the buddy
system will be incorporated. No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted in areas containing
agent GD. Containers should be periodically inspected for leaks (either visually or by a detector
kit) and prior to transferring the containers from storage to work areas. Stringent control over all
personnel practices must be exercised. Decontamination equipment shall be conveniently
located. Exits must be designed to permit rapid evacuation. Chemical showers, eyewash
stations, and personal cleanliness facilities shall be provided. Wash hands before meals and
each worker will 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: Agent must be double-contained in liquid and vapor-tight containers when in storage or when outside of the ventilation hood.
For additional information, see AMC-R 385-131, "Safety Regulations for Chemical Agents H, HD, GB, and VX" and USaEHA Technical Guide No. 169, "Occupational Health Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Occupational Exposure to Nerve Agents GA, GB, GD, and VX."
Section X: Transportation Data
PROPER SHIPPING NAME: Poisonous liquid, n.o.s.
DOT HAZARD CLASSIFICATION: Poison A
DOT LABEL: Poison gas
DOT MARKING: Poisonous liquid, n.o.s. (Pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate) NA 1955
DOT PLACARD: POISON GA
EMERGENCY ACCIDENT PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES: See Section IV, VII and VIII.
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN TRANSPORTATION:
Motor vehicles will be placarded regardless of quantity. Driver shall be given full and complete information regarding shipment and conditions in case of emergency.
AR 50-6 deals specifically with the shipment of chemical agents. Shipments of agent will be escorted in accordance with AR 740-32.
While the Chemical Research Development and Engineering Center, Department of the Army believes that the data contained herein are factual and the opinions expressed are those of qualified 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 Chemical Research Development 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 to be in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
Addendum A: Physiological Effects
ACUTE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS:
Site of Action Signs and Symptoms Muscarine-like- Pupils Miosis, marked, usually maximal (pinpoint), sometimes unequal. Ciliary body Frontal headache, eye pain on focusing, slight dimness of vision, occasional nausea and vomiting. Conjunctivae Hyperemia Nasal mucous membranes Rhinorrhea, hyperemia Bronchial tree Tighness in chest, sometimes with prolonged wheezing, expiration suggestive of broncho- constriction or increased secretion, cough. Following Systemic Absorption Bronchial tree Tightness in chest, with prolonged wheezing, expiration suggestive of broncho-constriction or increased secretion, dyspnea, slight pain in chest, increased, bronchial secretion, cough, pulmonary edema, cyanosis. Gastrointestinal Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, epigastric and substernal tightness (cardiospasm) with "heartburn" and eructation, diarrhea, tenesmus, involuntary defecation. Sweat glands Increased sweating Salivary glands Increased salivation Lacrimal glands Increased lacrimation Heart Slight bradycardia Pupils Slight miosis, occasionally unequal, later maximal miosis (pinpoint). Ciliary body Blurring of vision Bladder Frequent, involuntary micturition Nicotine-like Striated muscle Easy fatigue, mild weakness, muscular twitching, fasciculations, cramps, generalized weakness, including muscles of respiration, with dyspnea and cyanosis. Sympathetic ganglia Pallor, occasional elevation of blood pressure. Central Nervous system Giddiness, tension, anxiety, jitteriness, restlessness, emotional lability, excessive dreaming, insomnia, nightmares, headaches, tremor, withdrawal and depression, bursts of slow waves of elevated voltage in EEG, especially on over-ventilation, drowsiness, difficult concentration, slowness on recall, confusion, slurred speech, ataxia, generalized weakness, coma, with absence of reflexes, Cheyne-Stokes respirations, convulsions, depression of respiratory and circulatory centers, with dyspnea, cyanosis, and fall in blood pressure.
CHRONIC PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS:
______________________________________________________________________________ Et50 Degree of ICt50 Exposure Time Effectiveness ______________________________________________________________________________ min mg min/m3 min 1.5 Moderate 27 0.5 3.0 Incap. 27 2.0 6.0 40 10.0 1.0 Severe 37 0.5 3.8 Incap. 37 2.0 7.8 56 10.0 2.0 Very 47 0.5 4.5 Severe 47 2.0 9.5 Incap. 72 10.0 6.5 Death 70 5.0 9.0 70 2.0 13.5 103 10.0 ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________ When Effects Types of Route Description Appear After Effects Absorption of Effects Exposure ______________________________________________________________________________ Vapor Lungs Rhinorrhea, nasal Hyperemia One to several minutes Local tightness in chest, wheezing Vapor Eyes Miosis, conjectival hyperemia One to several minutes Local eye pain, frontal headache Vapor Lungs or Muscarine-like, nicotine-like Less than 1 min. to a few min. Systemic eyes and central nervous system after moderate or marked effects. (See 2a above) exposure: about 30 min. after mild exposure Liquid Eyes Same as vapor effects Instantly Local Liquid Ingestion Gastrointestinal. (See 2a above). About 30 min. after ingestion Local Liquid Skin Local sweating and muscular 3 min to 2 hours Local twitching Liquid Lungs See 2a above Several minutes Sytemic Liquid Eyes Same as for vapor Several minutes Systemic Liquid Skin Generalized sweating 15 minutes to 2 hours Systemic Liquid Ingestion Gastrointestinal (see 2a above) 15 minutes to 2 hours Systemic ______________________________________________________________________________ Duration of Effects After ______________________________________________________________________________ Types of Route of Mild Severe Effects Absorption Exposure Exposure ______________________________________________________________________________ Vapor Lungs A few hours 1 to 2 days Local Vapor Eyes Miosis - 3 to 14 days Local 24 hours 2 to 5 days Vapor Lungs or eyes Several hours 8 days Systemic Liquid Eyes Similar to effects Local of vapor Liquid Ingestion 3 days 5 days Local Liquid Skin 3 days 5 days Local Liquid Lungs 1 to 5 days Systemic Liquid Eyes 2 to 4 days Systemic Liquid Skin 2 to 5 days Systemic Liquid Ingestion 3 to 5 days Systemic
Addendum B: First Aid Procedures
CAUTION: Due to the rapid effects of nerve agents, it is extremely important that decontamination of personnel not be delayed by attempting to blot off excessive agent prior to decontamination with sodium hypochlorite.
CAUTION: Care must be taken when decontaminating facial areas to avoid getting the hypochlorite into the eye or mouth. Only clean water shall be used when flushing the eyes or mouth. Skin surfaces decontaminated with bleach should be thoroughly flushed with water to prevent skin irritation from the bleach.
CAUTION: Atropine does not act as a prophylactic and shall not be administered until an agent exposure has been ascertained.
Addendum C: Additional Information for Thickened GD
TRADE NAME AND SYNONYMS: Thickened GD, TGD
HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS: K125 (acryloid copolymer, 5%) is used to thicken the GD. K125 is not known to be a hazardous material except in a finely divided, powder form.
PHYSICAL DATA: Essential the same as GD except for viscosity. The viscosity of TGD is approximately 1180 centistokes.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA: Same as GD
HEALTH HAZARD DATA: Same as GD except for skin contact. For skin contact, don respiratory protective mask and remove contaminated clothing. Immediately scrape the TGD from the skin surface, then wash the contaminated surface with acetone. Administer Nerve Agent Antidote Kit, MARK I, only if local sweating and muscular twitching symptoms are observed. Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
SPILL, LEAK AND DISPOSAL PROCEDURES: If spills or leaks of TGD occur, follow the same procedure as those for GD, but add the following step: Since TGD is not water soluble, dissolve the TGD in acetone prior to introducing any decontaminating solution. Containment of TGD is generally not necessary. Spilled TGD can be carefully scraped off the contaminated surface and placed in a drum with a fully removable head and a high density, polyethylene lining. The TGD can then be decontaminated after it has been dissolved in acetone, using the same procedures as for GD. Contaminated surfaces should be treated with acetone, then decontaminated using the same procedures as for GD.
SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION: Same as GD.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: Same as GD with the following addition. Handling the TGD requires careful observation of the "stringers" (elastic, thread-like 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 GD.