Titanium Tetrachloride

["Grace Bukowsk" <rama@accutek.com> (Grace Bukowski)]

Hi Folks, Found this on the web. Clearly the use of so called "inert"
ordnance will continue to pose significant health and enviromental risks.
The DOD is currently using this ordnance at the Bravo-16 range at Fallon
NAS and they are proposing to use it at the proposed Idaho bombing range.
I'm sure there are other location, maybe Michigan, as well. This is nasty
stuff. Grace

University of Toronto - Earth Sciences Library Holding
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The following contains information on health hazards, medical 
treatments and precautions, and finally ecological hazards.

Aimee 
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Title
Toxicological Profile for Titanium Tetrachloride. Draft for Public
Comment.
Keywords
Titanium Tetrachloride.
Organization
US. Dept of Health and Human Services.
Call Number
US1 DH 94T37
Date
1994
Location
Technical Reports Shelves.
Identifier
15565 TE

----------------------------------------
Common Name: Titanium Tetrachloride
CAS Number: 7550-45-0
DOT Number: UN 1838
DATE: December 1989
----------------------------------------

Hazard Summary
* Titanium Tetrachloride can effect you when breathed in.
* Contact can burn the eyes. The fumes also irritate the eyes
and higher exposure can damage the eyes.
* Breathing Titanium Tetrachloride can irritate the nose, throat
and air passages, causing cough and phlegm. Repeated exposure
can cause chronic bronchitis and may cause emphysema. Higher
exposures can cause fluid in the lungs, a medical emergency,
and even DEATH.
* Skin contact can cause burns.

IDENTIFICATION
Titanium Tetrachloride is a colorless or light yellow, fuming
liquid with a pungent odor. It is usually found in a solution with
a solvent, Dichloromethane or used with an inert gas such as
Nitrogen. It is used to make iridescent glass, artificial pearls,
smoke screens and a catalyst.

REASON FOR CITATION
* Titanium Tetrachloride is on the Hazardous Substance List
because it is cited by DOT and EPA.
* This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List
because it is CORROSIVE.
* Definitions are attached.

HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely
evaluated. This may include collecting personal and are air
samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your
employer. You have a legal right to this information under
OSHA 1910.20.
* If you think you are experiencing any work-related health
problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational
diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you.

WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
No occupational exposure limits have been established for Titanium
Tetrachloride. This does not mean that this substance is not
harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed.

* Titanium Tetrachloride is corrosive. All contact with this
chemical should be reduced to the lowest possible level.

WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust
ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust
ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be
worn.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Titanium
Tetrachloride.
* Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In
addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort,
communicate all information on the health and safety hazards
of Titanium Tetrachloride to potentially exposed workers.

This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential
and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure.
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential
effects described below.
----------------------------------------

HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to 2,4-Dinitrophenol:

* Eye and skin contact can cause burns, with scarring.
* Breathing Titanium Tetrachloride irritates the throat and air
passages, with cough and phlegm. Higher exposures can cause
a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical
emergency.
* High or repeated eye exposure to the fumes can cause eye
damage.

Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Titanium Tetrachloride and can last for
months or years:

Cancer Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, Titanium Tetrachloride has not
been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals.

Reproductive Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, Titanium Tetrachloride has not
been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction.

Other Long-Term Effects
* Repeated exposure can cause chronic bronchitis and may cause
emphysema, with symptoms cough and shortness of breath. This
effect is more likely at exposures where irritation is
noticeable.

MEDICAL

Medical Testing
* Ling function testing before employment with Titanium
Tetrachloride and at regular times after that is recommended.
* Seek medical attention if illness or overexposure is
suspected.

Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present
symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already
done are not a substitute for controlling exposure.

Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to
this information under OSHA 1910.20.

WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES
Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous
substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of
reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations
and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical
release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using
respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the
controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary.

In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1)
how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is
released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye
contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for
highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing
exposures are possible.

In addition, the following control are recommended:

* Where possible, automatically pump liquid Titanium
Tetrachloride from drums or other storage containers to
process containers.

Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:

* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Titanium
Tetrachloride should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work
area for emergency use.
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided.
* On skin contact with Titanium Tetrachloride, immediately wash
or shower to remove the chemical.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Titanium Tetrachloride is
handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be
swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry,
jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace
controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be
appropriate.

The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply
to every situation.

Clothing
* Avoid skin contact with Titanium Tetrachloride. Wear acid-
resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment
suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the
most protective glove/clothing material for your operation.
* All protective clothing (suites, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.

Eye Protection
* Wear splash-proof chemical goggles and face shield when
working with liquid, unless full facepiece respiratory
protection is worn.

Respiratory Protection
IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS.
Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written
program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements
for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as
described in OSHA 1910.134.

* Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure
to Titanium Tetrachloride does not occur.
* Where the potential exists for exposure to Titanium
Tetrachloride, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air
respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive
pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the
continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self-
contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated
in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode.

Common Name: Titanium Tetrachloride
DOT Number: UN 1838
DOT Emergency Guide codes: 39
CAS Number: 7550-45-0
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Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA
Flammability - 0
Reactivity - 1
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CORROSIVE
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
DO NOT USE WATER
CONTACT WITH MOIST AIR OR WATER PRODUCES VAPORS OF HYDROCHLORIC
ACID.
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Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe

FIRE HAZARDS
* Titanium Tetrachloride may burn, but does not readily ignite.
* Use dry chemical or CO2 extinguishers. DO NOT USE WATER
except in flooding amounts for large fires.
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Titanium
Oxides and Hydrochloric Acid.
* CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.

SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Titanium Tetrachloride is spilled or leaked, take the following
steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill or leak until clean-up is complete.
* Remove all ignition sources.
* Ventilate area of spill or leak.
* Neutralize spill with lime or soda ash, and absorb liquids in
vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or similar material and deposit
in sealed containers.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Titanium
Tetrachloride as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state
Environmental Program for specific recommendations.
* Consult DOT Emergency Response Guidebook for evacuation
distances.

===========================================
FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department.
===========================================

HANDLING AND STORAGE

* Prior to working with Titanium Tetrachloride you should be
trained on its proper handling and storage.
* Titanium Tetrachloride must be stored to avoid contact with
WATER, POTASSIUM and STRONG OXIDIZERS such as CHLORINE,
BROMINE and FLUORINE), since violent reactions may occur and
poisonous gases produced.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated
area away from MOISTURE and AIR.

FIRST AID

Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue
without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting
upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately.

Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water.

Breathing
* Remove the person from exposure.
* Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped.
* Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
* Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after
breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed.

OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES

Chemical Name:
Titanium Chloride
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Titanium Tetrachloride is a colorless liquid with a penetrating
odor. It has been used with potassium bitartrate as a mordant in
the textile industry, in dyeing leather, as a smoke producing
screen, and in the manufacture of iridescent glass and artificial
pearls. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges or
spills.

ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or
fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are
seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with
a toxic chemical substance.

Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the acute,
short-term effects of Titanium Tetrachloride to aquatic life,
plants, birds, or land animals.

CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive
problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior.
Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic
chemical.

Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the chronic,
long-term effects of Titanium Tetrachloride to aquatic life,
plants, birds, or land animals.

WATER SOLUBILITY

Titanium Tetrachloride has high water solubility. Concentrations
of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water.

DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT

Titanium Tetrachloride reacts with water to form Titanium
Oxychlorides and Titanium Dioxide. Consequently, Titanium
Tetrachloride will not be highly persistent. However, some of the
Titanium compounds formed may be persistent.

BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS

Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in
living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink
contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can
become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals
and humans.

Titanium Tetrachloride probably will not accumulate in aquatic
organisms or in aquatic ecosystems, but Titanium might accumulate
in both.

SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.