Tradenames and Synonyms
Ethyl mercaptan
Ethanethiol
LPG odorant

Manufacturer/Distributor
Advanced Specialty Chemicals Co., LC
Blackwell, Oklahoma
Emergency Telephone (CHEMTREC):
     800-424-9300
     703-527-3887 outside the U.S.A. and Canada

Composition/Information on Ingredients
Material                        Wt%  
Ethyl mercaptan          >98.5
Related sulfides           <  1.5
Others                        <  0.1

Health Hazards Identification
Eye contact:
Irritant.

Ingestion:

No hazard in normal industrial use.  Not likely due to odor.  If swallowed, may be aspirated, resulting in inflammation and possible fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Toxicity:

Oral (Acute) LD50:  682 mg/kg (rats)
Dermal (Acute):  Nonlethal at 2000 mg/kg (rats)
Eye:  Slight irritation (rabbits) reversible
Inhalation (Acute LC50):  4420 ppm (rats) 4 hr., 2270 mg/kg (mouse)

Carcinogenicity Information:

None of the components present in this material at concentrations equal to or greater than 0.1% are listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA or ACGIH as a carcinogen.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation:

Using proper respiratory protection, immediately remove the affected victim from exposure.  Administer artificial respiration if breathing is stopped.  If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.  Seek immediate medical attention.

Eye contact:

Flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes.  If irritation or adverse symptoms develop, obtain medical attention.

Skin contact:

Wash with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.  If irritation or adverse symptoms develop, obtain medical attention.

Ingestion:

If swallowed, do not induce vomiting.  Immediately give 2 glasses of water.  Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.  Call a physician.

Note to Physician: Activated charcoal mixture may be administered.  To prepare activated charcoal mixture, suspend 50 grams activated charcoal in 400 mL water and mix thoroughly.  Administer 5 mL/kg, or 350 mL for an average adult.  Gastric lavage using a cuffed endotracheal tube may be performed at your discretion.

Fire Fighting Measures

Flammable Properties

Flash Point: 38^oF (39^oC) open cup
Autoignition: 570^oF (299^oC)
Flammable limits in Air, Volume %
LEL:      2.8
UEL:     18.0

Flammable liquid.  Fire and Explosion Hazards include:

Sulfur and carbon oxides released when burned. Highly flammable vapors which are heavier than air may accumulate in low area and/or spread along ground away from handling site.  Flash back along vapor trail may occur.

Extinguishing Media

Foam, Dry Chemical, CO₂.

Fire Fighting Instructions

Evacuate personnel to a safe area.  Shut off source of fuel, if possible and without risk.
Use NIOSH/MSHA approved selfcontained breathing apparatus and other protective equipment and/or garments as described if exposure conditions warrant. Use water fog or spray to cool exposed equipment and containers.  Do not spray water directly on fire -- product will float and could be reignited on surface of water.

Accidental Release Measures

Evacuate area of all unnecessary personnel.  Shut off source, if possible, and contain spill.  Wear protective equipment and/or garments described if exposure conditions warrant.  Protect from ignition.  Keep out of water sources and sewers.  Promptly neutralize the spill by adding dilute (5%) aqueous (water) solution of calcium hypochlorite (HTH) with stirring.  Alternatively, household bleach (Clorox, Purex) in a dilute solution may be used.  Concen-trated or dry bleach must not be used.  Absorb in dry, inert material (sand, clay, etc.).

NOTE: Review FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES and HANDLING (PERSONNEL) sections before proceeding with cleanup.  Use appropriate PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT during cleanup.

Handling and Storage

Handling (Personnel)

Avoid breathing vapors or mist.  Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing.  Wear protective equipment and/or garments described if exposure conditions warrant.  Wash thoroughly after handling.  Wash clothing after use. 

Handling and Storage (Physical Aspects)

Ground container when pouring.  Keep away from heat, sparks and flames.  Store in cool, dry, wellventilated area.  Protect from sources of ignition.  Keep container tightly closed.

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Engineering Controls

Use with adequate ventilation.  Use product in closed system.
Bond and ground during liquid transfer.

Personal Protective Equipment

Eyes: Safety glasses, face shield, goggles.
Hands (GLOVE TYPE): PVC, Neoprene, Butyl rubber and other.
Skin: Rubber, neoprene or vinyl gloves if liquid splashes could occur. Use protective   garments to prevent excessive skin contact.
Respiratory protection: Use only NIOSH approved equipment.  Use selfcontained/   supplied air breathing apparatus.

NOTE: Personal protection information is based upon general information as to normal uses and conditions. Where special or unusual uses or conditions exist, it is suggested that the expert assistance of an industrial hygienist or other qualified professional be sought.

Applicable Exposure Limits for ethyl mercaptan

PEL    (OSHA):    10 ppm, 25 mg/m³, Ceiling
TLV    (ACGIH):    0.5 ppm, 1.3 mg/m³, 8 Hr. TWA

Physical and Chemical Properties

Stable.

Incompatibility with Other Materials

Incompatible with strong oxidizers.  Avoid heat, open flames, sparks, ignition sources.

Decomposition

Hazardous gases/vapors produced are sulfur dioxide (combustion).

Polymerization

Polymerization will not occur.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal

Insure conformity with all applicable regulations.  Burn under controlled conditions or place in other permitted waste disposal facility.  RCRA classification: unadulterated product as a waste.  Ignitable (D001).  Prior to disposal, consult your environmental contact to determine if TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure, EPA Test Method 1311) is required.  Reference 40 CFR Part 261.

TSCA:

Product and/or components reported in EPA TSCA Inventory, 1980.  This product is in U.S. Commerce and is listed in the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory of Chemicals; hence, it may be subject to applicable TSCA provisions and restrictions.

CERCLA:

Under the Comprehensive Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), certain releases to air, land, or water may be reportable to the National Response Center at 8004248802.  Circumstances surrounding the release and cleanup determine reportability.  The reportable spill quantity of this product is pounds.  This product contains no reportable components.

SARA 313:

As of the preparation date, this product did not contain a chemical or chemicals subject to the reporting requirements of Section 313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 and 40 CFR Part 372.

OSHA:

This product meets the following hazard definition(s) as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR Section 1910.1200):
FLAMMABLE LIQUID - HEALTH HAZARD