IPCS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY
Health and Safety Guide No. 3
1-BUTANOL
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, GENEVA 1987
This is a companion volume to Environmental Health Criteria 65:
Butanols -- Four Isomers: 1-Butanol, 1-Butanol, tert-Butanol,
Isobutanol
Published by the World Health Organization for the International
Programme on Chemical Safety (a collaborative programme of the United
Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation,
and the World Health Organization)
This report contains the collective views of an international group of
experts and does not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated
policy of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International
Labour Organisation, or the World Health Organization
ISBN 92 4 154365 6
ISSN 0259-7268
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(c) World Health Organization 1987
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CONTENTS
IPCS
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR 1-BUTANOL
INTRODUCTION
HOW TO USE THE GUIDE
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1. Identity
1.2. Physical and chemical properties
1.3. Uses
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1. Exposure to 1-butanol
2.2. Uptake, metabolism, and excretion
2.3. Effects on organisms in the environment
2.4. Effects on animals
2.5. Effects on human beings
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4. HEALTH HAZARDS FOR MAN, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY
ACTION
4.1. Main hazards for man, prevention and protection, first aid
4.2. Advice to physicians
4.3. Health surveillance advice
4.4. Explosion and fire hazards
4.4.1. Explosion hazards
4.4.2. Fire hazards
4.5. Storage
4.6. Transport
4.7. Spillage and disposal
4.7.1. Spillage
4.7.1.1 Small spillage
4.7.1.2 Large spillage
4.7.2. Disposal
5. INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
6. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
7.1. Exposure limit values
7.2. Specific restrictions
7.3. Labelling, packaging, and transport
INTRODUCTION
The International Programme on Chemical Safety is responsible for the
publication of a series of Environmental Health Criteria documents,
each of which assesses the existing information on the relationship
between exposure to a specific chemical, mixture of chemicals, or
combination of chemicals and physical and biological agents, and man's
health and the integrity of the environment. The documents provide
guidelines for setting exposure limits consistent with the protection
of human health and the environment.
To facilitate the application of these guidelines in national chemical
safety programmes, "Health and Safety Guides" are being prepared,
highlighting the information contained in the documents for those who
need to know the health and environmental issues involved, but not the
scientific details. The Guides include advice on preventive and
protective measures and emergency action.
Review and revision of the information in this Health and Safety Guide
will take place in due course, and the eventual aim is to use
standardized terminology. We should be grateful if you would help by
telling us of any difficulties encountered in using the information in
this guide.
Comments please, addressed to:
The Manager
International Programme on Chemical Safety
Division of Environmental Health
World Health Organization
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
HOW TO USE THE GUIDE
All people in the work-place environment should be given the relevant
written information in this book, supplemented by a clear, personal
explanation to ensure that they are fully aware of the dangers and the
current courses of protective and emergency action.
The International Chemical Safety Card should be displayed as directed
and its contents clearly explained to all working personnel.
Medical staff should be fully conversant with the medical information
to ensure they can act rapidly and efficiently in an emergency.
Posters should be used to give impact to basic safety measures.
Further copies of the Health and Safety Guide, and, for those
requiring more detailed scientific information, the relevant
Environmental Health Criteria publication, are available to order.
THE INFORMATION IN THIS GUIDE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A STARTING POINT
TO A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMME
1 PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1 Identity
Chemical formula: C4H10O
Chemical structure: CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2OH
Primary constituent: 1-butyl alcohol
Common synonyms: n-butanol; butanol-1; normalbutyl-
alcohol; 1-hydroxy butane;
normalpropyl carbinol; butyric
alcohol; NBA
CAS registry number: 71-36-3
Conversion factor
1 mg/m3 = 0.325 ppm
1 ppm 1-butanol = 3.078 mg/m3 at 25°C
and 101.3 kPa (760 mmHg).
1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties
1-Butanol is a flammable, colourless liquid with a rancid sweet odour.
Some physical and chemical properties of 1-butanol are given in the
Sample International Chemical Safety Card on pages 26 and 27.
1.3 Uses
1-Butanol occurs naturally as a product of fermentation of
carbohydrates. It is also synthesized from petrochemicals and is
widely used as an organic solvent and as an intermediate in the
manufacture of other organic chemicals.
2 SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1 Exposure to 1-butanol
Human exposure to 1-butanol is mainly occupational.
Exposure of the general population is principally through its natural
occurrence in foods and beverages, and its use as a flavouring agent,
but it may also result from industrial emissions. Levels of exposure
of the general population to 1-butanol through food and beverages are
not available, and occupational exposure levels are limited and
inadequate.
2.2 Uptake, Metabolism, and Excretion
1-Butanol is readily absorbed through the skin, lungs, and
gastrointestinal tract. It is rapidly metabolized by alcohol
dehydrogenase to the corresponding acid and via the aldehyde to carbon
dioxide, which is the major metabolite. It does not bioaccumulate.
2.3 Effects on Organisms in the Environment
No quantitative data on levels of 1-butanol in the general environment
are available, but, because it is readily biodegradable, substantial
concentrations are only likely to occur locally when there is a major
spillage.
At the background concentrations expected to occur in the environment,
1-butanol is not directly toxic for fish, amphibia, or crustacea and
is practically non-toxic for algae. Some protozoa are slightly
sensitive to the compound. However, 1-butanol poses an indirect hazard
for the aquatic environment, because its biodegradability may lead to
oxygen depletion.
1-Butanol should be managed in the environment as a slightly toxic
compound.
2.4 Effects on Animals
The oral LD50 values for 1-butanol for the rat range from 0.7 to
2.1 g/kg body weight. Therefore, it is slightly toxic according to the
classification of Hodge & Sterner. It is markedly irritating to the
eyes and moderately irritating to the skin. The primary effects from
exposure to vapour for short periods are irritation of the mucous
membranes, and central nervous system depression. The potency of
1-butanol for intoxication is approximately 6 times that of ethanol. A
number of investigations have shown non-specific membrane effects of
1-butanol. Effects of repeated inhalation exposure in animals include
pathological changes in the lungs, degenerative lesions in the liver
and kidneys, and narcosis. However, it is not possible to determine a
no-observed-adverse-effect level from the animal studies available.
1-Butanol has been found to be non-mutagenic.
Adequate data are not available on carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, or
effects on reproduction.
2.5 Effects on Human Beings
In man, 1-butanol liquid or vapour can cause moderate skin irritation
and severe eye irritation manifested as a burning sensation,
lachrymation, blurring of vision, and photophobia. Ingestion of the
liquid or inhalation of the vapour may result in headache, drowsiness,
and narcosis. The occurrence of vertigo under conditions of severe and
prolonged exposure to vapour mixtures of 1-butanol and isobutanol has
been reported. From this study, it is not possible to attribute the
vertigo to a single cause. Symptoms are reversible when exposure
ceases.
The small amount of information available suggests that occupational
human exposure to air concentrations below 307.8 mg/m3 (100 ppm) is
not associated with any adverse symptoms. However, studies on human
volunteers have indicated that the light-sensitivity of dark-adapted
eyes and electrical activity of the brain may be influenced by air
concentrations as low as 0.092 mg/m3 (0.03 ppm).
3 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The Task Group was unable to make an assessment of the health risks
of 1-butanol for the general population, on the basis of available
data. However, it was considered unlikely to pose a serious hazard
under normal exposure conditions.
2. The Task Group was of the opinion that sufficient data were not
available to establish guidelines for setting occupational exposure
limits. There are reports of adverse effects resulting from
occupational over-exposure to levels exceeding 307.8 mg/m3 (100 ppm).
Therefore, in line with good manufacturing practice, exposure to
1-butanol should be minimized.
3. The ecotoxicological data available indicate that the impact of
background concentrations of 1-butanol on the aquatic environment can
be expected to be minimal.
From: Environmental Health Criteria 65: Butanols - Four Isomers:
1-Butanol, 2-Butanol, tert-Butanol, Isobutanol
4 HEALTH HAZARDS FOR MAN, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1 Main Hazards for Man, Prevention and Protection, First Aid
The human health hazards associated with certain types of exposure to
1-butanol, together with preventive and protective measures and first
aid recommendations are listed in the following table.
1-Butanol vapour and liquid may irritate the eyes and may result in
vesiculation of the cornea. Both the liquid and vapour may cause
dermatitis. In addition, the vapour may irritate the respiratory
system. Narcosis may follow the ingestion of liquid 1-butanol or
inhalation of the vapour.
GOLDEN RULES
1. Do not smoke drink, or eat in the work-place.
2. In case of overexposure, the victim should leave, or be removed
from, the contaminated area to fresh air as rapidly as possible.
3. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes and wash with plenty of
water and soap.
4. Flush affected eye(s) with water for at least 15 minutes.
4.2 Advice to Physicians
Treat by observation and supportive measures, as indicated by the
patient's condition. Diagnostic tests should include the
identification of the alcohol in blood.
Because of the toxicity of 1-butanol, emptying of the stomach should
be considered. However, if this is not performed within 4 h, it is
unlikely to be of benefit.
4.3 Health Surveillance Advice
In view of the severe eye-irritating properties of 1-butanol, regular
medical surveillance may be advisable, at the descretion of a medical
adviser, after taking into account the likely extent of exposure.
4.4 Explosion and Fire Hazards
4.4.1 Explosion hazards
Above 29°C, explosive vapour-air mixtures may be formed.
ROUTE HEALTH HAZARDS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
SINGLE EXPOSURE
SKIN Moderately irritating as liquid Wear protective clothing Remove contaminated clothing
and vapour and wash immediately and
thoroughly with water; seek
medical attention
EYES Severely irritating as liquid and Wear goggles or face shield; do Flush eyes immediately with
vapour not wear contact lenses water for at least 15 min; seek
medical attention
INHALATION Irritating at high concentrations, Minimize exposure by ensuring Fresh air; if breathing has
symptoms of alcohol intoxication adequate ventilation or using stopped, apply artificial
and narcosis may occur suitable respiratory protection respiration; seek medical
attention immediately
INGESTION Unlikely occupational hazard; it Apply normal hygienic Do not induce vomiting; seek
may be absorbed and cause practices medical attention immediately
systemic effects such as alcohol
poisoning and narcosis
REPEATED EXPOSURE
INHALATION
As for single exposure; no Apply normal hygienic
long-term adverse health effects practices
INGESTION have been reported in man
4.4.2 Fire hazards
1-Butanol is flammable. It reacts with strong oxidizing agents and
alkali metals to form a combustible gas (hydrogen).
For extinguishing a small fire, use carbon dioxide, dry chemical
powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water fog, sand, or earth.
For a large fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus. Use
alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. Do not use a jet of water.
Special precautions: keep stored drums cool by spraying with water.
4.5 Storage
Store away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat, and store
separatedly from oxidizing agents and alkali metals.
4.6 Transport
Treat as for flammable liquids; otherwise no special measures
indicated.
4.7 Spillage and Disposal
4.7.1 Spillage
Extinguish naked flames, avoid sparks. Avoid contact with the skin,
eyes, and clothing. Wear rubber gloves, goggles or face shield, and
boots. Avoid breathing the vapour. If necessary, wear a respirator
containing a canister, such as BSI Type CC or DIN Type A, or
self-contained breathing apparatus.
4.7.1.1 Small spillage
Absorb the liquid with sand, earth, sawdust, or other suitable
absorbant material. Sweep up and remove all material to a safe place
for subsequent disposal by burning or burying. Flush the contaminated
area with plenty of water.
5 INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
This card should be easily available to all health workers concerned
with, and users of, 1-butanol. It should be displayed at, or near,
entrances to areas where there is potential exposure to 1-butanol, and
on processing equipment and containers. The card should be translated
in the appropriate language(s).
All persons potentially exposed to the chemical should also have the
instructions on the chemical safety card clearly explained.
SAMPLE INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
1-BUTANOL
( n-butanol, butyl alcohol) (C4H9OH)
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
Boiling point (°C) 118 Colourless liquid with
Melting point (°C) -89 characteristic odour; reacts with
Flash point (°C) 29 strong oxidants and with alkali
Autoignition temperature (°C) 340 metals liberating flammable gas
Relative density (water = 1) 0.8 (hydrogen); attacks many plastics
Relative vapour density (air = 1) 2.6
Vapour pressure in mbar (20°C) 7
Solubility in water (g/100 ml at 20°C) 8
Explosive limits (vol. % in air) 1.4-11.3
Relative molecular mass 74.1
HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
INHALATION: Sore throat, Minimize exposure by use of Fresh air; rest in half upright position;
coughing, shortness of breath, ventilation, local exhaust, or seek medical advice, if necessary
dullness breathing protection
SKIN: May be absorbed; redness Wear protective gloves Remove contaminated clothing; rinse skin
with plenty of water or shower
SAMPLE INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
EYES: Redness, pain, blurred vision Wear safety goggles First rinse with plenty of water; then seek
medical advice
INGESTION: Abdominal pain, Rinse mouth; give plenty of water to
vomiting, diarrhoea drink; seek medical advice or transport
to hospital
GENERAL: Alcoholic beverages
may enhance toxic effects
SPILLAGE STORAGE FIRE AND EXPLOSION
Collect leaking liquid in sealable Fireproof; keep separate Flammable; above 29°C, explosive
containers, absorb spilled liquid in from oxidizing agents and vapour-air mixtures may be formed; no
sand or inert absorbent and from alkali metals open flames, no sparks, and no smoking;
remove to safe place (extra use closed systems, ventilation, and
personal protection: self contained explosion-proof electrical equipment; in
breathing apparatus) case of fire, keep tanks or drums cool by
spraying with water; extinguish fire with
powder, AFFF, foam, halons, or carbon
dioxide
SAMPLE INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
WASTE DISPOSAL
National Occupational Exposure Limit: Un 1120
National Poison Control Centre:
Adapted from: Handling Chemicals Safely (1980). Published by the Dutch Association of Safety Experts, Dutch Chemical Industry Association
and the Dutch Safety Institute, The Hague.
6 HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
Minimize contamination of water. Avoid gross contamination of soil.
Spilled material should be contained and removed as far as possible.
Final traces can be dispersed with water.
1-Butanol should be managed in the environment as a slightly toxic
compound posing an indirect hazard for the aquatic environment, since
ready biodegradation may lead to oxygen depletion.
Thus, in the case of spillage into surface water, consider dilution or
(artificial) reaeration.
Disposal should be acceptable within the requirements of operative
legislation. In the absence of such legislation, and if deemed
necessary, consult local authorities.
7 CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
The information given in this paragraph has been extracted from the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) legal
file.
The reader should be aware that regulatory decisions about chemicals
taken in a certain country can only be fully understood in the
framework of the legislation of that country. A full reference to the
original national document from which the information was extracted
can be obtained from the IRPTC. When no effective date appears in the
IRPTC legal file, the year of the reference from which the data are
taken is shown, indicated by (r).
7.1 Exposure Limit Values
For some exposure limit values, see the following table.
7.2 Specific Restrictions
1-Butanol can be used in the USA as a component of adhesives in
articles intended for use in the packaging, transporting, or holding
of food.
7.3 Labelling, Packaging, and Transport
1-Butanol is classified as a flammable liquid (Hazard Class 3) by the
United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous
Goods, as "a toxic waste" in USA, and as a flammable liquid by the
International Maritime Organization (Hazard Class 3.2). The following
symbol should be used:
The European Community legislation requires labelling as dangerous
substance using the symbol:
The label must read: flammable -- harmful by inhalation; keep away
from sources of ignition -- no smoking.
The European Community legislation on labelling of solvant
preparations classifies 1-butanol in Class II d for the purpose of
determining the label for preparations containing 1-butanol and other
active ingredients (1980).
SOME EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
AIR Occupational Argentina Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 1979
-- Time-weighted average 150 mg/m3a
-- Short-term exposure limit (STEL)
Australia Threshold limit value (TLV) 1983 (r)
-- Ceiling value 150 mg/m3
Belgium Threshold limit value (TLV) 150 mg/m3a
Czechoslovakia Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1985
-- Time weighted average 100 mg/m3
-- Ceiling value 200 mg/m3
Finland Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 1982 (r)
-- Time-weighted average 300 mg/m3
German Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1983 (r)
Democratic -- Time-weighted average 200 mg/m3
Republic -- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 400 mg/m3
Germany, Maximum work-site concentration (MAK) 1985 (r)
Federal -- 8-h time-weighted average 300 mg/m3
Republic of -- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 600 mg/m3
(30 min, 4 × per shift) (average value)
SOME EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES (cont'd).
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
Hungary Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 1978 (r)
-- Time-weighted average 100 mg/m3
-- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 200 mg/m3
(30 min)
Italy Threshold limit value (TLV) 150 mg/m3a
Japan Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1985 (r)
-- Time-weighted average 150 mg/m3
Netherlands Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 1985 (r)
-- Ceiling value 150 mg/m3a
Poland Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 1982 (r)
-- Ceiling value 200 mg/m3
Romania Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 1975 (r)
-- Time-weighted average 200 mg/m3
-- Ceiling value 300 mg/m3
Sweden Hygienic limit value (HLV) 1985
(8-h time weighted average)
-- One-day time-weighted average 80 mg/m3a
-- Ceiling value 150 mg/m3
Switzerland Maximum work-site concentration (MAK) 1984 (r)
-- Ceiling value 150 mg/m3a
SOME EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES (cont'd).
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
United Recommended limit 1985 (r)
Kingdom -- 8-h time-weighted average 150 mg/m3a
-- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 150 mg/m3
(10 min time-weighted average)
USA Threshold limit value (TLV) 1984 (r)
(ACGIH) -- Ceiling value 150 mg/m3a
USA (OSHA) Permissible exposure limit (PEL) 1981 (r)
-- Time-weighted average 300 mg/m3
USSR Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1977
-- Ceiling value for vapour 10 mg/m3
Yugoslavia Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1971 (r)
-- Time-weighted average 200 mg/m3
AIR Ambient USSR Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1984
-- One time per day 0.1 mg/m3
-- Average per day 0.1 mg/m3
FOOD Plant USA Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 1981 (r)
-- In food additive modified hop extract 50 mg/kg
FOOD Plant USA Exempted from tolerance requirements 1981 (r)
in plant products when used according
to good agricultural practice as inert
ingredient of pesticides for some specified
purposes
SOME EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES (cont'd).
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
FOOD Animal USA Exempted from tolerance requirements 1981 (r)
in animal products when used according
to good agricultural practice as inert
ingredient of pesticides for some specified
purposes
WATER Surface USSR Maximum allowable concentration 1983 (r)
(MAC) 0.1 mg/litre
WATER Fishing USSR Maximum allowable concentration 0.03 1978 (r)
(MAC) mg/litre
a Absorption through the skin is indicated as a potentially hazardous route in the regulatory documents of Argentina, Belgium,
Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the USA (ACGIH).
See Also:
Toxicological Abbreviations