TRIETHYLAMINE
TRIETHYLAMINEHuman Health Effects:
Evidence for Carcinogenicity:
A4. A4= Not classifiable as a human carcinogen, skin
Human Toxicity Excerpts:
EYE IRRITATION & CORNEAL EDEMA HAVE BEEN REPORTED FROM EXPOSURES ... IN
INDUSTRY.
There have been reports of temporary blue hazy vision from subtle disturbance
of the corneal epithelium in people exposed to ethylamines. ... Diethylamine has
been identified as having this effect, but it is not clear whether ethylamine
and triethylamine also have have this
action.
Vapors irritate nose, throat, and lung, causing coughing, choking, and
difficult breathing. Contact with eyes causes severe burns. Clothing wet with
chem causes skin burn.
A cross-sectional study of visual disturbances was conducted in 19 workers
(13 men, 6 women, mean age 45) employed in a polyurethane foam production plant.
Visual disturbances (foggy vision, blue haze, and sometimes halo phemomena) were
reported by 5 workers. Symptoms were associated with work operations with the
highest exposure to triethylamine (TWA=
12-13 mg/cu m). The level of dimethylethanolamine was below the detection limit.
Detailed eye examinations of the 5 affected workers were normal. TWA levels of
10-15 mg/cu m for 4 to 8 hr may be associated with blue haze, while exposure for
2 hr at this level did not cause visual disturbances ... the TWA levels were
well below the threshold limit value of 40 mg/cu m employed in Sweden and the
USA.
Two cases of keratitis in polyurethane workers are reported. Both subjects
presented complaints of smoky, foggy, blurred vision. Slit lamp examination of
one patient revealed subepithelial corneal vesicles approximately 30-50 um in
diameter. Slit lamp examination of the other showed deep or subepithelial
vacuolization only in the palpebral aperture.
ACUTE ... HIGH IRRITANT VIA ORAL, INHALATION ROUTE; MODERATE VIA DERMAL
ROUTES. HIGH= CAPABLE OF CAUSING DEATH OR PERMANENT INJURY DUE TO EXPOSURES OF
NORMAL USE; INCAPACITATING & POISONOUS; REQUIRES SPECIAL HANDLING. MODERATE=
MAY CAUSE REVERSIBLE OR IRREVERSIBLE CHANGES TO EXPOSED TISSUE, NOT PERMANENT
INJURY OR DEATH; CAN CAUSE CONSIDERABLE DISCOMFORT.
Four people were exposed to triethylamine
(TEA) for four hours at three concentration levels. After exposure to 40.6 mg/cu
m triethylamine there was a marked
edema in the corneal epithelium and subepithelial microcysts. However, corneal
thickness increased only minimally because of the epithelial edema. The
lachrymal concentrations of triethylamine
were, on average, 41 times higher than the serum triethylamine
concentrations. The vision was blurred in all subjects and visual acuity and
contrast sensitivity had decreased in three of the four subjects. After exposure
to triethylamine at 6.5 mg/cu m two
subjects experienced symptoms, and contrast sensitivity had decreased in three
of the four subjects. Triethylamine
caused a marked edema and microcysts in corneal epithelium but only minor
increases in corneal thickness. The effects may be mediated by the lachrymal
fluid owing to its high triethylamine
concentration. Four hour exposure to a triethylamine
concentration of 3.0 mg/cu m seemed to cause no effects, whereas exposure to 6.5
mg/cu m for the same period caused blurred vision and a decrease in contrast
sensitivity.
This study attempted to determine whether cold box core makers exposed to triethylamine
in foundries experienced headaches or had elevated blood pressure more often
than workers without triethylamine
exposure, as proposed by earlier reports. Forty-one core makers in three
foundries and 82 referents were interviewed according to a structured
questionnaire, and their blood pressure was measured. Triethylamine
exposure was determined from breathing-zone measurements. The 8-hr time-weighted
average triethylamine exposure varied
between 0.3-60 mg/cu m. The core makers did not report that they had the general
symptoms of headaches more often than the referents. However, they had mild
weekly headaches more often (44% vs. 17%). The core makers also reported
headaches more often during the workweeks (45% vs. 19%). It seems likely that triethylamine
exposure provokes mild headache among persons prone to suffer from vascular
headaches. There was no difference in the occurrence of severe headaches or in
the duration of headaches between the groups. The blood pressures were similar
in both groups.
To determine whether blurred vision caused by exposure to triethylamine
(TEA) can be detected by the measurement of contrast sensitivity. METHODS: 41
cold box core makers of three foundries and 82 control workers were examined. A
detailed ocular and medical history was obtained from the subjects. The contrast
sensitivity of the core makers was measured on Monday and Friday of the same
week both before and immediately after work and also on a third day, when air
samples of triethylamine were
collected. Contrast sensitivity and visual acuity were measured by optotype
figures at full contrast, 2.5% contrast, and 0.6% contrast. ... RESULTS: 78% of
the core makers had had symptoms of blurred vision, and 31% had had trouble
driving or working. The breathing zone eight hour time weighted average triethylamine
concentrations were 0.3-60 mg/cu m. The mean urinary triethylamine
concentration after the shift was 35 mmol/mol creatinine. Continuous monitoring
showed high peaks of triethylamine
leakage at a core making machine. Changes in binocular visual acuity did not
differ between the exposed and unexposed workers. The contrast sensitivity
decreased in 49% of the core makers and 21% of the controls (P = 0.002).
CONCLUSIONS: The blurred vision caused by exposure to triethylamine
can be documented by measuring contrast sensitivity.
Objective: The objective was to define the dose-response for triethylamine
(TEA) vapor-induced visual changes. Methods: Four core makers were exposed in a
dynamically-controlled whole-body chamber to triethylamine
for 4 hr at the concentrations of 40.6, 6.5 and 3.0 mg/cu m. Before and after
the exposure binocular visual acuity and contrast sensitivity at 2.5% contrast
were measured. The visual measurements were carried out with the use of optotype
test charts. ... The outcome was determined as a change in the rows of the test
chart. Results: Visual acuity decreased in three of the four subjects after 40.6
mg/cu m triethylamine exposure, and
remained at the pre-exposure level after 6.5 and 3.0 mg/cu m exposures. Contrast
sensitivity at 2.5% contrast decreased in the same three subjects after 40.6 and
6.5 mg/cu m triethylamine exposures
but remained at the pre-exposure level in all subjects after the triethylamine
exposure of 3.0 mg/cu m. Conclusions: triethylamine
exposure over 4 hr at the concentration of 3.0 mg/cu m in air caused no changes
in contrast sensitivity. A corresponding exposure at the concentration of 6.5
mg/cu m caused deterioration in contrast sensitivity in most subjects. Because
the blurring of vision occurs within 4 hr after the start of working with triethylamine
the results can probably be applied for the setting of an 8 hr occupational
exposure limit. Moreover, the results are consistent with the current 4.1 mg/cu
m ACGIH TLV.
Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:
Irritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Medical Surveillance:
Employee who /will be/ exposed to triethylamine
at potentially hazardous levels should be screened for history of certain
medical conditions /chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, liver
diseases, kidney diseases, eye diseases/ which might place the employee at
increased risk from triethylamine
exposure. Any employee developing the conditions should be referred for further
medical exam.
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
... Eye contact.
The materials used as, and with, binders in ... /mold and core prodn in iron
foundries/ can incl ... triethylamine
... . One example of a process used to mfr both cores and molds ... is the
Isocure, or Ashland, process. This is a gas-setting system in which a resin ...
is mixed with a diisocyanate (MDI) and then gassed with an amine, usually either
triethylamine or dimethyl ethylamine.
... In the Isocure process the amine is applied as a vapor. This renders it more
dangerous as the risks of leakage are higher.
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 68,091 workers
(9,071 of these are female) are potentially exposed to triethylamine
in the US(1). Occupational exposure to triethylamine
may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces
where triethylamine is produced or
used(SRC). Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed
to triethylamine via inhalation of
ambient air, and ingestion of food with this compound, and through use of other
products containing triethylamine(SRC).
Workers in a gray-iron foundry and polyurethane manufacture facility were
exposed to triethylamine ranging from
0.01-12.3 ppm and 6-13 mg/cu m, respectively(2). The long-term and short-term
personal breathing zone of workers at 42 different foundries using an
amine-cured cold box binder system were sampled(3); the 8-hr
time-weighted-average (TWA) and short-term avg exposure to triethylamine
were 3.1 and 5.2 ppm, respectively(3).
Antidote and Emergency Treatment:
Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for
signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary.
Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary
edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ...
. Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush
eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline
during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and
administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patent can swallow,
has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... .
Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Organic
bases/Amines and related compounds/
Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for
airway control in the patient who is unconscious or has severe pulmonary edema.
Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be
beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... .
Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use
lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid
overload. Administer 1% solution methylene blue if patient is symptomatic with
severe hypoxia, cyanosis, and cardiac compromise not responding to oxygen.
DIRECT PHYSICIAN ORDER ONLY ... . Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ...
. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. If
patient is unresponsive to these measures, vasopressors may be helpful. Watch
for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... .
Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Organic
bases/Amines and related compounds/
Animal Toxicity Studies:
Evidence for Carcinogenicity:
A4. A4= Not classifiable as a human carcinogen, skin
Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts:
IT IS STRONGLY ALKALINE, & WHEN DROP IS APPLIED TO RABBIT'S EYE, CAUSES
SEVERE INJURY, GRADED 9 ON SCALE OF 1 TO 10 AFTER 24 HR /MOST SEVERE INJURIES
HAVE BEEN RATED 10/. TESTS OF AQ SOLN ON RABBIT EYES @ PH 10 & PH 11
INDICATE INJURIOUSNESS /OF TRIETHYLAMINE/
IS RELATED PRINCIPALLY TO DEGREE OF ALKALINITY. CHRONIC EXPOSURE OF RABBITS TO
... VAPORS @ CONCN AS LOW AS 50 PPM IN AIR CAUSES MULTIPLE EROSIONS OF CORNEA
& CONJUNCTIVA ... IN ... 6 WK.
/Investigators/ ... exposed rabbits repeatedly to measured concn of ... triethylamine
in air. ... /Triethylamine/ produced
lung, liver, and kidney damage & definite degenerative changes in the heart
at 100 ppm. ... 50 ppm ... was sufficient to produce lung irritation. ...
A 70% soln applied on the skin of guinea pigs caused prompt skin burns
leading to necrosis; when held in contact with guinea pig skin for 2 hr, there
was severe skin irritation with extensive necrosis and deep scarring.
Sixteen amine cmpd that are used in the rubber industry and sodium nitrate
were tested on 3 day old chicken embryos. The embryotoxic potency of the
chemicals in this system, including deaths & malformations, is defined by
the total effect, ie the total number of affected embryos on day 14 of
incubation. The ED50 for triethylamine,
1 of the 4 most embryotoxic chemicals, was 0.90 umol/egg (95% confidence limit
0.65-1.2 umol/egg). LD50 value for total mortality on day 14 was 1.6 umol/egg.
LD50 value for early death (embryos that died before day 5 of the incubation,
within two days of the treatment) was 1.8 umol/egg. Malformations observed were:
small eye cup 31%, defects of lids and cornea 73%, defects of beak 4%,
encephalocoele or skin pimple in head 23%, open coelom 35%, short back or neck
42%, defects of wings 38%, and edema and lymph blebs 4%.
Six guinea pigs exposed /by inhalation/ to 2000 ppm of triethylamine
survived a 30 min exposure, but 4 animals died when the exposure was extended
for 2 hr. Two of 6 animals died during a 4 hr exposure to 1000 ppm, and all
animals survived the 4 hr exposures to 500 ppm and 250 ppm. ... Inhalation
exposure of 6 rats to 1000 ppm for 4 hr resulted in death of one rat.
Triethylamine was tested for
mutagenicity in the Salmonella/microsome preincubation assay using a protocol
approved by the National Toxicology Program. Triethylamine
was tested at doses of 0, 100, 333, 1000, 3333, and 10,000 ug/plate in four
Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA1537) in the presence
and absence of Aroclor-induced rat or hamster liver S9. Triethylamine
was negative in these tests and the highest ineffective dose level tested (not
causing a clearing of the background lawn) in any Salmonella tester strain was
3333 ug/plate.
Experimental animals were exposed to the vapor to triethylenediamine or triethylamine,
two of the amines used as catalysts in polyurethane manufacture. Five cat eyes
and 1 monkey eye were exposed to triethylamine.
Animals were exposed to triethylamine
at rates of 0.45-0.85 mmol triethylamine/5
min for periods ranging from 1 to 5 min. Corneal epithelial damage occurred at
all doses and was severe at higher concentrations. In all cases the epithelium
was healed by day 4. Optical discontinuities of the stroma similar to those seen
in human patients were observed at all dose levels.
Weanling caesarean derived Fischer 344 rats were exposed at 25 or 247 ppm TEA
for 6 hr/day, 5 days/wk for 28 wk. Animals were sacrificed after 32 to 34, 58 to
61, and 125 to 127 days. Exposed rats demonstrated no statistically significant
differences compared to the controls in any of the measured indices including
treatment chemistry, or electrocardiographic indices. No evidence was observed
of any cardiac muscle degeneration or any changes in electrocardiograms or
related clinical chemistry indices.
The sensory and pulmonary irritating effects of diethylamine, triethylamine,
dibutylamine, tributylamine and cyclohexylamine were investigated using male
Ssc:CF-1 mice. For exposure of mice a tracheal cannula was inserted. With the
exception of diethylamine which had an exposure reaction threshold, the
concentration effect relations for the other compounds followed Michaelis-Menten
equations. The respiratory rate for normal mice was cut in half at the following
concentrations for diethyl, triethyl, dibutyl, and cyclohexylamine: 184, 186,
81, and 2 ppm, respectively. The maximum response obtained with tributylamine
was too low to /decr to one-half/ the respiratory rate. The respiratory rate for
cannulated mice was cut in half by the following concentrations of diethyl,
triethyl, dibutyl, tributyl, and cyclohexylamine: 549, 691, 101, 96, and 78 ppm,
respectively. The decrease in respiratory rate was used to calculate the
pulmonary irritation level. Only minor or no effects on tidal volumes were noted
at the lower exposure concentration. The effects of these compounds were
compared through a chemical structure/activation analysis with the results of
earlier investigations of primary n-alkylamines.
The inhibition of hydroxysteroid-sulfotransferase (ST) activity in the rat
liver by alkylamines was investigated. Liver homogenates were prepared from
Wistar-rats, & cytosolic fractions were obtained. ST activities towards
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androsterone (AS), & 2-naphthol (2NA) were
assayed. Cytosolic fractions were fractionated by column chromatography. Triethylamine,
which was used as an elution solvent for column chromatography to purify
chemically synthesized 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) inhibited
androgen sulfation with AS & DHEA, but did not affect ST activities with
cortisol (CORT) & 2-NA. ... Fourteen primary, secondary, & tertiary
amines were examined for inhibitory actions on ST activities towards DHEA, CORT,
& 2-NA. A secondary amine, di-n-butylamine (111922), & three tertiary
amines, triethylamine (121448), tri-n-propylamine
(102692), & tri-n-butylamine (102829), inhibited DHEA ST activity by 40 to
60%, irrespective of sex. However, 2-NA & CORT ST activities were not
affected to any significant extent. Lineweaver Burk plots with partially
purified hydroxysteroid ST indicated that the inhibition by triethylamine
fitted a noncompetitive inhibition. ... Glucocorticoid ST appears to be distinct
from the hydroxysteroid ST, & that this has implications for the inhibition
of human liver ST activities by synthetic steroids & tertiary amines given
as drugs.
Non-Human Toxicity Values:
LD50 Rabbit skin 0.57 ml/kg
LD50 Mouse oral 546 mg/kg
LCLo Rat inhalation 1000 ppm/4 hr
LD50 Rabbit skin 570 mg/kg
LD50 Mouse ip 405 mg/kg
RD50 Mouse 186 ppm
Ecotoxicity Values:
LD100 Creek chub 80 mg/l/24 hr in Detroit river water /Conditions of bioassay
not specified/
Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:
Metabolism/Metabolites:
There have been few studies on the metabolism of industrially important
aliphatic amines such as triethylamine.
It is generally assumed that amines not normally present in the body are
metabolized by monoamine oxidase and diamine oxidase (histaminase). Monoamine
oxidase catalyzes the deamination of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines.
... Ultimately ammonia is formed and will be converted to urea. The hydrogen
peroxide formed is acted upon by catalase and the aldehyde formed is thought to
be converted to the corresponding carboxylic acid by the action of aldehyde
oxidase.
Five healthy volunteers were exposed by inhalation to triethylamine
(TEA; 4 or 8 hr at about 10, 20, 35, and 50 mg/cu m). Analysis of plasma and
urine showed that an average of 24% of the TEA was biotransformed into triethylamine-N-oxide
but with a wide interindividual variation (15-36%). The TEA and triethylamine-N-oxide
were quantitatively eliminated in the urine. The plasma and urinary
concentrations of TEA and triethylamine-N-oxide
decreased rapidly after the end of exposure (average half time of TEA was 3.2
hr). There was excellent association between air levels of TEA and the urinary
concentrations in samples obtained within 2 hr of the end of exposure. Thus the
urinary level of TEA taken in this period is useful as a biological monitoring
of exposure. An air concentration of 10 mg/cu m corresponds to an average
urinary concentration of about 40 mmol/mol creatinine (at sedentary work).
The metabolism of triethylamine was
studied in polyurethane foam manufacturing workers. The study group consisted of
20 persons, 12 male, 18 to 64 yr old, employed at a polyurethane foam
manufacturing facility in Sweden who were exposed to triethylamine.
Full shift breathing zone samples were collected on 2 days and analyzed for triethylamine.
Blood and urine samples were collected before and at periodic intervals during
and after a workshift and analyzed for triethylamine
metabolites. Pulmonary ventilation of each subject was measured from which the
amount of triethylamine inhaled was
calculated. The overall mean time weighted average (TWA) breathing zone triethylamine
concentrations were 6.6 and 6.2 mg/cu m on the two sampling days. This
corresponded to 482 and 456 umol triethylamine
being inhaled. Unchanged triethylamine
and triethylamine-N-oxide were the
primary species found in the urine samples. Only trace amounts of diethylamine
were found. The subjects excreted approximately 53% of the inhaled triethylamine
unchanged and 27% as triethylamine-N-oxide.
The biological half-lives of triethylamine
and triethylamine-N-oxide in urine
were around 3 hours. The amount of triethylamine-N-oxide
excreted increased significantly with increasing age. For subjects older than 55
yr females excreted more triethylamine-N-oxide
than males. Post shift blood plasma triethylamine
concentrations correlated with post shift urine triethylamine
and triethylamine-N-oxide
concentrations. TWA triethylamine
concentrations were significantly correlated with post shift urine and plasma triethylamine
and triethylamine-N-oxide
concentrations.
Absorption, Distribution & Excretion:
Data were presented on the pharmacokinetics in man of triethylamine
& triethylamine-N-oxide after oral
& iv admin. Participants in the study included four healthy men, aged 48 to
51 yr, all nonsmokers. Oral doses of TEA were 25 mg for four subjects & of triethylamine-N-oxide
were 15 mg for three subjects. IV doses of TEA to one subject & triethylamine-N-oxide
to two subjects were at a final concn of 1.5 mg/ml with 10 ml of the soln
diluted to 50 ml with sodium chloride soln. TEA was absorbed from the
gastrointestinal tract, rapidly distributed, & partly metab into triethylamine-N-oxide.
No significant first pass metab occurred. Triethylamine-N-oxide
was also well absorbed from the GI tract but was also reduced in the GI tract
into TEA & dealkylated into diethylamine. A close assoc was noted between
the levels of TEA in plasma & gastric juice with the latter being 30 times
higher. TEA & triethylamine-N-oxide
in plasma had half lives of about 3 & 4 hr, respectively. TEA exhalation was
minimal. Over 90% of TEA dose was recovered in the urine as TEA & triethylamine-N-oxide,
suggesting that in addn to glomerular filtration, tubular secretion also
occurred. The secretion appeared to be saturable for high levels of triethylamine-N-oxide.
Biological Half-Life:
After oral dose of triethylamine to
four men, triethylamine in plasma had
a half-life of about 3 hr (range, 2.4-3.5 hr).
Plasma half-life after inhalation exposure to five volunteers was 3.2
hr".
Interactions:
Experimental studies were conducted in four healthy men on the metab of
inhaled triethylamine (TEA) (20 mg/cu
m) with & without ethanol ingestion. The mean serum ethanol concn during
exposure & in the first hr after exposure was 25 mmol/l, ranging from 16 to
35 mmol/l. TEA was readily absorbed during exposure & partly oxygenated into
triethylamine-N-oxide. The concn in
plasma of TEA at the end of the exposure were lower in experiments with ethanol
intake. TEA plus ethanol plus sodium bicarbonate caused the highest plasma
levels, with only minor TEA amounts exhaled. The half live of TEA in urine was
similar in many experiments. The triethylamine-N-oxide
excretion was lower after ethanol ingestion than after exposure to TEA alone.
Urinary pH profoundly affected TEA metabolism. /SRP: A decrease of the urinary
pH by one increased renal clearance of TEA by a factor of 2./A change in urinary
pH by about 2 units caused a change of renal clearance of TEA by a factor of
three & of the oxygenation by a factor of two. Renal clearance of triethylamine-N-oxide
was not affected by urinary pH. Three subjects displayed visual disturbances in
the experiments without ethanol. These same subjects did not experience any
visual disturbances in those experiments containing ethanol. It was concluded
that, theoretically, the ethanol intake & varying urinary pH may affect the
possibility of monitoring TEA exposure through biological samples. Although
there was good correlation between air TEA levels & either end shift plasma
levels & post shift urinary excretion of TEA plus triethylamine-N-oxide
in an industrial settling, a determination of urinary pH would help.
Pharmacology:
Interactions:
Experimental studies were conducted in four healthy men on the metab of
inhaled triethylamine (TEA) (20 mg/cu
m) with & without ethanol ingestion. The mean serum ethanol concn during
exposure & in the first hr after exposure was 25 mmol/l, ranging from 16 to
35 mmol/l. TEA was readily absorbed during exposure & partly oxygenated into
triethylamine-N-oxide. The concn in
plasma of TEA at the end of the exposure were lower in experiments with ethanol
intake. TEA plus ethanol plus sodium bicarbonate caused the highest plasma
levels, with only minor TEA amounts exhaled. The half live of TEA in urine was
similar in many experiments. The triethylamine-N-oxide
excretion was lower after ethanol ingestion than after exposure to TEA alone.
Urinary pH profoundly affected TEA metabolism. /SRP: A decrease of the urinary
pH by one increased renal clearance of TEA by a factor of 2./A change in urinary
pH by about 2 units caused a change of renal clearance of TEA by a factor of
three & of the oxygenation by a factor of two. Renal clearance of triethylamine-N-oxide
was not affected by urinary pH. Three subjects displayed visual disturbances in
the experiments without ethanol. These same subjects did not experience any
visual disturbances in those experiments containing ethanol. It was concluded
that, theoretically, the ethanol intake & varying urinary pH may affect the
possibility of monitoring TEA exposure through biological samples. Although
there was good correlation between air TEA levels & either end shift plasma
levels & post shift urinary excretion of TEA plus triethylamine-N-oxide
in an industrial settling, a determination of urinary pH would help.
Environmental Fate & Exposure:
Environmental Fate/Exposure Summary:
Triethylamine's production and use
as solvent and chemical intermediate may result in its release to the
environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure
of 57.1 mm Hg at 25 deg C indicates triethylamine
will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase triethylamine
will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced
hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 4
hrs. If released to soil, triethylamine
is expected to have high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 146. However,
the pKa of triethylamine is 10.78,
indicating that this compound will primarily exist in cation form in the
environment and cations generally adsorb to organic carbon and clay more
strongly than their neutral counterparts. Volatilization from moist soil
surfaces will not be an important fate process because cations do not
volatilize. Triethylamine may
volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Based on
aerobic screening tests, triethylamine
may be resistant to biodegradation in soil and water. Triethylamine,
present at 30 mg/l, reached 28% of its theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using an
activated sludge inoculum at 100 mg/l and the Japanese MITI test. If released
into water, triethylamine is not
expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc.
However, triethylamine's pKa indicates
that this compound will exist as a cation in neutral and acid waters and cations
are expected to sorb to suspended solids and sediment. Volatilization from water
surfaces will not be an important fate process since cations do not volatilize.
A BCF of <5 for carp suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic
organisms is low. Occupational exposure to triethylamine
may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces
where triethylamine is produced or
used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to triethylamine
via inhalation of ambient air, and ingestion of food with this compound, and
through use of other products containing triethylamine.
(SRC)
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
... Eye contact.
The materials used as, and with, binders in ... /mold and core prodn in iron
foundries/ can incl ... triethylamine
... . One example of a process used to mfr both cores and molds ... is the
Isocure, or Ashland, process. This is a gas-setting system in which a resin ...
is mixed with a diisocyanate (MDI) and then gassed with an amine, usually either
triethylamine or dimethyl ethylamine.
... In the Isocure process the amine is applied as a vapor. This renders it more
dangerous as the risks of leakage are higher.
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 68,091 workers
(9,071 of these are female) are potentially exposed to triethylamine
in the US(1). Occupational exposure to triethylamine
may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces
where triethylamine is produced or
used(SRC). Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed
to triethylamine via inhalation of
ambient air, and ingestion of food with this compound, and through use of other
products containing triethylamine(SRC).
Workers in a gray-iron foundry and polyurethane manufacture facility were
exposed to triethylamine ranging from
0.01-12.3 ppm and 6-13 mg/cu m, respectively(2). The long-term and short-term
personal breathing zone of workers at 42 different foundries using an
amine-cured cold box binder system were sampled(3); the 8-hr
time-weighted-average (TWA) and short-term avg exposure to triethylamine
were 3.1 and 5.2 ppm, respectively(3).
Artificial Pollution Sources:
Triethylamine's production and use
as a solvent and chemical intermediate(1) may result in its release to the
environment through various waste streams(SRC).
Environmental Fate:
TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value
of 146(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.45 for the free amine(2) and a
regression-derived equation(3), indicates that triethylamine
is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). However, triethylamine
has a pKa of 10.78(4) and should exist primarily as a cation under environmental
conditions (pH 5-9)(SRC). As a result, triethylamine
may have greater adsorption and less mobility than its estimated Koc value
indicates(SRC). Triethylamine's pKa(4)
indicates that this compound will exist almost entirely as a cation at pH values
of 5 to 9, and therefore volatilization from moist soil surfaces will not be an
important fate process(SRC). The potential for volatilization of triethylamine
from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 57 mm
Hg(4), although the cation form will not volatilize. Triethylamine
reached 9 and 28% of its Theoretical BOD using an activated sludge innoculum and
the Japanese MITI test(5).
AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of
146(SRC), determined from a measured log Kow of 1.45(2) and a regression-derived
equation(3), indicates that triethylamine
is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). However, a pKa
of 10.78(4) indicates triethylamine
will exist almost entirely as a cation at pH values of 5 to 9, and therefore may
sorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces
is not expected because cations do not volatilize(SRC). According to a
classification scheme(5), a BCF of <5 in carp(6), suggests the potential for
bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Triethylamine,
present at 100 mg/l, reached 9% and 28% of its theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using
an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/l and 100 mg/l, respectively, and the
Japanese MITI test(6).
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of
semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), triethylamine,
which has a vapor pressure of 57.1 mm Hg at 25 deg C(2), is expected to exist
solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase triethylamine
is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl
radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 4
hrs(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 9.3X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at
25 deg C(SRC) determined using a structure estimation method(3).
Environmental Biodegradation:
Triethylamine was not degraded by
activated sludge even when acclimatized (BOD 5.3% of theoretical after 13
days)(1). It was, however, completely degraded by an Aerobacter sp. in 11 hr(2).
The concn of triethylamine used in the
first study was not reported(2). From work on other aliphatic amines, it may be
that degradation is rapid for triethylamine
but inhibition is noted at concns as low as 50 mg/l(3,4). It is possible that at
the concn employed in the screening study, inhibition was occurring(SRC). Triethylamine,
present at 100 mg/l, reached 9% and 28% of its theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using
an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/l and 100 mg/l, respectively, and the
Japanese MITI test(5).
Environmental Abiotic Degradation:
Triethylamine is a strong base and
undergoes the typical reactions of tertiary amines(1) and will exist as a cation
in moist soils and water surfaces based on a pKa of 10.78(4). The rate constant
for the vapor-phase reaction of triethylamine
with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 9.3X10-11
cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 deg C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(2). This
corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of approximately 4 hrs at an atmospheric
concn of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(2). Experiments show that triethylamine
reacts with NO-NO2-H20 mixtures to form diethylnitroamine both in the dark and
on irradiation(3). On irradiation, triethylamine
is highly reactive forming ozone, PAN, acetaldehyde, diethylnitroamine,
diethylformamide, ethylacetamide, and diethylacetamide and aerosols(3). These
experiments were performed in large outdoor chambers under natural conditions of
temperature, humidity, and illumination. Initially the mixture was allowed to
react for two hours in the dark and then exposed to sunlight. The triethylamine
completely disappeared after 90 minutes of illumination(3).Triethylamine
is not expected to directly photolyze due to the lack of absorption in the
environmental UV spectrum (>290 nm)(SRC).
Environmental Bioconcentration:
Carp (Cyprinus carpio; lipid content, 3.9%) exposed to nominal concns of triethylamine
of 0.5 and 0.05 mg/l for 6 weeks had BCFs of <0.5 and <5, respectively(1).
According to a classification scheme(2), this BCF suggests the potential for
bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).
Soil Adsorption/Mobility:
The Koc of the free amine form of triethylamine
is estimated as 146(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.45(1) and a regression-derived
equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value
suggests that triethylamine is
expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). However, triethylamine
has a pKa of 10.78(4) and should exist primarily as a cation under environmental
conditions (pH 5-9)(SRC). As a result, triethylamine
may have greater adsorption and less mobility than its estimated Koc value
indicates(SRC).
Volatilization from Water/Soil:
A pKa of 10.78(1) indicates triethylamine
will exist almost entirely as a cation at pH values of 5 to 9; and therefore
volatilization from moist soil and water surfaces will not occur because cations
do not volatilize(SRC). The potential for volatilization of triethylamine
from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 57.1 mm
Hg(1).
Effluent Concentrations:
Triethylamine has been reported in
an effluent sample from the plastics and synthetics industry at a concn of 356.5
mg/l(1). It is emitted from sewage treatment plants(2). Anthropogenetic releases
of triethylamine by industry to the
atmosphere, surface water, underwater injections, land, and off-site were
1.6X10+6, 2.6X10+4, 1.9X10+5, 2.4X10+4, and 5.7X10+4 lbs for the year 1998,
respectively(3).
Sediment/Soil Concentrations:
Triethylamine was identified in
uncultivated loamy soil from the Moscow, Russia region(1). Since this soil is
uncultivated, it is possible that the amines are formed naturally rather than
being a contaminant or a metabolite of a fertilizer or pesticide(1).
Atmospheric Concentrations:
URBAN/SUBURBAN: Ambient air sampled from coastal and residential areas of
Southern Sweden in 1991 contained <0.2 and <0.2 ng/cu m of trimethylamine,
respectively(1). The ambient concn of triethylamine
in urban air in the United States ranged from not detected to 4 ug/cu m(2).
Trace levels (ca 2-10 pmol/cu m) of triethylamine
were detected in Sweden in the urban areas of Lund, Sodra, and Vallby(3).
SOURCE DOMINATED: In 1983, triethylamine
was detected in an unspecified location (suspected industrial facility) in the
United States at <4.2 ug/cu m(1).
RURAL/REMOTE: Ambient air sampled from a rural area of Southern Sweden in
1991 contained 0.2-2 ng/cu m trimethylamine(1).
Food Survey Values:
Triethylamine has been identified
as a volatile component of boiled beef(1).
Environmental Standards & Regulations:
TSCA Requirements:
Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety
Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers,
importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit
to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Ethanamine,
N,N-diethyl- is included on this list.
CERCLA Reportable Quantities:
Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the
National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this
designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its
reportable quantity of 5000 lb or 2270 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is
(800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The
rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4
(section IV. D.3.b).
RCRA Requirements:
U404; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when triethylamine,
as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an
off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical
intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or
State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any
residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of
a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small
quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste
regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
Atmospheric Standards:
This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing
Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly
constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best
demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC,
considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy
requirements. Triethylamine is
produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under
this subpart.
Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to
cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs
EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions
of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific
performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more
of the listed pollutants. Triethylamine
is included on this list.
Clean Water Act Requirements:
Triethylamine is designated as a
hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and
1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation
includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures
containing this substance.
Chemical/Physical Properties:
Molecular Formula:
C6-H15-N
Molecular Weight:
101.19
Color/Form:
Colorless liquid
Odor:
Strong, ammoniacal ordor
Fishy
Boiling Point:
89.3 deg C
Melting Point:
-114.7 deg C
Corrosivity:
Liquid triethylamine will attack
some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings
Critical Temperature & Pressure:
Critical temperature: 535.6 K; Critical pressure: 3.032 MPa
Density/Specific Gravity:
0.7255 @ 25 deg C/4 deg C
Dissociation Constants:
pKb= 3.25
pKa = 10.78 @ 25 deg C
Heat of Combustion:
10,248 cal/g
Heat of Vaporization:
140 Btu/lb= 80 cal/g= 3.3X10+5 J/kg
Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient:
log Kow = 1.45
Solubilities:
Soluble in ethanol and ethyl ether, very soluble in acetone
Soluble in fixed oils, mineral oil, oleic and stearic acids and in hot
carnauba and paraffin waxes.
5.5 g/100 g water at 20 deg C
Slightly soluble in water above 18.7 deg C; miscible with alcohol, ether and
also with water below 18.7 deg C
15,000 mg/l water at 20 deg C, 19,700 mg/l water at 65 deg C
In water, 7.37X10+4 mg/l @ 25 deg C
Spectral Properties:
Index of refraction: 1.4003 at 20 deg C/D
Max Absorption (Heptane /as solvent/): 196 nm (Log E= 3.70)
IR: 4831 (Coblentz Society Spectral Collection)
UV: 3-85 (Organic Electronic Spectral Data, Phillips et al, John Wiley &
Sons, New York)
NMR: 29 (Sadtler Research Laboratories Spectral Collection)
MASS: 264 (Atlas of Mass Spectral Data, John Wiley & Sons, New York)
Surface Tension:
20.7 dynes/cm= 0.0207 N/m @ 20 deg C
Vapor Density:
3.49 (Air= 1)
Vapor Pressure:
57.1 mm Hg @ 25 deg C
Relative Evaporation Rate:
5.6 (butyl acetate= 1)
Other Chemical/Physical Properties:
Wt/gal (20 deg C): 6.1 lb
Conversion Units: 1 mg/l= 242 ppm; 1 ppm= 4.14 mg/cu m
Critical solution temperature in water: 18 deg C
Heat of solution in water: 10,040 cal/mol of solute at infinite dilution
Ratio of Specific Heats of Vapor (Gas): 1.055; Heat of Solution: -180 Btu/lb=
-99 cal/g= -4.1X10+5 J/kg
Saturated liquid density: 45.420 lb/cu ft; liquid heat capacity: 0.556 Btu/lb
deg F; saturated vapor pressure: 1.084 lb/sq in; saturated vapor density:
0.01930 lb/cu ft (all at 70 deg F)
Ideal gas heat capacity: 0.379 Btu/lb at 75 deg F
Amines tend to be fat soluble /Amines/
Henry's Law constant= 1.49X10-4 atm-cu m/mole @ 25 deg C
Chemical Safety & Handling:
DOT Emergency Guidelines:
Fire or explosion: Flammable/combustible materials. May be ignited by heat,
sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel
to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They
will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers,
basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Some
may polymerize (P) explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to
sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated.
Many liquids are lighter than water.
Health: May cause toxic effects if inhaled or ingested/swallowed. Contact
with substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Fire will produce
irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or
suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Public safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Numbers. ... Isolate spill
or leak area immediately for at least 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 feet) in all
directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low
areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering.
Protective clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing which is specifically
recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection.
Structural firefighters' protective clothing is recommended for fire situations
only; it is not effective in spill situations.
Evacuation: Large spill: Fire: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in
a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider
initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
Fire: Some of these materials may react violently with water. Small fires:
Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam. Large fires: Water
spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. Move containers from fire area if you can
do it without risk. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter
the material. Do not get water inside containers. Fire involving tanks or
car/trailer loads: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders
or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well
after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting
safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from the ends of
tanks. For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this
is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.
Spill or Leak: Fully encapsulating, vapor protective clothing should be worn
for spills and leaks with no fire. ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking,
flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). All equipment used when handling
the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers,
basements or confined areas. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce
vapors. Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer
to containers (except for Hydrazine). Use clean non-sparking tools to collect
absorbed material. Large spills: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later
disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor; but may not prevent ignition in closed
spaces.
First aid: Move victim to fresh air. Call emergency medical care. Apply
artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth
method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; induce artificial
respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other
proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with
substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20
minutes. Keep victim warm and quiet. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion
or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Ensure that medical personnel are
aware of the material(s) involved, and take precautions to protect themselves.
Odor Threshold:
Odor detection in air= 9.00X10-2 ppm (purity not specified)
Odor recognition in air= 2.80X10-1 ppm (purity not specified)
Odor low: 0.36 mg/cu m; Odor high: 1.12 mg/cu m
Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:
Irritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Fire Potential:
Dangerous, when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers.
Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fires ... .
NFPA Hazard Classification:
Health: 3. 3= Materials that, on short exposure, could cause serious
temporary or residual injury, including those requiring protection from all
bodily contact. Fire fighters may enter the area only if they are protected from
all contact with the material. Full protective clothing, including
self-contained breathing apparatus, coat, pants, gloves, boots, and bands around
legs, arms, and waist, should be provided. No skin surface should be exposed.
Flammability: 3. 3= This degree includes Class IB and IC flammable liquids
and materials that can be easily ignited under almost all normal temperature
conditions. Water may be ineffective in controlling or extinguishing fires in
such materials.
Reactivity: 0. 0= This degree includes materials that are normally stable,
even under fire exposure conditions, and that do not react with water. Normal
fire fighting procedures may be used.
Flammable Limits:
LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT: 1.2% BY VOLUME; UPPER FLAMMABLE LIMIT: 8.0% BY VOLUME
Flash Point:
16 deg F (-7 deg F) (open cup)
Autoignition Temperature:
480 deg F (249 deg C)
Fire Fighting Procedures:
Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Use water spray, dry
chemical, "alcohol resistant" foam, or carbon dioxide.
Toxic Combustion Products:
Toxic gases and vapors (such as oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide) may
be released in fire involving triethylamine.
Firefighting Hazards:
Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to a source of ignition and flash
back.
Explosive Limits & Potential:
IN AIR: 1.2 TO 8.0%.
Vapor may explode if ignited in an enclosed area.
Hazardous Reactivities & Incompatibilities:
Contact with strong acids may cause violent spattering.
The complex, containing excess ... /dinitrogen tetraoxide/ over ... /triethylamine/,
exploded at below 0 deg C when free of solvent.
Incompatability: dinitrogen tetraoxide
Strong oxidizers, strong acids, chlorine, hypochlorite, halogenated
compounds.
Hazardous Decomposition:
When heated to decomp it emits toxic fumes of /nitrogen oxides/.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health:
200 ppm
Protective Equipment & Clothing:
Air-supplied mask; goggles or face shield; rubber gloves.
Wear special protective clothing and positive pressure self-contained
breathing apparatus.
If the use of respirators is necessary, the only respirators permitted are
those that have been approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration
(formerly Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration) or by the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. ... Employees should be provided
with and required to use impervious clothing, gloves, face shields (eight-inch
minimum), and other appropriate protective clothing necessary to prevent
repeated or prolonged skin contact with liquid triethylamine.
... Employees should be provided with and required to use splash-proof safety
goggles where there is any possibility of liquid triethylamine
or liquid containing triethylamine
contacting the eyes. ... An eye-wash fountain should be provided within the
immediate work area for emergency use.
Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the
immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure.
[Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or
flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be
exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench
facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge
shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water
from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] />1%/
Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possbility
that workers could be exposed to the substance; this is irrespective of the
recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection. />1%/
Recommendations for respirator selection. Max concn for use: 200 ppm.
Respirator Class(es): Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous flow
mode. Eye protection needed. Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full
facepiece. Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece.
Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Emergency or planned
entry into unknown concn or IDLH conditions: Respirator Class(es): Any
self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in
a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. Any supplied-air respirator
that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other
positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing
apparatus operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Escape from suddenly
occurring respiratory hazards: Respirator Class(es): Any air-purifying, full-facepiece
respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister
providing protection against the compound of concern. Any appropriate
escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus.
Preventive Measures:
Respirators may be used when engineering and work practice controls are not
technically feasible, when such controls are in the process of being installed,
or when they fail and need to be supplemented. Respirators may also be used for
operations which require entry into tanks or closed vessels, and in emergency
situations. ... Clothing wet with liquid triethylamine
should be placed in closed containers for storage until it can be discarded or
until provision is made for the removal of triethylamine
from the clothing. If the clothing is to be laundered or otherwise cleaned to
remove the triethylamine, the person
performing the operation should be informed of triethylamine's
hazardous properties. Where exposure of an employee's body to liquid triethylamine
may occur, facilities for quick drenching of the body should be provided within
the immediate work area for emergency use. Any clothing which becomes wet with triethylamine
or non-impervious clothing which becomes contaminated with triethylamine
should be removed immediately and not reworn until the triethylamine
is removed from the clothing. ... Skin that becomes contaminated with triethylamine
should be immediately washed or showered to remove any triethylamine.
Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical.
SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is
conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend
not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the
substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye
protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be
individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the
wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases,
contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection
equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner
so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or
clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the
cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective
clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not
be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for
cleaning.
The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.
Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its
flammability hazard.
Stability/Shelf Life:
Heat /contributes to instability/.
Shipment Methods and Regulations:
No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for
transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ...
and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked,
labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the
hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods
Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA
Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations
to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous
materials.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles
for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual
substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the
classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has
also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to
locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or
article.
Storage Conditions:
Avoid oxidizing materials, acids, and sources of halogens. Store in cool,
dry, well-ventilated location.
Storage temp: ambient
Keep container closed and store in a cool, dark place.
Cleanup Methods:
1. Remove all ignition sources. 2. Ventilate area of spill or leak. For small
quantities, absorb on paper towels. Evaporate in a safe place (such as a fume
hood). Allow sufficient time for evaporating vapors to completely clear the hood
ductwork. Burn the paper in a suitable location away from combustible materials.
Large quantities can be collected and atomized in a suitable combustion chamber
equipped with an appropriate effluent gas cleaning device.
Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, or holding area to contain liquid or
solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or
holding areas should be contained with a flexible impermeable membrane liner./
Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed
concrete. Absorb bulk liquids with fly ash, cement powder, sawdust, or
commercial sorbents.
Water spill: Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of
pollutants and precipitates or greater concentration.
Air spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors. Vapor knockdown
water is corrosive or toxic and should be diked for containment.
Disposal Methods:
Deodorization by catalytic combustion of triethylamine
was studied.
Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this
contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U404, must conform with USEPA
regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
Occupational Exposure Standards:
OSHA Standards:
Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 25 ppm (100
mg/cu m).
Vacated 1989 OSHA PEL TWA 10 ppm (40 mg/cu m); STEL 15 ppm (60 mg/cu m) is
still enforced in some states.
Threshold Limit Values:
8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA) 1 ppm (4.1 mg/cu m); 15 min Short Term Exposure
Limit (STEL) 3 ppm (12.4 mg/cu m), skin
A4: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.
NIOSH Recommendations:
NIOSH questioned whether the PEL proposed by OSHA for triethylamine
was adequate to protect workers from recognized health hazards: TWA 10 ppm; STEL
15 ppm.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health:
200 ppm
Other Occupational Permissible Levels:
Max allowable concn (USSR) 1 mg/cu m
Manufacturing/Use Information:
Major Uses:
CHEMICAL INTERMEDIATE; ANTI-LIVERING AGENT FOR UREA & MELAMINE BASED
ENAMELS; RECOVERY OF GELLED PAINT VEHICLES; CATALYST FOR POLYURETHANE FOAMS;
FLUX FOR COPPER SOLDERING
Catalytic solvent in chemical synth; accelerator activators for rubber;
corrosion inhibitor; propellant; wetting, penetrating and waterproofing agents
of quaternary ammonium types; curing and hardening of polymers (eg, core-binding
resins)
CATALYST FOR EPOXY RESINS
Manufacture of ... dyestuffs
Stabilizer for amino resins in coating system.
In the prep of quaternary ammonium compounds
Triethylamine is used to solubilize
2,4,5-T in water and serves as a selective extractant in the purification of
antibiotics; also used to produce octadecyloxymethyltriethyl ammonium chloride
(textile treatment agent)
Use in herbicides and pesticides and in preparation of emulsifiers for
pesticides; use in non-nutritive sweeteners, ketenes, and salts; ingredient of
photographic development accelerator, for drying of printing inks, and in carpet
cleaners.
Manufacturers:
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., 7201 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, PA
18195-1501, (610) 481-4911. Chemicals Group, Indust Chem Div; Production sites:
Pace, FL 32571; St. Gabriel, LA 70776
Elf Atochem North America, Inc., 2000 Market Street, 21st Floor,
Philadelphia, PA 19103-3222, (215) 419-7000. Organic Chem Div; Production site:
Riverview, MI 48192
Methods of Manufacturing:
Prep by reaction of N,N-diethylacetamide with lithium aluminum hydride: Uffer,
Schlittler, Helv. Chim. Acta 31, 1397 (1948).
Manuf by vapor phase alkylation of ammonia with ethanol: Lemon, Myerly, U.S.
pat 3,022,349 (1962 to Union Carbide).
Derivation: From ethyl chloride and ammonia with heat and pressure.
Formulations/Preparations:
Purity: 98.5% min
Impurities:
ACS Standards: Ammonia: not more than 0.2% by wt of soln; formaldehyde: not
more than 0.3% by wt of soln
U. S. Production:
(1972) 2.02X10+10 G (MONO & TRIETHYLAMINE)
(1975) PROBABLY GREATER THAN 9.08X10+5 G
(1981) 16,084X10+3 lb
(1984) 19,359X10+3 lb
(1985) 17,277X10+3 lb
Laboratory Methods:
Analytic Laboratory Methods:
EAD Method 1666. Volatile Organic Compounds Specific to the Pharmaceutical
Manufacturing Industry by Isotope Dilution GC/MS. Minimum level= 200 mg/l.
EAD Method 1671. Volatile Organic Compounds Specific to the Pharmaceutical
Manufacturing Industry by GC/FID. Minimum level= 50 mg/l.
Determination of triethylamine and
2-dimethylaminoethanol by isotachophoresis in air samples from polyurethane foam
production was studied.
Organic bases such as primary, secondary and tertiary amines were determined
in pharmaceuticals by a colorimetric method based on the formation of colored
ion pairs with cobalt thiocyanate.
Special References:
Synonyms and Identifiers:
Synonyms:
AI3-15425
**PEER REVIEWED**
(DIETHYLAMINO)ETHANE
**PEER REVIEWED**
N,N-DIETHYLETHANAMINE
**PEER REVIEWED**
ETHANAMINE, N,N-DIETHYL-
**PEER REVIEWED**
TEA
**PEER REVIEWED**
TEN
**PEER REVIEWED**
TRIAETHYLAMIN (GERMAN)
**PEER REVIEWED**
TRIETILAMINA (ITALIAN)
**PEER REVIEWED**
Formulations/Preparations:
Purity: 98.5% min
Shipping Name/ Number DOT/UN/NA/IMO:
UN 1296; Triethylamine
IMO 3.2; Triethylamine
Standard Transportation Number:
49 078 77; Triethylamine
EPA Hazardous Waste Number:
U404; A toxic waste when a discarded commercial chemical product or
manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical
product or manufacturing chemical intermediate.
RTECS Number:
NIOSH/YE0175000
Administrative Information:
Hazardous Substances Databank Number: 896
Last Revision Date: 20020806
Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 1/20/2001
Update History:
Complete Update on 08/06/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/13/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/13/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/14/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/09/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/26/2001, 73 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/08/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/02/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 11/18/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/21/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/26/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 07/27/1999, 6 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/29/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/27/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 11/12/1998, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/02/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/27/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/20/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/16/1997, 5 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/08/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/07/1997, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/28/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/21/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/24/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/13/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/11/1996, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/23/1996, 7 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/19/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/21/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/09/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 12/22/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/09/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/09/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/05/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/25/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/07/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/22/1993, 58 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field update on 12/16/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/17/1992, 55 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 04/16/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 01/13/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/22/1990, 4 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 01/15/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/11/1990, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 05/05/1989, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 12/28/1988, 69 fields added/edited/deleted.
Record Length: 116167
Substitution
of Non-Flammable Carbon Dioxide for Flammable Ether ...
... Ethyl ether is extremely flammable, potentially explosive, and can
cause depression
of the central nervous system and other health effects. Triethylamine
is ...
http://www.p2000.umich.edu/chemical_waste/cw10.htm
TRIETHYLAMINE
... the quantitative information on these fact sheets are from "EPA Health
Effects ... Acute
(short-term) exposure of humans to triethylamine vapor causes eye ...
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/tri-lami.html
More Results From: www.epa.gov
Acrobat
Distiller, Job 7 (PDF)
... for Development of the REL The major strengths of the triethylamine
REL are ... The major
weaknesses are the minimal amount of adequate human health effects
...
http://www.oehha.ca.gov/air/toxic_contaminants/pdf_zip/sum121448.pdf
More Results From: www.oehha.ca.gov
MATERIAL
SAFETY DATA SHEET 1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 2. COMPOSITION ... (PDF)
... Prolonged overexposure to triethylamine may cause damage to
liver and/or kidneys.
Emergency Overview: Potential Health Effects: Eyes: May cause
irritation. ...
http://www.carolina.com/labsafety/msds/flynap.pdf
NIH
Guide Archive Ending The Week Of June 15, 2001
... TRIETHYLAMINE (NOT-ES-01-006) National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences
INDEX: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES. STUDIES TO EVALUATE THE HEALTH
EFFECTS ...
http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/2001/01.06.15/
More Results From: grants1.nih.gov
Reference
... The health effects below suggest that solvent ...
at high acute exposures, these can cause
transient effects ... For example, ammonia and triethylamine
are respiratory ...
http://www.healthyschools.com/commpost/topic.asp?doc_id=22&sessionid=public
More Results From: www.healthyschools.com
HSC
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TOXIC SUBSTANCES WATCH PANEL AGENDA
... DAY TWO: Wednesday 21 January 1998. 9 Alkylamines - WATCH/8/98 This
assessment
of the health effects of monoethylamine, dimethylamine and triethylamine
and ...
http://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/watch50.htm
More Results From: www.hse.gov.uk
Ultra
TUFF - Technical Information
... N-Methyl, 872-50-4, 0.25-0.5%. Pyrrolidone Triethylamine,
121-448, 0.25-0.5%.
Pigments & Plasticisers, 1-9%. ... Health Effects. No
adverse health effects are ...
http://www.ultratuff.net/technical.htm
More Results From: www.ultratuff.net
Triethylamine
[factsheet]
... Personal Exposure. * No information was located regarding the
measurement of personal
exposure to triethylamine. Health Hazard Information. Acute Effects:
...
http://www.lakes-environmental.com/toxic/TRIETHYLAMINE.HTML
Triethylamine
... NAME: Triethylamine IMIS: 2480 CAS: 121-44-8 NIOSH: RTECS
YE0175000; 84562 DOT ... SYMPTOM(s):
Eye, respiratory system, skin irritation HEALTH EFFECTS ...
http://www.osha-slc.gov/dts/chemicalsampling/data/CH_273600.html
More Results From: www.osha-slc.gov
Product
Lines Application Guide Solvent Physical Properties ...
... 1, 2. Triethylamine, 3, 4, 1, 4. Trifluoroacetic Acid, 3, 0,
3, 4. Water, 0, 0, 0,
0. o-Xylene, 3, 3, 1, 3. Health. Susceptibility for causing adverse acute
or chronic
health effects ...
http://www.bandj.com/BJProduct/HealthSafety/Health2.html
More Results From: www.bandj.com
Acquacote
Material Safety Data Sheet
... Product Exposure Limits: TLV TWA triethylamine TWA 3 ppm STEL
5 ppm No values ... Symptoms
of Exposure. Acute and Chronic Effects: No adverse health effects
...
http://www.boatcraft.com.au/acq_safety.html
More Results From: www.boatcraft.com.au
Exposure
Standard
... literature, the Exposure Standards Working Group has proposed new
exposure standards
for triethylamine. This paper is to provide a review of the health
effects ...
http://www.nohsc.gov.au/OHSInformation/Databases/ExposureStandards/az/Triethylamine.htm
More Results From: www.nohsc.gov.au
TRIETHYLAMINE
... Ingredient CAS No Percent Hazardous -----
Triethylamine 121-44 ... Potential Health Effects ...
http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/t5330.htm
MSDS:
Triethylamine - G82 (PDF)
... PRODUCT NAME: TRIETHYLAMINE MSDS: G-82 Revised: 6/7/96 Page 2
of 7 HEALTH EFFECTS:
Exposure Limits Yes Irritant Yes Sensitization No Teratogen No Reproductive ...
http://www.orgc.tugraz.at/orgc/grundlabor/sicherblatt/06.pdf
Material
Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
... 03004F1 RB8430-00 Section One - General Trade Name: Triethylamine
... Health Hazards Physical
Hazard: Flammable,Corrosive, lachrymator Acute Health Effects ...
http://www.peptide.com/MSDS/RB8430-00.PDF
Listing
request form
... Health Effects Discussion ... Vinylidene
Chloride; Vinyl Cyclohexene Dioxide; TRIMELLITIC
ANHYDRIDE - (Organic Method #98); Trimellitic Anhydride; TRIETHYLAMINE ...
http://www.plasticsusa.com/osha.html
Bengt
Åkesson
... Åkesson B, Skerfving S. Effects of ethanol ingestion and
urinary acidity on
the metabolism of triethylamine in man. Int Arch Occup Environ Health.
...
http://www.ymed.lu.se/staff/bak.html
More Results From: www.ymed.lu.se
MATERIAL
SAFETY DATA SHEET (PDF)
... No reports were found linking this product with adverse chronic -health
effects. ... standard
for one of the minor ingredients has been set: : Triethylamine ...
http://www.partech.com.au/msds/toby/aquamax2.pdf
More Results From: www.partech.com.au
PRA
- Highlights 1999 [The Paint Research Association, UK]
... in Toys: Italy and Greece Introduce Bans;; Variations in Short Term
Exposure to
Organic Solvents in the Workplace;; UK Health and ... Effects
of Triethylamine ...
http://www.pra.org.uk/publications/core/corehighlights-1999.htm
More Results From: www.pra.org.uk
Great Lakes Chemical Corporation and the Pathfinders Camp