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1,3-butadiene (BD) is a chemical made from the processing of petroleum. It is a colorless gas with a mild gasoline-like odor. About 75% of the manufactured 1,3-butadiene is used to make synthetic rubber. Synthetic rubber is widely used for tires on cars and trucks. 1,3-Butadiene is also used to make plastics including acrylics. Small amounts are found in gasoline.
Exposure to 1,3-butadiene occurs mainly from breathing contaminated air. This chemical has been found in at least seven of 1,416 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency.
OSHA has set an occupational exposure limit of 1,000 parts of 1,3-butadiene per million parts of air (1,000 ppm). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that 1,3-butadiene be kept to the lowest feasible concentration because of its potential to cause cancer.
You can be exposed to 1,3-butadiene from the following routes:
Section 1910.1051 applies to all occupational exposures to 1,3-Butadiene (BD), Chemical Abstracts Service Registry No. 106-99-0, except as provided in paragraph 1910.1051(a)(2).
Employers must:
1,3-Butadiene | CAS 106-99-0 |
CH2=CHCH=CH2 | RTECS EI9275000 |
Synonyms & Trade NamesBiethylene, Bivinyl, Butadiene, Divinyl, Erythrene, Vinylethylene | DOT ID & Guide1010 116P (inhibited) |
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: Ca |
OSHA PEL: [1910.1051] TWA 1 ppm ST 5 ppm | |
IDLH Ca [2000 ppm] [10%LEL] | Conversion 1 ppm = 2.21 mg/m3 |
Physical DescriptionColorless gas with a mild aromatic or gasoline-like odor. [Note: A liquid below 24°F. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.] | |||
MW: 54.1 | BP: 24°F | FRZ: -164°F | Sol: Insoluble |
VP: 2.4 atm | IP: 9.07 eV | RGasD: 1.88 | Sp.Gr: 0.65 (Liquid at 24°F) |
Fl.P: NA (Gas) -105°F (Liquid) | UEL: 12.0% | LEL: 2.0% | |
Flammable Gas Class IA Flammable Liquid | |||
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Phenol, chlorine dioxide, copper, crotonaldehyde [Note: May contain inhibitors (such as tributylcatechol) to prevent self-polymerization. May form explosive peroxides upon exposure to air.] |
Measurement MethodCharcoal tube(2); CH2Cl2; Gas chromatography/Flame ionization detection; IV [#1024] |
Personal Protection &
Sanitation Skin: Frostbite Eyes: Frostbite Wash skin: N.R. Remove: When wet (flammable) Change: N.R. Provide: Frostbite | First Aid Eye: Frostbite Skin: Frostbite Breathing: Respiratory support |
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode/(APF = 10,000) 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 positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) 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 | |
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin and/or eye contact (liquid) | |
Symptoms irritation eyes, nose, throat; drowsiness, lightheadedness; liquid: frostbite; teratogenic, reproductive effects; [Potential occupational carcinogen] | |
Target Organs Eyes, respiratory system, central nervous system, reproductive system | |
Cancer Site [hematopoietic cancer] |