Page 6 - Handbook of Hazardous Chemical Properties

example - for the chemical ACETALDEHYDE, the boiling point at 1 ann is 68.7 OF, 20.4
“C, and 293.6 “K. Entries for Critical Pressure are given in three sets of units: psia, atm,
MN/mz. As an example - for acetaldehyde, the critical pressure data in three units are 820
psia, 56 atm, and 5.7 MN/mz The entries for Specpc Graviry are typically based on 4 “C
unless otherwise specified, and the entry for Vqor (Gas) Densify is described in the Glossary
of Terms section. Thermodynamic properties include the Ratio of Specific Heats of Vqor
(Gas), The Latent Heat of Vaporiultion, Heat of Combustion, and Heat of Decomposition.
These data are given in the following three sets of units: Btu/lb, cal/g, Jlkg. As an example -
for acetaldehyde, the latent heat of vaporization is 245 Btu/lb, 136 mug, and 5.69 x 105
Ukg.

0 Health Hazards Information - Information included are recommended personal protective
equipment for hazard materials handling specialist, typical symptoms following exposure to
the chemical, general first aid treatment procedures, and various toxicological information
including toxicity by ingestion, inhalation and short term exposures. Additional information
included are the liquid or solid irritant characteristics and odor threshold data.

Fire Hazards - Information compiled includes flash point temperature, flammable limits
0
(explosivity range) in air, a list of fire extinguishing agents to be used, along with a list of
fire extinguishing units not to be used, special by-products or hazards of combustion, a
description of the chemical’s behavior under a fire situation, the ignition temperature, its
electrical hazard rating, and its burning rate (if applicable). The burning rate is based on
experimentally reported literature data for a standing pool of liquid chemical. If a data field
has the entry - “no data”, it means that none could be found. If the entry “not pertinent” is
given , it means that the property or characteristic does not apply. As an example, for a non-
volatile chemical, the flash point temperature has no significance.

0 Chemical Reactivity - Information provided includes the Chemical’s reactivity when in contact
with water, as well as its chemical reactivity with common materials such as metals, plastics
and organic matter. Information of the chemical’s stability during transport is also given.
Where appropriate, information on recommended neutralizing agents for acids and caustics
are provided. Finally, information on whether the material polymerizes, along with a
recommended inhibitor of polymerization are given where appropriate.

The reader should note that although the author has made every reasonable attempt to verify the
accuracy of the information compiled in this volume by a review of multiple open literature sources,
there are no guarantees as to the accuracy of information, and we do not recommend or endorse the
application of this information for design purposes or emergency response procedures. This handbook
provides guidance only, and much of the information and data will require interpretation and prudent
judgement on the part of a knowledgeable reader with training in chemistry, engineering, and safe
handling procedures for hazardous chemicals.

Nicholas P. Cheremisinoff, Ph.D.

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