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Chemical Name: 1,3-Butadiene
Synonyms: Divinyl, Vinylethylene
CAS Number: 106-99-0
Appearance: Colorless gas with a mild, aromatic odor
Common Uses: Widely used in the synthesis of synthetic rubbers, plastics, and other polymers
Hazard Classification: Highly flammable gas, carcinogenic, possible mutagen
Immediate Risks: Serious fire and explosion hazard even at low concentrations, poses risks of inhalation and skin contact
Long-term Risks: Increased risk of cancer after prolonged or repeated exposure; chronic respiratory problems not uncommon after sustained contact
Symptoms: Dizziness, headache, drowsiness, irritation of eyes, nose, and throat, possible unconsciousness in poorly ventilated areas
Component: 1,3-Butadiene (purity usually above 98%)
Impurities: May include small amounts of other hydrocarbons; the focus always needs to stay on the primary hazardous nature of butadiene itself
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air promptly, call for medical help right away, consider oxygen if breathing is labored
Skin Contact: Flush area thoroughly with water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with water for several minutes, keep eyelids open if possible
Ingestion: Not likely due to gaseous state, but if exposure happens medical care becomes vital
Anyone exposed for any length of time needs medical observation for respiratory issues or neurological symptoms
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, stop gas flow before using water
Unusual Fire Hazards: Gas forms explosive mixtures with air, can ignite with any ignition source
Protective Equipment: Full self-contained breathing apparatus needed, chemical-resistant protective gear
Special Precautions: Cool containers with water spray from as far away as possible, approach fire from upwind to avoid exposure to toxic fumes
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary people, isolate the area, ventilate well
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains or sewers, possible threat to aquatic environment
Cleanup Methods: Eliminate all ignition sources, use non-sparking tools, ventilate, monitor air for gas concentration, notify emergency services and follow all local and national reporting requirements
Safe Handling: Always ground and bond containers for transfer, tightly control ignition sources, use only in well-ventilated areas
Storage Conditions: Store in dedicated flammable gas cylinders or tanks under pressure, keep away from heat and direct sunlight, maintain segregation from oxidizers
People working near butadiene storage must have high awareness since leaks can lead to rapid fire or health hazards
Engineering Controls: Closed systems, adequate general and local exhaust ventilation, vapor detection monitors
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles or face shields, flame-retardant protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus in emergencies
Exposure Limits: Regulatory bodies like OSHA set a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 1 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average; short-term exposures need to stay below 5 ppm
Safe working practice demands rigorous adherence to control measures and regular monitoring for leaks or air contamination
State: Gas at room temperature
Boiling Point: -4.4°C
Melting Point: -108.9°C
Vapor Pressure: High at room temperature
Density: Lighter than air
Odor: Mild gasoline-like aroma
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, highly soluble in organic solvents
Flammability: Extremely high; lower explosion limit around 2%, upper limit around 12% in air
Chemical Stability: Stable under most normal conditions if properly stored, but readily polymerizes with heat or in the presence of oxygen
Reactivity: Violent reactions with oxidizers, strong acids, and halogens
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, small amounts of peroxides and organic acids during combustion
Spontaneous polymerization can sometimes generate enough heat to rupture storage vessels, making monitoring and inhibitor use important
Acute Toxicity: Can cause headaches, drowsiness, central nervous system depression at high concentrations
Chronic Effects: Linked in human studies to increased risk of blood cancers like leukemia, possibly linked to reproductive harm
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation represents the main risk, with skin absorption a minor concern
Symptoms of Overexposure: Nausea, fatigue, respiratory difficulties, unconsciousness with severe exposure
Research from NIOSH and the IARC classifies butadiene as a known human carcinogen; exposures need to be kept as low as possible following a precautionary approach
Aquatic Toxicity: Not considered highly toxic to aquatic life at low concentrations, but rapid evaporation can harm air-breathing organisms near the source
Persistence and Degradability: Breaks down rapidly in the atmosphere when exposed to sunlight, has short half-life in air, lower potential for long-term soil or water accumulation than many persistent organic pollutants
Bioaccumulation: No documented significant bioaccumulation in aquatic or terrestrial organisms
Biggest concern still remains accidental releases and vapor cloud migration that could trigger fires or affect nearby communities
Waste Handling: Dispose of through incineration in approved facilities, never pour into drains or release straight into the environment
Container Disposal: Empty cylinders and containers should be vented carefully, then returned to suppliers or qualified waste handlers
Proper disposal methods reduce environmental impacts and keep workplace risks lower; regulatory compliance keeps facilities accountable for the gases they use
UN Number: 1010 for 1,3-Butadiene, Stabilized
Hazard Class: 2.1 (flammable gas)
Packing Group: Not assigned for gases
During shipment, cylinders must use secure valve protection, shock-resistant packaging, and thorough labeling
Transport regulations place butadiene among the most strictly regulated flammable gases, with frequent inspections and mandatory documentation on every delivery
Carcinogen Listing: Classified as a known human carcinogen by IARC, NTP, and regulated as such at workplace and environmental levels
Permissible Exposure Limits: OSHA, ACGIH, and other national authorities limit workplace exposures to low ppm levels
Other Regulations: Subject to hazard communication standards, release-to-air reporting rules, and hazardous waste requirements
Tracking these requirements isn’t just legal red tape; it keeps workers, neighbors, and emergency responders safer in the face of routine operations or unexpected leaks
