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Dibutyl Maleate (DBM): What Workers and Users Should Know About Safety

Identification

Product Name: Dibutyl Maleate
Chemical Formula: C12H20O4
Synonyms: Maleic acid dibutyl ester
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid, faint ester odor
Uses: Used as a plasticizer, in adhesives, coatings, paints, and in organic synthesis for creating resins and copolymers

Hazard Identification

Health Hazards: Can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Repeated or prolonged exposure may dry or crack skin. Swallowing large amounts could cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Inhalation of high concentrations may lead to headaches, dizziness, or nausea.
Fire Hazards: Liquid can ignite at higher temperatures. Fire generates irritating gases. Vapors can travel, potentially igniting at distant sources.
Environmental Hazards: Not readily biodegradable. Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Spills may affect soil and water environments, impacting plants and small organisms.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Dibutyl Maleate
CAS Number: 105-76-0
Concentration: 100% (commercial grades often come undiluted)

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting. Get medical help if large quantity swallowed or if discomfort occurs.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam. Water spray can help cool containers but may not put out the fire directly.
Special Hazards: Combustion releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic fumes. Containers under fire can rupture.
Protective Equipment: Wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus. Avoid inhaling fumes. Evacuate non-essential personnel.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Put on protective gloves, goggles, and mask. Work in a well-ventilated area.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent liquid from reaching drains, soil, and natural waters. Contain spills with barriers like absorbent pads or earth.
Clean-up: Absorb spill on inert material such as sand or vermiculite. Collect and dispose using sealed containers. Wash area with plenty of water, minimizing runoff to environment.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid breathing vapor, mist, or spray. Wear protective gloves and avoid contact with eyes and skin. Keep containers closed when not in use. Work in areas with sufficient ventilation.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space. Keep away from ignition sources, heat, and sunlight. Store away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers and acids. Keep product in original container or compatible secondary container with proper labeling.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or work under a fume hood to minimize exposure to vapors.
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, and long sleeves. In poorly ventilated areas, consider a respiratory mask approved for organic vapors.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while working with this material. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

Physical and Chemical Properties

State: Liquid at room temperature
Odor: Faint, ester-like
Boiling Point: Around 285°C
Melting Point: About -55°C
Flash Point: Roughly 168°C (closed cup)
Solubility in Water: Low, but miscible with many organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform
Density: About 1.05 g/cm³ at 25°C

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under normal storage and use conditions.
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases.
Hazardous Decomposition: Heating or burning produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly maleic acid derivatives.
Polymerization: Unlikely unless mixed with strong initiators or catalysts.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 values in rats show moderate toxicity, but no reliable evidence for carcinogenicity or mutagenicity under typical use. May cause eye and skin irritation. Repeated or prolonged contact can lead to dermatitis.
Inhalation Exposure: Overexposure may cause respiratory irritation, nausea, dizziness, or headaches.
Ingestion: May lead to stomach discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea in significant amounts.
Chronic Risks: Limited data exists on chronic effects, but repeated exposures to high concentrations could impact liver and kidney health over time.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Studies indicate moderate toxicity to fish and aquatic invertebrates. Not considered acutely toxic, but the substance persists in water due to poor biodegradability.
Bioaccumulation: Low bioaccumulation observed.
Soil Impact: Can be slowly broken down by soil microbes, but release in large quantities will harm plant root systems and micro-fauna.
Wastewater Impact: Persistent emissions could affect treatment plant function.

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Incinerate waste in facilities complying with local environmental regulations. Avoid pouring down household or industrial drains.
Container Disposal: Empty containers may contain residue; puncture, triple rinse, and send for approved recycling or waste treatment.
Environmental Impact: Proper disposal keeps this chemical out of waterways and landfill, limiting the risk to animals and plants.

Transport Information

Regulatory Status: Not always considered a dangerous good under many transport regulations unless transported with other hazardous substances.
Packaging: Use leak-proof, labeled containers. Secure loads to prevent spills.
General Practices: Keep away from incompatible products, high heat, sparks, and open flame during transit.

Regulatory Information

Worker Protection: Most workplace safety agencies require gloves, goggles, and ventilation when handling. Regulations exist to limit exposure and control disposal to protect people and ecosystems.
Environmental Oversight: Release of DBM into the environment falls under national chemical release regulations in the US, EU, and many Asian markets. Employers should follow local requirements for reporting spills and emissions.
Usage and Storage: Safety data for this substance is part of chemical control inventories in many regions to help trace use through supply chains. Labels must communicate the health and environmental risks on every container.