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Chemical Name: Tricresyl Phosphate
Common Uses: Found in plasticizers, flame retardants, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and some industrial coatings
Chemical Formula: C21H21O4P
Physical Appearance: Usually appears as an oily, colorless to pale yellow liquid with little to no noticeable odor
CAS Number: 1330-78-5
Acute Risks: Inhalation or prolonged skin contact may cause irritation and nervous system effects
Chronic Risks: Repeated exposure links to neurological symptoms and potential organ damage especially to liver and kidneys
Primary Entry Routes: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion
Symbols on Labels: Common hazard symbols include health hazard, toxic, and environment symbols, depending on concentration
Notable Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, weakness, numbness in extremities, allergic skin reactions in some individuals
Main Ingredient: Tricresyl Phosphate, generally greater than 95% of the product
Impurities: Mixed isomers (ortho, meta, para) may alter toxicity
Other Components: Trace amounts of phenol or cresol, depending on manufacturing process
Eye Contact: Immediate flushing with clean water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, thoroughly wash skin with soap and water
Inhalation: Move to source of fresh air, seek medical attention if breathing difficulties or symptoms persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, avoid inducing vomiting, consult healthcare provider or poison control
Urgency: Always err on the side of rapid medical evaluation for suspected poisoning, especially after large exposures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, or water spray
Specific Hazards: Produces toxic phosphorus oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide in a fire
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus greatly reduce risk of inhalation
Precautionary Actions: Isolate scene and avoid breathing decomposition vapors
Combustion Potential: Not classified as highly flammable but supports combustion at high temperature
Personal Precautions: Use gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to prevent skin and eye contact
Spill Cleanup: Absorb liquid in sand or earth, transfer to sealed container for disposal
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, water bodies, and soil due to ecological toxicity
Ventilation: Increase airflow in affected area, especially in enclosed spaces
Disposal: Follow hazardous waste protocols for clean-up debris
Safe Handling: Limit direct handling, always use suitable personal protective equipment
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly-closed containers, cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and incompatible materials like strong acids or bases
Incompatibility: Avoid contact with strong oxidizers and reducing agents
Hygiene: Wash hands immediately after handling prior to eating, drinking, or smoking
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or process enclosure
Respiratory Protection: Approved respirators necessary when concentrations exceed occupational limits
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Gloves made from nitrile, butyl rubber, or neoprene provide a chemical barrier
Work Practices: No food or drink in use areas, frequent hand washing, contamination controls in place to minimize skin exposure
Appearance: Transparent to pale yellow oily liquid
Odor: Faint, sometimes described as slightly phenolic
Boiling Point: Ranges near 410°C (770°F)
Melting Point: Less than −30°C (<−22°F)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in most organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature, slower evaporation
Density: About 1.16–1.17 g/cm³
Viscosity: Moderate; thickens in colder environments
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, open flame, incompatible chemicals like strong acids, bases, and oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Can yield phosphorus oxides and toxic organic vapors under severe heat
Polymerization: Not known to polymerize dangerously under standard use
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact
Acute Effects: Can cause neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, headache
Chronic Effects: Prolonged contact tied to damage in nervous system, especially with higher ortho isomer content
Target Organs: Nervous system, liver, kidneys, skin
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC or OSHA, yet concerns persist due to neurotoxic risk
Vulnerable Groups: Pregnant persons, young children, and those with neurological conditions at higher risk if exposed
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic life, can persist in water/sediments
Bioaccumulation: Buildup in aquatic organisms possible, moving up the food chain
Persistence: Resistant to biodegradation, tends to linger in the environment once released
Soil Impact: Binds strongly to soils, can affect soil-dwelling organisms negatively
Safe Disposal: Place in designated hazardous waste containers, avoid landfilling or sewer disposal
Destruction Method: Incineration under controlled conditions with emission scrubbing offers the safest reduction pathway
Recycling: Not typically recycled due to contamination and toxicity risks
Regulatory Guidance: Follow local hazardous waste management laws strictly; improper disposal leads to environmental damage and regulatory fines
Shipping Requirements: Classified as hazardous for land, sea, and air shipment
Packing Group: Often assigned to packing group III depending on concentration and hazard level
Labeling: Correct hazard class symbols required on all containers
Transport Precautions: Secure upright containers, prevent leakage, and avoid contact with incompatible loads
Global Listings: TCP appears on several chemical regulatory inventories including the US TSCA and EU REACH
Occupational Exposure Limits: NIOSH, OSHA, and ACGIH have workplace guidelines that place strict limits on exposure
Environmental Regulations: Several regions include TCP on lists restricting emissions to air and water due to ecological harm
Community Right-to-Know: Facilities using TCP in large quantities often face reporting rules to local authorities
Labeling Laws: Consumer products containing TCP require clear warnings in some countries
