Stewardship

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Fuel additive packages are typically mixtures of several Eye Contact discrete components, each contributing to the overall hazard of the package. The potential hazards of the fuel Although 2EHN is not classified as an eye irritant additive package will therefore vary according to the (according to US, Canadian or European criteria), direct nature and the concentration of the different chemistries contact with the human eye has been reported to produce present. The supplier MSDS/SDS should be consulted for transient discomfort as characterized by watering of the potential adverse effects associated with the specific eyes and redness. package. Potential adverse effects that can be attributable Skin Contact to 2EHN present in fuel additive packages are, however, described below. Since 2EHN is readily absorbed through the skin, skin contact with fuel additive packages containing 2EHN may 3.1 Emergency Overview cause vasodilatation (leading to reduced blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects to produce such 2EHN in fuel additive packages can cause vasodilatation symptoms as throbbing headache, confusion and possible following exposure by inhalation or skin contact. loss of consciousness). These effects are reversible Vasodilation leads to reduced blood pressure and other following removal from the source of exposure (e.g. by cardiovascular effects to produce such symptoms as washing the exposed area or removing contaminated throbbing headache, confusion and possible loss of clothing) and typically last for only a short period. consciousness. Fuel additive packages containing 2EHN The substance is not classified as a skin irritant (according may also present a possible aspiration hazard depending to US, Canadian or European criteria) but as with diesel on the physical characteristics of the package. fuel itself prolonged skin contact may produce temporary 2EHN is a self-reactive, energetic substance with a low discomfort. There is no evidence of skin sensitisation auto-ignition temperature. If fuel additive packages associated with this material. containing 15% or greater 2EHN are heated above 100ºC, 2EHN may undergo a self-accelerating, exothermic Inhalation decomposition that causes a rapid rise in temperature and Inhalation of 2EHN vapours may cause irritation of the pressure. Consequently, rupture of storage vessels, mucous membranes (nose, throat and lungs). In addition, containers and equipment should be anticipated when absorption of 2EHN through the respiratory tract can pressure is generated by this thermal decomposition. result in vasodilatation (reduced blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects to produce such symptoms as

Potential health effects

throbbing headache, confusion and possible loss of

Potential Acute Health Effects

consciousness). Ingestion All the above effects are reversible following removal from the source of exposure and typically last for only a short Ingestion of fuel additive packages is not expected to be a period.

Principle Routes of Exposure

to 2EHN. Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects (as classified

Potential chronic health

under US, Canadian or European criteria) the material may There are no reports of chronic systemic effects still be damaging to the health of individuals with pre- associated with long-term exposure to 2EHN. existing medical conditions, especially if the ingested material is aspirated into the lungs.

Environmental hazards

3.4 Energetic Properties 2EHN is immiscible with water and is not acutely toxic to 2EHN is an organic nitrate. It undergoes a self-sustaining aquatic life at the limit of its solubility. The material floats exothermic decomposition when it is heated above 100ºC. on water and may form a film on water surfaces causing The product begins to decompose, giving off heat and impaired oxygen transfer. 2EHN may emulsify with water. decomposition gases; the heat energy is absorbed by the product promoting further and more rapid decomposition. Once established the decomposition reaction may be uncontrollable. Based on thermal decomposition data generated by ATC members and based on published data it is considered that fuel additive packages containing 15% or greater 2EHN may have the same energetic properties as the pure substance.