Coal Tar Pitch Solid

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview: A black solid with a slight aromatic odor, which intensifies into a tarry odor upon melting. Carcinogen. Toxic. Irritant. Sensitizer (skin). Signs and Symptoms of Coal tar pitch vapors and dust are irritating to the skin, eyes Potential Overexposure and respiratory tract. Direct skin contact with coal tar pitch dust and/or high vapor concentrations may cause burning and itching, changes in pigmentation, and skin eruptions. When accentuated by sunlight, skin exposure may result in a phototoxic skin reaction. Direct eye contact with the dust may cause inflammation, discomfort, conjunctivitis, and possible abrasion of the cornea. In general, acute oral toxicity is expected to be moderate, but ingestion is not likely to be a primary route of exposure. Symptoms of systemic poisoning after ingestion of other coal tar products include salivation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort, respiratory difficulties, dizziness, and headache, loss of pupillary reflex, cyanosis, hypothermia, and mild convulsions. It is assumed that ingestion of pitch would produce similar symptoms. Care should be taken to ensure that exposure limits for dust are not exceeded if pitch dust is present (OSHA PEL for particulates = 15 mg/m3 for total dust; 5 mg/m3 for respirable fraction).

Principle Routes of Exposure

skin contact, skin absorption, eye contact, inhalation, ingestion

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or central nervous functional illnesses may be at increased risk from overexposure. Exposure to vapors may aggravate pre-existing lung conditions. This is not likely to be a problem when appropriate procedures are used to minimize exposure.