NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

Parathion

CAS 56-38-2

(C2H5O)2P(S)OC6H4NO2

RTECS TF4550000
Synonyms & Trade Names
O,O-Diethyl-O(p-nitrophenyl) phosphorothioate; Diethyl parathion; Ethyl parathion; Parathion-ethyl 		DOT ID & Guide
2783 152

Exposure
Limits

 NIOSH REL: TWA 0.05 mg/m3 [skin]
OSHA PEL: TWA 0.1 mg/m3 [skin]
IDLH 10 mg/m3 See: 56382 Conversion
Physical Description
Pale-yellow to dark-brown liquid with a garlic-like odor. [Note: A solid below 43°F. Pesticide that may be absorbed on a dry carrier.]
MW: 291.3
 BP: 707°F
 FRZ: 43°F
 Sol: 0.001%
VP: 0.00004 mmHg
 IP: ?
Sp.Gr: 1.27
Fl.P(oc): 392°F
 UEL: ?
 LEL: ?
Class IIIB Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 200°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, alkaline materials
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 5600; OSHA 62
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation (See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet or contaminated
Change: Daily
Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid (See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Soap wash immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Important additional information about respirator selection
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH
Up to 0.5 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any air-purifying half-mask respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N95, R95, or P95 filter. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 1.25 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 25) Any powered air-purifying respirator with an organic vapor cartridge in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter.
Up to 2.5 mg/m3:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying full-facepiece respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 10 mg/m3:
(APF = 1000) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters./Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; miosis; rhinorrhea (discharge of thin mucus); headache; chest tightness, wheezing, laryngeal spasm, salivation, cyanosis; anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea; sweating; muscle fasciculation, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), paralysis; dizziness, confusion, ataxia; convulsions, coma; low blood pressure; cardiac irregularities
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, blood cholinesterase
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0006   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0174