Dibenzofuran

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Dibenzofuranis aheterocyclicorganic compoundwith the molecular formula C12H8O. It is anaromatic compoundthat has twobenzenerings fused to a central furanring. All the numberedcarbonatoms have ahydrogenatom bonded to each of them. It is a volatile white solid that is soluble in non-polar organic solvents. [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][1] Dibenzofuran is created from the production of coal tar. [2]

 

Uses [2]

 

Dibenzofuran is used as an insecticide and to make other chemicals.

 

Sources and Routes of Exposure

 

Sources of Exposure [3,4]

 

  • Dibenzofuran has been detected in emissions from combustion of coal, biomass, refuse, diesel fuel, and tobacco.
  • It is also found in leachates from commercial coal tar and is formed from the incomplete combustion of propane.
  • Dibenzofuran also is a photolytic product of environmental photolysis of chlorinated biphenyl ethers in surface waters by sunlight.
  • The primary stationary sources that have reported emissions of dibenzofuran in California are lumber and wood products manufacturers, and manufacture of fabricated metal ordnance and accessories.
  • It may be found in coke dust, grate ash, fly ash, and flame soot.

 

Routes of Exposure [3,4]

 

  • Occupational exposure may occur through inhalation and dermal contact, particularly at sites engaged in combustion/carbonisation processes, such as coal tar and coal gasification operations.
  • Dibenzofuran is released to the ambient air from combustion sources. The general public may be exposed to dibenzofuran through the inhalation of contaminated air or through the consumption of contaminated drinking water or food.
  • Since it has been found in tobacco smoke, you can be exposed if you smoke cigarettes or breathe cigarette smoke.

 

Health Effects [5]

 

Acute health Effects

 

  • Dibenzofuran causes skin irritation.
  • Exposure to dibenzofuran can irritate the eyes, nose and throat.

 

Chronic Health Effects

 

Repeated contact with Dibenzofuran can cause:

  • Skin growths;
  • Rashes (may be made worse by exposure to sunlight); and
  • Changes in skin colour.

 

Cancer Hazard

 

Dibenzofuran has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that there is not enough information available to classify dibenzofuran as a cancer causing substance.

 

Reproductive Hazard

 

Dibenzofuran has not been tested for its ability to affect reproduction.

 

Safety [6]

 

First Aid Measures

 

  • Inhalation: If breathed in, move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Consult a physician.
  • Skin Contact: Wash off with soap and plenty of water. Consult a physician.
  • Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water as a precaution.
  • Ingestion: Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.

 

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

 

Engineering Controls

 

  • Ensure there are appropriate engineering controls in place.
  • Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
  • Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.

 

Personal Protective Equipment

 

The following personal protective equipment is recommended when handling dibenzofuran:

 

Eye/face Protection:

  • Safety glasses with side-shields conforming to EN166 Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).

Skin Protection:

  • Handle with gloves.
  • Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
  • Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove’s outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
  • Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
  • Wash and dry hands.
  • The selected protective gloves have to satisfy the specifications of EU Directive 89/686/EEC and the standard EN 374 derived from it.
  • Full contact Material: Nitrile rubber

 

Body Protection:

  • Complete suit protecting against chemicals.
  • The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.

 

Respiratory Protection:

  • For nuisance exposures use type P95 (US) or type P1 (EU EN 143) particle respirator.
  • For higher level protection use type OV/AG/P99 (US) or type ABEK-P2 (EU EN 143) respirator cartridges.
  • Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).

 

Regulation

 

United States [5]

 

No occupational exposure limits have been established by dibenzofuran.

 

Australia

 

No occupational exposure limits have been established by dibenzofuran.

 

References

 

  1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dibenzofuran
  2. http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/wastemin/minimize/factshts/dibenzof.pdf
  3. http://scorecard.goodguide.com/chemical-profiles/html/dibenzofuran.html
  4. http://www.epa.gov/airtoxics/hlthef/di-furan.html
  5. http://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/2230.pdf
  6. http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/MSDS/MSDS/DisplayMSDSPage.do?country=AU&language=en&productNumber=236373&brand=ALDRICH&PageToGoToURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sigmaaldrich.com%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Faldrich%2F236373%3Flang%3Den

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