GASOHOL
HAZARDTEXT ®
Information to help in the initial response for evaluating chemical incidents
 -IDENTIFICATION
SYNONYMS
Gasohol Ethyl Alcohol and Gasoline Gasoline and Ethyl Alcohol Blend of 10-15% (by weight)ethyl alcohol and unleaded gasoline
IDENTIFIERS
USES/FORMS/SOURCES
Gasohol is a clear, flammable, volatile liquid with a characteristic hydrocarbon odor (an alcoholic odor with ethanol). It is a complex mixture of petroleum hydrocarbons blended with up to 15% ethanol. Oxygenated Fuels are mixtures of unleaded gasoline and one or more oxygenated hydrocarbons, usually alcohols or ethers. The physical and chemical properties of gasohol and other oxygenated fuels are quite similar to unleaded gasoline. Since, the oxygenates provide octane enhancement, these fuels will in general contain less BTX (benzene, toluene, and xylene) than unleaded gasoline of the same octane rating. Oxygenates are also used in transportation fuels to control and minimize the amount of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from internal combustion engines. Oxygenated Fuels, may include unleaded gasoline mixed with one or more of the following: Ethanol Methanol Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) Ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE) Tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA)
-CLINICAL EFFECTS
GENERAL CLINICAL EFFECTS
- CNS depression, pneumonitis, pulmonary edema are possible after inhalation.
- Effects of short term exposure by inhalation include: irritation of the nose and throat, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, flushing of face, burning sensation in chest, slurred speech, mental confusion, symptoms resembling alcoholic intoxication, eventual coma, sometimes with convulsions. Very high levels can cause rapid loss of consciousness even after a brief period of exposure.
Acute ocular effects include moderate to severe eye irritation after contact. It is an irritant to mucous membranes and the conjunctiva of the eyes (redness and tearing). Contact with skin may cause adsorption in toxic amounts if large areas of skin are exposed. Ingestion produces only low to moderate oral toxicity depending on the composition. It is more toxic to children. Aspiration into lungs may occur with the consequence of severe or fatal lung damage.
- Effects of chronic exposure by inhalation may lead to headache, fatigue, disturbance of sleep and loss of memory. Deaths from repeated "sniffing" of gasoline (or gasohol) have been reported.
- POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 128 (ERG, 2004)
Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
-MEDICAL TREATMENT
LIFE SUPPORT
- Support respiratory and cardiovascular function.
SUMMARY
- FIRST AID - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 128 (ERG, 2004)
Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Wash skin with soap and water. In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin. Keep victim warm and quiet. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves.
-RANGE OF TOXICITY
MINIMUM LETHAL EXPOSURE
In children, death from accidental ingestion of as little as 10 to 20 grams of gasoline has been reported (Clayton & Clayton, 1981). In adults, ingestion of 20 to 50 grams may produce severe symptoms of poisoning (Clayton & Clayton, 1981).
MAXIMUM TOLERATED EXPOSURE
Exposure to 550 parts per million of gasoline in air for one hour produced no ill effects (Clayton & Clayton, 1981). Exposure to 900 parts per million (gasoline) for one hour produced CNS symptoms (Clayton & Clayton, 1981).
TOXICITY AND RISK ASSESSMENT VALUES
-STANDARDS AND LABELS
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
- DOT -- Table of Hazardous Materials and Special Provisions for UN/NA Number 1203 (49 CFR 172.101, 2005):
Hazardous materials descriptions and proper shipping name: Gasohol gasoline mixed with ethyl alcohol, with not more than 20 percent alcohol Symbol(s): D D: identifies proper shipping names which are appropriate for describing materials for domestic transportation but may be inappropriate for international transportation under the provisions of international regulations (e.g., IMO, ICAO). An alternate proper shipping name may be selected when either domestic or international transportation is involved.
Hazard class or Division: 3 Identification Number: NA1203 Packing Group: II Label(s) required (if not excepted): 3 Special Provisions: 144 144: If transported as a residue in an underground storage tank (UST), as defined in 40 CFR 180.12, that has been cleaned and purged or rendered inert according to the American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 1604 (IBR, see sxn. 171.7 of this subchapter), then the tank and this material are not subject to any other requirements of this subchapter. However, sediments remaining in the tank that meet the definition for a hazardous material are subject to the applicable regulations of this subchapter.
Packaging Authorizations (refer to 49 CFR 173.***): Exceptions: 150 Non-bulk packaging: 202 Bulk packaging: 242
Quantity Limitations: Vessel Stowage Requirements:
Hazardous materials descriptions and proper shipping name: Gasoline Symbol(s): Not Listed Hazard class or Division: 3 Identification Number: UN1203 Packing Group: II Label(s) required (if not excepted): 3 Special Provisions: 139, B33, B101, T8 139: Use of the "special arrangement" proper shipping names for international shipments must be made under an IAEA Certificate of Competent Authority issued by the Associate Administrator in accordance with the requirements in sxn. 173.471, sxn. 173.472, or sxn. 173.473 of this subchapter. Use of these proper shipping names for domestic shipments may be made only under a DOT exemption, as defined in, and in accordance with the requirements of subpart B of part 107 of this subchapter. B33: MC 300, MC 301, MC 302, MC 303, MC 305, MC 306, and DOT 406 cargo tanks equipped with a 1 psig normal vent used to transport gasoline must conform to Table I of this Special Provision. Based on the volatility class determined by using ASTM D 439 and the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) of the particular gasoline, the maximum lading pressure and maximum ambient temperature permitted during the loading of gasoline may not exceed that listed in Table I. Table I_Maximum Ambient Temperature_Gasoline: ASTM D439 volatility class A (RVP<=9.0 psia) = Maximum lading and ambient temperature (based on maximum lading pressure of 1 psig at top of cargo tank.) of 131 degrees F; ASTM D439 volatility class B (RVP<=10.0 psia) = Maximum lading and ambient temperature (based on maximum lading pressure of 1 psig at top of cargo tank.) of 124 degrees F; ASTM D439 volatility class C (RVP<=11.5 psia) = Maximum lading and ambient temperature (based on maximum lading pressure of 1 psig at top of cargo tank.) of 116 degrees F; ASTM D439 volatility class D (RVP<=13.5 psia) = Maximum lading and ambient temperature (based on maximum lading pressure of 1 psig at top of cargo tank.) of 107 degrees F; ASTM D439 volatility class E (RVP<=15.0 psia) = Maximum lading and ambient temperature (based on maximum lading pressure of 1 psig at top of cargo tank.) of 100 degrees F. B101: T8: Minimum test pressure (bar): 4; Minimum shell thickness (in mm-reference steel) (See sxn.178.274(d)): sxn.178.274(d)(2); Pressure-relief requirements (See sxn.178.275(g)): Normal; Bottom opening requirements (See sxn.178.275(d)): Prohibited.
Packaging Authorizations (refer to 49 CFR 173.***): Exceptions: 150 Non-bulk packaging: 202 Bulk packaging: 242
Quantity Limitations: Vessel Stowage Requirements:
- ICAO International Shipping Name for UN1203 (ICAO, 2002):
Proper Shipping Name: Gasoline UN Number: 1203 Proper Shipping Name: Motor spirit UN Number: 1203 Proper Shipping Name: Petrol UN Number: 1203
-PERSONAL PROTECTION
SUMMARY
- RECOMMENDED PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 128 (ERG, 2004)
- Wash away any material that may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water (AAR, 1987).
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
- Refer to "Recommendations for respirator selection" in the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards on TOMES Plus(R) for respirator information.
-PHYSICAL HAZARDS
FIRE HAZARD
POTENTIAL FIRE OR EXPLOSION HAZARDS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 128 (ERG, 2004) HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a "P" may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water. Substance may be transported hot. If molten aluminum is involved, refer to GUIDE 169.
Liquid is lighter than water and insoluble in water; a solid stream of water may spread fire (AAR, 1987). Runoff to sewer may create fire hazard. Flash point less than minus 40 degrees F. Vapor heavier than air and may travel to source of ignition and flash back. NFPA Hazard Identification Ratings for GASOLINE (NFPA, 1986) Health: 1 Flammability: 3 Reactivity: 0
- FIRE CONTROL/EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
FIRE PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 128 (ERG, 2004) CAUTION: All these products have a very low flash point: Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient. CAUTION: For mixtures containing a high percentage of an alcohol or polar solvent, alcohol-resistant foam may be more effective.
SMALL FIRE PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 128 (ERG, 2004) LARGE FIRE PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 128 (ERG, 2004) Water spray, fog or regular foam. Use water spray or fog; do not use straight streams. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk.
TANK OR CAR/TRAILER LOAD FIRE PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 128 (ERG, 2004) Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.
No special hazards of combustion products of gasoline (CHRIS , 1990), however, gasohol and/or oxygenated fuels may give off harmful vapors. Aldehydes and ethers may be formed by partial oxidation of oxygenated fuels (e.g. formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and dimethyl ether). Combustion products: carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, aromatics, oxides of nitrogen, lead and other trace elements, phenols, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (CESARS , 1990).
DUST/VAPOR HAZARD
- Very high levels can cause rapid loss of consciousness even after a brief period of exposure (CESARS , 1990)
REACTIVITY HAZARD
- Not reactive in normal environments, chemically stable (NFPA, 1986).
- Can react, explosively, with strong oxidizing materials, such as peroxides, nitric acid and perchlorates (CESARS , 1990).
- NFPA reactivity classification: 0 (normally stable) (NFPA, 1986)
EVACUATION PROCEDURES
Editor's Note: This material is not listed in the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances. LARGE SPILL - PUBLIC SAFETY EVACUATION DISTANCES - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 128 (ERG, 2004) FIRE - PUBLIC SAFETY EVACUATION DISTANCES - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 128 (ERG, 2004) If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
PUBLIC SAFETY MEASURES - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 128 (ERG, 2004) CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number: MEXICO: SETIQ: 01-800-00-214-00 in the Mexican Republic; For calls originating in Mexico City and the Metropolitan Area: 5559-1588; For calls originating elsewhere, call: 011-52-555-559-1588.
CENACOM: 01-800-00-413-00 in the Mexican Republic; For calls originating in Mexico City and the Metropolitan Area: 5550-1496, 5550-1552, 5550-1485, or 5550-4885; For calls originating elsewhere, call: 011-52-555-550-1496, or 011-52-555-550-1552; 011-52-555-550-1485, or 011-52-555-550-4885.
ARGENTINA: CIQUIME: 0-800-222-2933 in the Republic of Argentina; For calls originating elsewhere, call: +54-11-4613-1100.
BRAZIL: PRÓ-QUÍMICA: 0-800-118270 (Toll-free in Brazil); For calls originating elsewhere, call: +55-11-232-1144 (Collect calls are accepted).
COLUMBIA: CISPROQUIM: 01-800-091-6012 in Colombia; For calls originating in Bogotá, Colombia, call: 288-6012; For calls originating elsewhere, call: 011-57-1-288-6012.
CANADA: UNITED STATES:
For additional details see the section entitled "WHO TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE" under the ERG Instructions. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering.
CONTAINMENT/WASTE TREATMENT OPTIONS
SPILL OR LEAK PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 128 (ERG, 2004) ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. Use clean non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.
RECOMMENDED PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 128 (ERG, 2004)
-ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD MANAGEMENT
POLLUTION HAZARD
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution (CHRIS , 1990).
ABIOTIC DEGRADATION
- No information found at the time of this review.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICITY
- The following toxicity information is provided for GASOLINE.
- Aquatic Toxicity (OHM/TADS , 1990)
- Food Chain (OHM/TADS , 1990)
-PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
MOLECULAR WEIGHT
DESCRIPTION/PHYSICAL STATE
- This compound is a clear flammable liquid (AAR, 1990).
Gasoline has a characteristic hydrocarbon odor (AAR, 1990). Gasohol, blended with ethanol, has a odor more strongly like alcohol than gasoline (AAR, 1990).
- Gasoline is a mixture of as many as 200 different hydrocarbons between C4 and C11 (ACGIH, 1986).
- Gasohol and oxygenated fuels add between 8 and 16% of either alcohols or ethers to the hydrocarbon fuel (Kirk & Othmer, 1980).
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
- TEMPERATURE AND/OR PRESSURE NOT LISTED
DENSITY
- TEMPERATURE AND/OR PRESSURE NOT LISTED
BOILING POINT
- 38-204 degrees F (Kirk & Othmer, 1980; NFPA, 1986)
FLASH POINT
- -45 to -38 degrees C (NFPA, 1986)
AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE
- 280-456 degrees C (NFPA, 1986)
EXPLOSIVE LIMITS
SOLUBILITY
Freely soluble in absolute alcohol, ether, chloroform, and benzene (Budavari, 1989).
-REFERENCES
GENERAL BIBLIOGRAPHY- 49 CFR 172.101: Department of Transportation - Table of Hazardous Materials. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, DC. Final rules current as of Aug 11, 2005.
- AAR: Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation, Bureau of Explosives, Association of American Railroads, Washington, DC, 1987, pp 350.
- ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices, 5th ed, Am Conference of Govt Ind Hyg, Inc, Cincinnati, OH, 1986, pp 283.
- Budavari S: The Merck Index, 11th ed, Merck & Co, Inc, Rahway, NJ, 1989, pp 684.
- CESARS : Chemical Evaluation Search and Retrieval System, (CD-ROM Version). Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Hamilton, Ontario. 1990.
- CHRIS : CHRIS Hazardous Chemical Data. US Department of Transportation, US Coast Guard. Washington, DC (Internet Version). Edition expires 1990; provided by Truven Health Analytics Inc., Greenwood Village, CO.
- ERG: Emergency Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of a Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Incident, U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Special Programs Administration, Washington, DC, 2004.
- ICAO: Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, 2003-2004. International Civil Aviation Organization, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 2002.
- Kirk RE & Othmer DF: Gasoline and Other Motor Fuels, in Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, II, John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY, 1980, pp 652-670.
- NFPA: Fire Protection Guide on Hazardous Materials, 9th ed, National Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA, 1986, pp 325M-355.
- OHM/TADS : Oil and Hazardous Materials/Technical Assistance Data System. US Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC (Internet Version). Edition expires 1990; provided by Truven Health Analytics Inc., Greenwood Village, CO.
- RTECS : Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Cincinnati, OH (Internet Version). Edition expires 1990; provided by Truven Health Analytics Inc., Greenwood Village, CO.
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