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Tetraethyl lead (as Pb)

Synonyms & Trade Names
Lead tetraethyl, TEL, Tetraethylplumbane
CAS No.
78-00-2
RTECS No.
DOT ID & Guide
1649 131
Formula
Pb(C₂H₅)₄
Conversion
IDLH
40 mg/m3 (as Pb)
See: 78002
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 0.075 mg/m3 [skin]
OSHA PEL
TWA 0.075 mg/m3 [skin]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 2533
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid (unless dyed red, orange, or blue) with a pleasant, sweet odor. [Note: Main usage is in anti-knock additives for gasoline.]
Molecular Weight
323.5
Boiling Point
228°F (Decomposes)
Freezing Point
-202°F
Solubility
0.00002%
Vapor Pressure
0.2 mmHg
Ionization Potential
11.10 eV
Specific Gravity
1.65
Flash Point
200°F
Upper Explosive Limit
?
Lower Explosive Limit
1.8%
Class IIIB Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 200°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, sulfuryl chloride, rust, potassium permanganate [Note: Decomposes slowly at room temperature and more rapidly at higher temperatures.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
insomnia, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), anxiety; tremor, hyper-reflexia, spasticity; bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, pallor, nausea, anorexia, weight loss; confusion, hallucinations, psychosis, mania, convulsions, coma; eye irritation
Target Organs
central nervous system, cardiovascular system, kidneys, eyes
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact (>0.1%)
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated (>0.1%)
Remove:When wet or contaminated (>0.1%)
Change:Daily
Provide:Quick drench (>0.1%)
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 0.75 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

Up to 1.875 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode

Up to 3.75 mg/m3:
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Up to 40 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
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0008   MEDICAL TESTS: 0224
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019