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1599529 
Technical Report 
Phthalic Anhydride And Some Derivatives 
Norpoth, K 
1983 
NIOSH/00149228 
2 
1693-1694 
The occupational health and safety hazards associated with production and use of phthalic-anhydride (85449), phthalimide (85416), and o-phthalodinitrile (91156) are reviewed. The physical characteristics of the compounds and allowable exposure concentrations are presented. Their production and use are described. Phthalic-anhydride is one of the most important organic chemicals to be developed since the First World War. Sixty percent of production is used as a plasticizer in vinyl-chloride polymerization and 30 percent for production of saturated and unsaturated polyester resins. Phthalic-anhydride is flammable and constitutes a moderate fire hazard. Its toxicity is comparatively low in relation to other industrial acid anhydrides, but it acts as a skin, eye, and upper respiratory tract irritant. Allergic reactions to the compound are also described. Animal studies are cited which do not suggest any cumulative effect and indicate only slight absorption through the skin. The dominant toxic effect in this research is reported to be a pronounced convulsibility with histological changes in the central nervous system. Reports from Ames testing show no mutagenic effects nor do chromosome examinations of exposed workers reveal any significant deviations. However, intoxications of exposed workers have been reported and their symptoms are described. Safety and health measures include storage of these compounds in a cool, well ventilated place away from open flames and oxidizing substances with good local and general ventilation wherever they are handled. Medical supervision of workers handling these compounds is recommended. Protective clothing is also suggested. Treatment of poisoning is symptomatic. 
DCN-135870; Safety research; Industrial chemicals; Exposure limits; Physical properties; Polymers; Plastics; Biological effects; Neurotoxic effects; Histopathology; Animal studies; Biotransformation