NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

Naphthalene

CAS
91-20-3

C10H8

RTECS
QJ0525000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Naphthalin, Tar camphor, White tar
DOT ID & Guide
1334 / 133 (crude or refined)
2304 / 133 (molten)

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 10 ppm (50 mg/m3) ST 15 ppm (75 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL†: TWA 10 ppm (50 mg/m3)
IDLH
250 ppm See: 91203
Conversion
1 ppm = 5.24 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless to brown solid with an odor of mothballs. [Note: Shipped as a molten solid.]
MW: 128.2
BP: 424°F
MLT: 176°F
Sol: 0.003%
VP: 0.08 mmHg
IP: 8.12 eV

Sp.Gr: 1.15
Fl.P: 174°F
UEL: 5.9%
LEL: 0.9%

Combustible Solid, but will take some effort to ignite.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers, chromic anhydride
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1501; OSHA 35
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

First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Molten flush immediately/solid-liquid soap wash promptly
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 100 ppm:
(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 250 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode*
(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 = 25) Any powered air-purifying respirator with an organic vapor cartridge 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
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
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Irritation eyes; headache, confusion, excitement, malaise (vague feeling of discomfort); nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain; irritation bladder; profuse sweating; jaundice; hematuria (blood in the urine), renal shutdown; dermatitis, optical neuritis, corneal damage
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, blood, liver, kidneys, central nervous system
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0667   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0152