TETRAETHYL PYROPHOSPHATE

Tetraethyl pyrophosphate is an organic phosphate pesticide which acts as an inhibitor of cholinesterase, and as such it is highly toxic by all routes of exposure. It is a water-white to amber liquid, depending on purity. Tetraethyl pyrophosphate is soluble in water and is slowly decomposed by water. It is toxic by inhalation and by skin absorption. It may be found as a liquid or as a dry mixture where the liquid is absorbed onto a dry carrier.

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Hygroscopic. Dissolves in water, then is slowly hydrolyzed with formation of mono-, di-, and triethyl orthophosphates and phosphoric acid. Water solutions attack metal surfaces.

Extremely toxic fumes of unburned material and phosphoric acid are formed in fires. Incompatible with strong oxidizers. (EPA, 1998)

It is classified as super toxic. Probable oral lethal dose in humans is less than 5 mg/kg (a taste) for a 150 lb. person. A small drop in the eye may cause death. Small doses at frequent intervals are additive. Poisonings always develop at a rapid rate. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor. (EPA, 1998)

TETRAETHYL PYROPHOSPHATE reacts slowly with water to form HPO3; corrosive to aluminum; slowly corrosive to copper, brass, zinc and tin; incompatible with strong oxidizers (NTP, 1992). Organophosphates, such as TETRAETHYL PYROPHOSPHATE, are susceptible to formation of highly toxic and flammable phosphine gas in the presence of strong reducing agents such as hydrides. Partial oxidation by oxidizing agents may result in the release of toxic phosphorus oxides.

• Esters, Sulfate Esters, Phosphate Esters, Thiophosphate Esters, and Borate Esters
• Anhydrides

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
• Dirt/Earth

Excerpt from 152 [Substances - Toxic (Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: 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. (ERG, 2020)

Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.

Move container from fire area if you can do it without risk. Fight fire from maximum distance. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material. Extinguish with dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, fog, or foam. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from 152 [Substances - Toxic (Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for TEPP:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

Provide:
• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2023)

No information available.

Warning: Effects may be delayed up to 12 hours. Caution is advised.

Note: TEPP is a cholinesterase inhibitor.

Signs and Symptoms of TEPP Exposure: Acute exposure to TEPP may produce the following signs and symptoms: sweating, pinpoint pupils, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, profound weakness, muscle spasms, seizures, and coma. Mental confusion and psychosis may occur. Excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, and abdominal pain may also occur. The heart rate may decrease following oral exposure or increase following dermal exposure. Chest pain may be noted. Hypotension (low blood pressure) may be observed, although hypertension (high blood pressure) is not uncommon. Respiratory symptoms include dyspnea (shortness of breath), pulmonary edema, respiratory depression, and respiratory paralysis.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to TEPP may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to TEPP.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. RUSH to a health care facility!

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to TEPP.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas three times with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. RUSH to a health care facility!

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. Vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. If elapsed time since ingestion of TEPP is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step
4. Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age.Warning: Ingestion of TEPP may result in sudden onset of seizures or loss of consciousness. Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag reflex, and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, proceed to Step
4.The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal.
4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
6. RUSH to a health care facility! (EPA, 1998)

• BIS-O,O-DIETHYLPHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE
• BLADAN
• DIPHOSPHORIC ACID TETRAETHYL ESTER
• DIPHOSPHORIC ACID, TETRAETHYL ESTER
• ENT 18,771
• ETHYL PYROPHOSPHATE
• ETHYL PYROPHOSPHATE (ET4P2O7)
• ETHYL PYROPHOSPHATE, TETRA-
• ETHYL PYROPHOSPHATE[ET4P207]
• ETHYLPYROPHOSPHATE
• FOSVEX
• GRISOL
• HEPT
• HESAMITE
• HEXAMITE
• KILLAX
• KILLEX
• KILMITE 40
• LETHALAIRE G-52
• LIROHEX
• MORTOPAL
• NIFOS
• NIFOS T
• NIFOST
• NITOS
• PYRODUST
• PYROPHOSPHORIC ACID, TETRAETHYL ESTER
• T.E.P.
• T.E.P.P.
• TEP
• TEP (PHOSPHATE)
• TEPP
• TERRASYTAM
• TETRAETHYL DIPHOSPHATE
• TETRAETHYL PYROPHOSPHATE
• TETRAETHYLPYROPHOSPHATE
• TETRASTIGMINE
• TETRON
• TETRON (PESTICIDE)
• TETRON 100
• TETRON-100
• TETRON®
• VAPOTONE
• VAPTONE